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.
3. You can also manage your Google Ads through a Brisbane agency to help with your advertising needs. They know the right strategies to help your business get the clicks and visibility it needs and assure you the highest marketing campaign quality in order to maximize your revenue with AdWords.
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.

What did you moms out there do today? We’d love to hear it! Share it here on Turn It Up Tuesday!

Welcome to the 34th week of Turn It Up Tuesday!
Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!

As you may know, Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Angie from God’s Growing Garden

In addition to being our fabulous guest host this month, Angie is also an amazing blogger. With over 40 years experience gardening, cooking, baking & canning, Angie can definitely be considered somewhat of an expert in her field. Her blog, God’s Growing Garden, focuses on helping her fellow ‘backyard farmers’ and features some great blog hops including The Great Blog Train and Wake Up Wednesday Link Party. Angie is also celebrating her 3rd blogiversary with a big giveaway…make sure to sign up!

Are you interested in having your blog or website featured in this spot? Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month! Click here! It’s only $5 for an entire month!
Use promo code: MAYFLOWERS all month for 50% off!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

Unfortunately, Angel has left us as a co-host due to her hectic schedule…and we can completely understand! We look forward to having her back…and soon! Love ya Angel!

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for May!

Interested in being a guest host or becoming a permanent co-host?

Complete the form here! Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting guest hosts for June and July.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Debbie chose Five things I would rather do than fold laundry from The Brown Girl with Long Hair. “I love this post because I can relate completely. It seems laundry is never ending and I want to run away and do anything but look at it or think about it.”

Angie chose Homestead Tips on Tuesday: Heed the Frost Date from The (mis)Adventures of a “Born Again” Farm Girl. “I have had to learn the hard way by not heeding the Frost Date & losing tender seedlings. If you are a gardener this date is essential for successful crops.”

Cindy chose The Day My Husband Was Drafted into the NFL from The Brown Girl with Long Hair. “I am a football fan and we have watched the draft for years. I found it interesting to read the story from someone who has been there. I can’t imagine the emotions and stress of having your career path being defined in such a way.”

Carolyn chose Jewelry Storage and Organization from Woods of Bell Trees. “I thought it was a really creative, lovely way to store your jewelry.”

Ranjani chose Cherry Lemonade Jello Popsicles from Organzier by Day. “I found this simple yet refreshing. It is definitely on my to-do list for this summer now.Cant wait to have a summer party with these cute lil popsicles.”

Jillian chose DIY Wood Photography Background from Sew Crafty Cat. “I chose this post because it is a brilliant idea for those of us who get involved in any sort of crafts that need pictures. Plus, it’s not something I’ve seen done before.”

Karen also chose DIY Wood Photography Background from Satisfaction through Christ. “I love this project, it’s so simple yet so effective as a background. I am in need of something like this, so it’s given me food for thought.”

April chose Self-fulfilling Prophecy from Blossom Family. “Being a parent, can often drive you crazy. Once the child starts behaving in a certain way, you start to attribute that trait to them (i.e., he often doesn’t listen, therefore he’s a “bad listener”). But you know what, Marwa tells us about how we can change how we see it and how it can change them too.”

Stacey chose Fruit Pudding Salad from Mommy on Demand. “This looks absolutely delicious! I am always looking for cool treats to combat the hot summer months. I will definitely be adding this to my recipe list! Thanks for sharing!”

Rachel chose The Little Moments – Transforming Ordinary Moments Into Unforgettable Memories from Satisfaction through Christ. “I love her perspective and how she takes a chore and changes it into a cherished moment. I enjoyed reading her story because it reminded me how much I treasure those little moments with my son.”

Katie chose DIY Map Art from Satisfaction through Christ. “I love the colors she used for the map and frame, and the stenciled burlap makes a great background! I also LOVE maps, and have yet to decorate with them (but that just might change soon, as Abby has my DIY mind going now). I think it would also be fun to paint your home state in an accent color, too! Great project!”

Rhonda chose My Child’s Education Is Not Your Fall Back Degree from British Mum USA. “A mother discusses her displeasure of our educational system, and the fact that is seen by many as a fall back career if they’re unsuccessful in their chosen occupation.”

Natasha chose Time Management for Bloggers Part 1-Writing from Mom Maven. “I have been working on managing my time better everyday. With all of the things that I’m juggling, time management is an important factor for me. Great post!”

The post with the most clicks is Free 20 Page Blog Planner Printable Pack from The Organized Dream.

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonfeature1_zps09bd5c75.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And the Best of the Best is…

Cherry Lemonade Jello Popsicles from Organzier by Day

Time Management for Bloggers Part 1-Writing from Mom Maven

As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!

Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy @ gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonbest_zps00692ef1.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Just one more thing…

Natasha at Epic Mommy Adventures has been nominated for voiceBoks Top Single Parent Blogs!!! She is in the top 50 right now, but would really appreciate your vote to help her be in the top 10!

Click here to vote for her! It would be greatly appreciated!

let’s get started!

• Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
• Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!
• Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitup1_zps05216d89.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!

Interested in reading all of the Featured Posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

The post Turn It Up Tuesday 34 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

As you may know, Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!

New Opportunity!

Are you interested in having your blog or website featured in this spot? Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month! Click here! It’s only $5 for an entire month!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for May!

Interested in being a guest host or becoming a permanent co-host?

Then complete the form here! Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting guest hosts for June and July.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Rhonda chose A Great Day, An Amazing Year – A Journey from Illness to Health and Happiness from Our Little House In the Country. “This post was my favorite this week because it demonstrated how our life can change in a split second. This blogger went from what seemed to be a healthy life, a career outside the home, 2 children and a husband into a fight for her life. As a result of an unforeseen illness, she was put into a position of working for entire year to regain her health. She has fight her way back and now has a new set of priorities. She is now working to stay healthy and enjoying a career as a stay at home mom. This post demonstrates perseverance and a new outlook on life.”

Cindy chose 9 Useful Graduation Gifts Under $25 from Earning & Save with Sarah Fuller. “I usually give gift cards for graduation but I am always afraid they will be spent on something frivolous instead of something that is really needed. In her post Sarah gives some great ideas that almost any graduate will need.”

April chose How to Set Up Advertising on Your Blog Using Pay Pal from Barbie Bieber & Beyond – Raising Girls. “A lot of bloggers are looking to advertise on their site and having an easy option is useful. Did you know you can use Paypal? If not, you should definitely check out this how to!”

This post also received the most clicks this week.

Carolyn chose 4 Things You Should Know About Living With a 3 year old from Just A Touch of Crazy. “I thought it was really insightful and honest.”

Angel chose Mother’s Day Curly Paper Hyacinths from Purple Hues and Me. “I love that these flowers were so easy to make and really lovely when completed. My girls and I can make these together.”

Juanita chose What I Made Yesterday is Wordless Wednesday from Oh My Heartsie Girl. “As a long time knitter, I am always in awe of how versatile crochet is. I have only recently begun to crochet, and these are so super cute. I want to give them a go.”

Rachel chose Blogging Drives Me Crazy from LadyBlogger. “I love how honest and real this post is!”

Lorna also chose this post. “I completely relate to this post!”

Jillian chose Blog Monetization from Snippets of Inspiration. “I chose this post because as a mom trying to monetize my blog as much as possible, so that I can eventually be a stay at home mom, this post gave me some great new places to look for that financial support.”

Stacey chose I Hate you and I don’t even Know you from Living in Mommywood. “When I was growing up, I heard many of the old judgments against others that didn’t sit well with me. I have tried as a mom to leave such things where they belong…in the past. I raise my kids to show care and respect to all people, no matter who they are. I also allow them to blossom in their own thoughts and wants by simply guiding them with honesty and love. Great post!”

Natasha chose A Rant About TV, and 15 Better Uses of Your Time from My Salt, His Light. “Love this post! I feel the exact same way – television has definitely changed in recent years, and not for the better, but for the worse. I look forward to seeing more positive programming in the years to come. Great post!”

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonfeature1_zps09bd5c75.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And the Best of the Best is…

A Great Day, An Amazing Year – A Journey from Illness to Health and Happiness from Our Little House In the Country

A Rant About TV, and 15 Better Uses of Your Time from My Salt, His Light

As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!

Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy @ gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonbest_zps00692ef1.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Just one more thing…

Epic Mommy Adventures is hosting a $500 summer giveaway called “So Happy It’s Summer Giveaway!”

Everyone has had a grueling winter, and it’s time to celebrate the coming of summer! We need some great bloggers to join the fun and to promote this awesome giveaway!

Find out more details about the giveaway here!

So now that you’ve seen the Featured and the Best of the Best, met our hosts and co-hosts, and heard more about a Big Summer Giveaway…

let’s get started!

• Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
• Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!
• Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitup1_zps05216d89.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!

Interested in reading all of the Featured Posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

The post Turn It Up Tuesday 33 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Welcome to the 32nd week of Turn It Up Tuesday!
Thanks so much to my fellow hosts and our April team and to all of you for making every week so successful!

And thanks so much to all of you for submitting such excellent posts last week! You gave us some hard decisions to make to decide on the Featured posts and Best of the Best!

As you may know, Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

As you can see, there are more ladies joining us this week – Carolyn from A Lavender Life, Rhonda from Mother 2 Mother, Karen from QuintonWench, Jillian from Baby Doodah, Cindy from The Mom Maven, and Shana from Organized Chaos.

And welcome our awesome guest hosts!

It has been so great working with these ladies in April! And that’s why some of them will be returning for another month. This will be the last week for Katie, Michele, Juanita, and Lorna, but Ann and Debbie will be returning for May. Help us to wish all of these ladies the best and hope to see them all again in the future!

