A Blogger’s guide to Linkys

One topic that comes up a lot is ‘Linkys’; how to join in, what the benefits are, how you find out about them and when they are on.  You may or may not know that I have a sizeable document that features lots of linkys ( Join my mailing list & get my Linky List as your welcome gift!).  This list details most of the linkys I know about (or am told about!) and which day they go live.

So, I thought I would answer the other questions and share an overview of linkys.

Want to become more involved in the blogging community? Then you need a Blogger's Guide to Linky's

Let’s start at the beginning.

What’s a linky?

There are many different linkys and types of linky, but a linky is a prompt/theme that one blogger sets and writes a post about.  Then anyone wanting to join in would write a post on that theme and link their post on the bottom of the host’s post.

Some linkys have a specific theme, while other are more general.  There are all shapes and sizes of linkys; ones that just need a single picture, linkys for vlogs, linkys for movies, for giveaways and everything in between.

Join my mailing list & get my Linky List as your welcome gift!

What are the benefits of joining in?

    • Building relationships with other bloggers.
    • Potential new traffic.
    • More comments on your post.
    • Writing inspiration (some linkys provide a writing prompt).
    • Sense of community.
    • Supporting other bloggers and they will support you.

How do I join in?

Once you have written your post, which corresponds to the linkys theme.  Go to the host’s blog and find the relevant linky badge.  Copy the code under the badge and paste it in the html section of your post (where you want the badge to appear).  This will make the badge appear on your viewing screen.  Bloggers will love hosting their linky and the sense of community it gives them, however they do want the back link that using their badge will give them (for exposure rather than SEO value as the link will be nofollow). 

Please add badges (or a basic text link back to the host if you have an issue with the badge), otherwise the host is spending time commenting and potentially sharing your post and getting little in return. 

Then, when the post is all ready to go and the linky is live, pop over and link up.  Most bloggers will use Linkytools,  Inlinkz or Mister Linkys Magical Widgets for their linkys.  I prefer Inlinkz as all you have to do is pop in the post html code and it fills in the blanks for you.  Lazy?! 

Join my mailing list & get my Linky List as your welcome gift!

My view of linky etiquette; (this isn’t linky law, just my personal view)

  • Include the hosts badge or at least a link back to their blog.  This is their ‘reward’ for the effort they invest in the linky admin, as it does take a lot of time running a successful linky.
  • Comment on the host’s post.  Even if the host is linking up a post.  I think you should still comment on the main linky post as well, even if it’s just to say thanks for hosting.  It only takes a couple of seconds.
  • Make sure you comment on some other posts.  Read the rules to see what the minimum requirement for commenting is.  Always try to comment on as many other posts as you can, but we all have lives and so just do as many as you can over the minimum requirement.  I try to do the host plus five and more if I have time for most linkys.  For #MySundayPhoto as it is just images, I tend to do more as it is quicker.
  • Tweet your entry (the linky will pop this option up for you) as it helps spread the word for the hosts.  You could always just tag the host in this tweet.  Most hosts will then retweet it for you.

Can I run my own linky?

Of course you can!  You need to make sure you have the time to devote to the people joining in and it is important to set rules for your linky, so people know what to expect.  i.e  are you going to tweet out all the links or just retweet those that include you in their tweets?  The later is much easier.  Are you going to comment on all (you should or share it with a co host)?  Do you plan to pin them all to Pinterest?  Think about these things and set clear guidelines before you start.  Also make sure you have a good idea.  Try not to make the idea too specific, as it will reduce your pool of potential linkers.  If you do set up a linky, be sure to let me know so I can add you to the ‘ Join my mailing list & get my Linky List as your welcome gift!’!

What are Linky Carnivals and Blog Hops?

 

  • A Linky Carnival – The bloggers taking part all write a post on a specific theme.  They then send the links to these posts to the host, who complies them all in a feature.

  • A bloghop – Is a linky where all the participating blogs put the linky code on their posts.  So everyone involved will display the same thumbnails/links at the bottom of their posts.  This means people can ‘hop’ from blog to blog without going back to the host to find a new link.

Phew!  Well I think I have covered the questions I have been asked and that this information is useful to you.

Do you currently join in with linkys?  If not, will you jump in now?  Has this guide to linkys helped you?

No idea where to start with Linkys? What do you do? Where do you find them? A Blogger’s guide to Linkys

Comments 106

  1. Thank you! It does clear a few things up. If I had more time I would join in with so many more – they’re such a good idea x

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  2. Thank you for this post, clears a few things up for a newbie like me I have been loving the linkys so far,but I haven’t come across a carnival or bloghop yet, something to look forward to in the future! X

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  5. Quick question…. what’s the etiquette of linking up one post to several linkys? Is it anything goes? I have seen people link up with the title of one linky in the title of the post and then link it to several other linkys.

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      That is fine. Just make sure you include all the badges or links back to the hosting blog. The only things that sometimes isn’t allowed (depending on the linky) is linking up another linky (i.e your own that you run), reviews and Sponsored posts are sometimes not allowed. Just check the rules for each linky x

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  6. Thanks for this – it has cleared a couple of things up for me, great for those of us that sometimes aren’t really sure what’s going on!!!
    Xx

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  7. Thanks for this Aby! I don’t think there’s nearly enough content out there that covers the real basics of blogging, so this was really helpful. I totally would have just added a badge to my post and left it at that!

