How to Host a Linky Party

Set Up Your Linky

1. Choose your linky provider. I use LinkyTools and I have for several years. It costs me $24 a year and the customer service is wonderful!
2. If your linky is for people to share their posts make sure you choose a linky type that allows users to include a photo ie thumbnail.
3. Make sure the title entry is at least 50 characters long! Lately several linky hosts have been setting it at 20 and it is virtually impossible to get your post title done in that few characters.
4. Make sure the image size is at least 120px. Anything smaller makes it difficult for readers to see the images.
5. Make sure links open in a new window.
6. Please don’t use the scrolling window feature. I feel like this hides linky entries to casual blog viewers and isn’t fair to the entries below the scroll box.
7. Choose how you want to sort your links. Some people like “oldest first” to reward their loyal people who link up immediately when the linky is posted. Personally, I like “random” so that posts move around on the linky each time it is loaded as this seem more fair to all of the players.
8. Get the code to put in your party post.

Writing Your Party Post

1. Keep the title simple ie the name of the party and the date or edition number so the party post is easily recognizable on your blog.
2. Make sure the opening paragraph or two are different every week so that Google doesn’t see your parties as duplicate content and ding you for it.
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4. Add in information about your co-hosts, if you have any. make sure there is at least a link to their blog’s home page.
5. Display your Features, if you have any.
6. If you have a lot of features you may want to include a page break here, especially for those who read your posts via email.
7. Include your Rules and a Disclaimer that states you have the right to use the graphics in a feature post etc.
8. Add the linky itself.
9. Search engine optimisation optimize the post and schedule it for the appropriate day and time.

Co-hosts

1. Make sure co-hosts understand what is expected of them before they agree to co-host. When do you need their features? When will you send the post code? When does the post go live? How many posts do they need to comment on? How much social media amplification do you expect of them?
2. Get the code to your co-hosts 48 hours in advance of the time the post goes live.
3. Support you co-hosts by answering any email questions in a timely manner, and sharing about them on social media.

Once the Party is Live

1. Share the link across social media, several times a day for the duration of the party.
2. Visit party links and comment on their posts with meaningful comments, not just “thanks for linking up”.
3. DO NOT leave spammy comments on posts inviting people from other linkys to come link up with you.
4. Make sure your linky is in every linky directory you can find.

Linky parties can be a lot of fun and a lot of work. They can also bring you a lot of traffic. Please be considerate of your co-hosts and make things easy for the visitors who link up with you. If you have any questions please leave me a comment, I am here to help.

The post How to Host a Linky Party Part 2 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Things to Think About BEFORE You Host a Linky Party

Do You Have Time?

Hosting a linky party takes time. Hosting a linky party isn’t like writing a regular blog post. You need to write the post in advance, share the post code with your co-hosts (if you have any), choose your features etc. You also need to visit as many of the posts that are linked up as possible and comment on the posts.

When Will You Host It?

What day and time will your linky go live? Can you commit to this day and time every week? IMHO linkys should go live early in the morning, NOT the night before. I have never understood a linky with the word Monday in its name going live at 8pm on Sunday night, that just irritates me. <rant over>

Co-Hosts?

Having co-hosts can be a pro and a con. If you have co-hosts please get the linky code to them at least 48 hours in advance so that they can schedule their posts. Also co-hosts can each be assigned a specific number of entries to comment on so that mare posts get visited. Having too many co-hosts can be a hassle for you and if you require your readers to follow all of the co-hosts they may just leave your site if there are more than 4-5 people to follow.

Theme?

Good linkys have a theme. Is your linky just for recipes? giveaways? healthy living posts? DIY? Crafts? Your theme can be anything goes or only one type of post-just make it clear in the rules and delete entries that don’t belong.

Branding?

Your linky needs a catchy name and a blog badge. Whether a link back is required or suggested is up to you but PLEASE make it easy for your readers to add your linky badge to their linky page. Remember from last week that Google doesn’t like all the links to the linkys at the bottom of the post so help your readers by having a 125×125 or 250×250 badge-nothing larger. Then use a widget generator to create the code. Use your button in the linky each week and have it on a “buttons” page or in your sidebar so you readers can find it.

This week I want you to think about the points I have listed and decide if you are ready to host a linky party. Next Thursday, come back for part 2 and I’ll walk you through the “How-Tos”. Make sure you are subscribed to The Mom Maven so you don’t miss any posts. If you have any specific questions you want answered please leave me a comment. I’m here to help!

The post How to Host a Linky Party Part 1 appeared first on The Mom Maven.