Interested in co-hosting? If you are interested, please complete this form. Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting co-hosts for October & November.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Stacey chose Who is really paying attention? from Living in Mommywood. “While I have to agree that there are some amazing teachers out there, there are also some horrible ones. Unfortunately it really matters little how good the teacher is when the government, school boards, and educational system dumb down the quality of the education and the sad number of children who are not encouraged to care about an education because it is too easy to get what you need for free. All of these reasons are really what prompted us to start homeschooling the two youngest.”

Debbie chose Printable Social Media Checklist from Mom Maven. “I loved this post because keeping up and staying active with all the different social media areas is one of my hardest areas. The printable checklist is so concise and very doable for anyones busy schedule.”

Ann chose I Wished My Girl Was a Boy from Courtney Conover on Mamalode. “I really appreciate when a blogger shares their true selves. I read blogs to get to know how others feel, how they cope and Courtney shared with such honesty that I was drawn in and felt like a secret was shared. I look forward to reading more from Courtney.”

April chose Checklist: after you publish a post from Snippets of Inspiration. “Learning to be successful as a blogger can be hard. Everyone focuses on content, content and content. However, you can write the best content, and none of it will be worth it if no one sees it. Make sure it’s seen with this post!”

Rachel chose Closet/Laundry Room Makeover!!! from My Love 2 Create. “This is gorgeous! I love the stripes on floor and the nice touches throughout. Overall, she has a beautiful, functional, and quality space for her sister to enjoy!”

Angel chose Better Than Sex Cake from Marilyn’s Treats. “With this name what else can you say about this awesome cake.”

Juanita chose Holocaust Remembrance – Dachau from The Coconut Head’s Cancer Survival Guide. “We have just been commemorating ANZAC Day in New Zealand, and our soldiers who fought for our country. Remembering why these wars happen gives pause for thought.”

Natasha chose Why Silence Makes Me Scream from Surviving and Thriving in the Second Year of My Divorce. “Oh wow – what an experience Kat! But you hit the nail on the head; silence definitely drives us nutty. It is so simple to just reach out with a simple text saying something. Silence goes from worry and concern straight to anger over a period of time. I’m glad that you recognize the reason why this bugged you so much, and I’m glad that you were able to gain some closure with John. Wishing you the best!!!”

The post with the most clicks is Stumble Upon, What It Can Do For Your Blog from Barbie Bieber and Beyond – Raising Girls.

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonfeature1_zps09bd5c75.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And the Best of the Best is…

Printable Social Media Checklist from Mom Maven

Better Than Sex Cake from Marilyn’s Treats

As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!

Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy @ gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonbest_zps00692ef1.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Just one more thing…

Epic Mommy Adventures is hosting a $500 summer giveaway called “So Happy It’s Summer Giveaway!”

Everyone has had a grueling winter, and it’s time to celebrate the coming of summer! We need some great bloggers to join the fun and to promote this awesome giveaway!

Find out more details about the giveaway here!

So now that you’ve seen the Featured and the Best of the Best, met our hosts and co-hosts, and heard more about a Big Summer Giveaway…

let’s get started!

• Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
• Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!
• Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitup1_zps05216d89.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!

Interested in reading all of the Featured Posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays? Or want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Then, check out my Pinterest board! Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

The post Turn It Up Tuesday Link Party appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Lori made some awesome Buttery Garlic Herb Knots. If you are looking for a fancy lookin recipe this ones for you. It seems easy enough but is perfect for impressing family members for all those summer get togethers.

And your Co-host this week is Cindy from Mom Maven!

You can check her out at any of these links

Blog  | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Today she is sharing a post all about social media links with her Time Management for Bloggers series.

And for this weeks features we have some awesome stuff to choose from but decided to go with a bit of a random theme

1. First is Shanice, from City of Creative Dreams, sharing her Recycled Plastic Bag Decorative Pillows! And I know all of you have a stash of grocery bags that fall all over when you open the cabinet so start makin some pillows!

2. Next up is Elyse sharing her Etched Ceramic Mugs from her blog Artsyologist.

3. Mindi from My Love 2 Create is sharing a DIY tapered tray and Contact Paper Pots. Two projects in one, bonus!

4.Rachel, from Like A Saturday is sharing her super chic DIY Dessert Stand. I know you’ve always wanted one of these but never known it was so easy to make!

If you are one of our features PLEASE grab a button and share it on your blog!

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<a href="http://www.gracelangdon.blogspot.com" title="Kitchen Table Art"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L5eknem5XOc/UhbuocSnhWI/AAAAAAAAD5s/1AE84ATdRqQ/s128/MAKINGMONDAYFEATURE.jpg" alt="Kitchen Table Art" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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And don’t forget if you didn’t make it as a feature this week to check out the Pin board and to keep linking up, next week could be you!

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<a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" title="Kitchen Table Art" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kp9MFsu6sRU/UhI3fYjHNAI/AAAAAAAAD2w/wenummLiQnM/s125/making%2520monday%2520button.jpg" alt="Kitchen Table Art" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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The post Making Monday Link Party appeared first on The Mom Maven.