Recently I found out a new way for bloggers to connect with other like-minded bloggers while simultaneously marketing their own blog posts. Isn’t that fantastic? They are called link parties (or linkups)…..
And its a party where I don’t have to get all dolled up and wear makeup – Hooray!
Link parties are a great way to connect with other bloggers PLUS get eyes on your blog! Meet other folks with similar goals AND grow your audience? It’s a win win!
What is a Link Party?
First of all, good question. A link party (or commonly called linky or linkup) is a post another blogger (or group of bloggers) creates that encourages other bloggers to link up their latest and greatest blog posts. Usually this is done using a tool (commonly InLinkz) where you submit your link and a chosen thumbnail.
The party grows as more and more bloggers post their bog posts and thumbnails. You will see organized rows of thumbnails with post titles submitted by other bloggers.
When Do You Join a Link Party?
Parties are open for just a set amount of time. Most parties are open for a week, but some last for a whole month. Most link parties have a set day and time that they open and close. For example, Creative Muster link party starts at 6pm EST every Tuesdays.
Usually, the best time to join the party is right at the beginning. Early birds will definitely get the worm, late comers will only get the crumbs. Why? The sooner you post your link and thumbnail, the more eyes you will get on your work.
What are the Benefits of a Link Party?
There are several reasons to follow and join link parties.
1. Be Seen
Link parties are the perfect opportunity to be seen by your peers. This free visibility can drive traffic to your blog and potentially bring more followers.
2. Be Inspired
In addition, it’s the chance to see what your peers are doing. What are they inspired by? What are their projects? Check out what’s the latest and greatest out there. Perhaps you will be inspired as well….
3. Be Featured
Once the party is over, most link party hosts select their favorite post and feature it the following link party. And that means YOU get a backlink. And we all know that Google loves those backlinks to grow your authority and get higher up on Google search results!
It takes awhile to get those backlinks, but when you get them, they are gold! Here’s the link parties (and news outlets!) where I’ve been featured.
Link Party Etiquette
As with all parties, there is some etiquette you should know. And if you don’t follow the rules, you could get kicked to the curb holding your casserole dish.
1. Original Posts
First, you must link up an original blog post. No sale listings, Etsy or ebay pages, etc. These parties are meant for exchange of creative information, not meant to drive sales.
2. Visit Other Blogs
Don’t drop a link an run. Scan through the thumbnails and pick out 2-3 blog posts that catch your eye. Read through the post and leave some love (aka comments) for your fellow bloggers. And in your comment, be sure to note that you saw them at such-and-such link party. Perhaps they will find your link, jump over to your blog and show you some love with comments.
3. Thank the Hosts
In addition to commenting on your peers blog posts, also comment on the link party page itself. Let the hosts of the party know that you appreciate their time and effort.
DIY and Home Link Parties
If you are a DIY and home blogger like myself, then read on!!! I recommend you check out the below list of where I party. Originally I kept this list private to help me start organized for the various parties. But then I realized that I should publish it to help you as well!
Please don’t tell my kids their mom is partying too much! ?
Note: This page is updated as of Fall 2022 (originally posted in 2019). For those link parties that I could no longer easily find, I’ve marked with an “*”. If you find an errors or updates, please let me know and I’ll be happy to update!
Sunday DIY Link Parties
- Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda
- Sundays at Silverado at The House on Silverado
Monday DIY Link Parties
- All About Home at Common Ground and Follow The Yellow Brick Home
- Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy
- Everything Goes at My Random Musings
- *Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
- *A to Z Tutorials & Tips at Home Stories A to Z
- *Little Cottage Link Party at Love My Little Cottage
Tuesday DIY Link Parties
- Creative Muster at Fluster Buster
- The Happy Now Blog Link-up at JENerally Informed
- Tuesday Turn Around at My Wee Abode
- Tuesdays at Our Home Away from Home
- Making a Home: Homemaking at Linda’s Lunacy
- Beautifully Make at Across the Boulevard
- *Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life
- *Party in Your PJs at Grandma Ideas
- *Farm Fresh Tuesdays at Little Frugal Homestead
Wednesday DIY Link Parties
- Grandma’s House We Go at Grandma’s House DIY
- Waste Not Wednesday at Raggedy Bits
- Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home
- Wonderful Wednesday at Ducks in a Row
- Weekly Link Party at Oh My Heartsie Girl
- *Your Whims Wednesday at My Girlish Whims
Thursday DIY Link Parties
- Grace at Home at Imparting Grace
- Home Matters at Southern Sunflowers
- Simple Homestead Blog Hop at Oak Hill Homestead
- Blogger’s Pit Stop at Kathleen A Herne
- Artsy-Fartsy Party at Artsy Fartsy Mama
- *Home and Garden Thursdays at A Delightsome Life
- *Pin Junkie Pin Party at The Pin Junkie
Friday DIY Link Parties
- A Morning Cup of Joe at The Cottage Market
- Friendship Friday at Create with Joy
- Funtastic Fridays with Building Our Hive
- Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
- *Friday Favorites at Condo Blues
- *Handmade & Otherwise at Petals, Pies and Otherwise
Saturday DIY Link Parties
- Dare to Share at Pam’s Party & Practical Tips
- Saturday Sparks at Pieced Pastimes
- Happiness is Homemade at Decor Craft Design
- *Snickerdoodle Create, Bake, Make Link Party at Sew Crafty Crochet
Monthly DIY Link Parties
While most link parties occur on a weekly basis, some rotate on lesser monthly basis. Here’s a few of the link parties that start at the beginning of the month and party all 30-some days….
- Grammy’s Grid
- The Thrifty Home’s Penny Pinching Party
- You’re the Star at Decor Craft Design
- *Helping Hunnies (https://helpinghunny.ca/)
Want to be the first to know about new posts? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter of even Etsy! Or better yet… Subscribe below!
My monthly (admittedly sometimes more, sometimes less….) emails are like receiving a unexpected letter from an old friend WITHOUT needing to put on your slippers and walk out to your mailbox…. See? I got ya, my friend!)
[Note: My posts are proudly connected to these amazing link parties full of DIY ideas and inspiration!]