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  10. I have to say, I’ve yet to see a blog hop, that actually is a blog hop! 😉

    Great clarification post!
    #brilliantblogposts 😉

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  12. Thank you hun for a fab post. There’s so much to blogging and joining in with linkys. I wish I had read this when I started out as you have to learn the etiquette as you go! Id love to host my own linky if somebody would like to co host with me! Thanks hun, xx

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  13. Thanks so much for posting this. It’s really good to have a comprehensive etiquette post for the linkies and blog hops. I want to be a polite participant. I’m also excited because I’m putting together 2 different list posts to go in your list linky over the next couple days! Yay, this is so much fun!

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  14. Great post with everything you need to know about linkys and more! It can be a bit confusing when you’re starting out. #brilliantblogposts

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  15. Fab post, I run three linkies across my blogs and love them. I would say make up your own rules though, I know a lot of bloggers who don’t comment on every post, I do where I can (there are a few blogs with comments disabled etc) but there’s no defined rules there, some hosts choose a few to comment on, some US ones reach hundreds and thousands of link-up’s! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts

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  17. I love joining in with Linky’s I have gone on to follow some blogs from linky’s. I am off to check your list though to see what else I can join in with 🙂

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  18. Hello honey. Another fab and really informative post. I think your Blogging Club posts are brilliant. They always teach me a little more about this blogging malarkey. Thanks for linking up to #SundaysStars. Hugs Mrs H xxxx PS. can I ask you to please add the #SundaysStars badge to this post (when you have time) then we can receive the backlinks love. Ta muchly lovely. x

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  20. Bonjour from France. Thanks for posting this as I am starting a new linky this coming Tuesday (Nov 25th) and it’s nice to see that I think I have got things going in the right direction! The linky will be called “Animal Tales” so all posts related to animals from pets to wildlife, animals art/craft and animal debates are welcome. Hope it’s OK to add a link to the details here : http://eco-gites.blogspot.fr/p/the-animals-tale.html

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  23. Another fab post. I thought i’d check to see if there was anything missing in my understanding about linkys. I read Jax Blunt’s linky tutorial on mumsnet either just before I started my blog or a few days into it, and this really helped to know the difference between different types of linking parties. And I think #Thelist was the first, or definitely one of the first linkys I participated in; thanks for all the work you put into it.

    I’m planning a few posts about link parties, from the perspective of a participant.

    Thanks for your post, definitely a good reference guide for newbies and even oldies.

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      I think this is from a participants perspective as although I co host two linkies I join in with many each week. Glad you liked the post x

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      1. So sorry about my ‘participant’ comment; of course you wrote your post from a participant’s viewpoint. You participate in more linkies per week than i’ve probably done in my whole blogging journey so far!

        Thanks for the post and your reply. 🙂

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  26. Finally got round to reading this properly after favouriting it so many times on Twitter. You’re such a helpful blogger! Thank you for writing this post – I completely understand how much time and effort must go into these kinds of posts and I have often attempted informative posts and then given up! Keep up the fantastic work!

    Nicki x

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  27. Fab post, I have half stumbled on linkys and love them as a way to find new blogs. Same way as I found CommentLuv! REally helpful series, must subscribe!

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  28. Hello, being the absolute newby that I am and just kind of learning as I go along this is great advice thank you ! just a question I’ve got the linky thing sorted but I’m confused as to where do I paste the badge code on my post, where do I find the html section ? oh my word I must sound completely useless (hidesface) thank you for the help !

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      Are you in WordPress? There should be, just above the top right corner where you type, tabs – the first will show the text as you type and the second will show the code around the text as well. You need to be in the second, find the place you want the badge to be (just work down reading the text in between the code) and paste the badge code. Then save and in the original view you should see your badge. x

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  30. Thanks so much – so helpful for a complete newbie! Just about to join in your list with Hannah at Mumsdays – I couldn’t work out what to do with the badge, I hope I manage to do it properly now as this has been great!! Rachel x

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  31. Thanks!!! Think I’ve kinda got it now. Look out, you are becoming a bit of a ‘how to’ guide for me! xx

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  32. I stumbled across this post having found you through Steph\’s #StrategySaturday and I think it\’s such a comprehensive explanation of a linky that I\’ve linked it to the home page of my linky which I run once a month. I don\’t know if you have a list of monthly linkys in your list (I\’ll go and look) but if you do I\’d love it if you could add mine. It\’s called All About France and does exactly what it says…all posts about France, old or new, are welcome. It\’s on every 1st Thursday of the month. I’ll email you the details, thanks!

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  34. This was very helpful, thanks! I actually just asked about blog linky parties on twitter! I just found your blog and am looking forward to reading more. One thing I was wondering about, is it ok to share a link to the same post on more than one linky party? Thanks!

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      Of course, lots of people do it, just make sure you include all the badges or links back the relevant blogs x

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  35. Brilliant, thanks Aby! I’d love you to please add my #ParentingPicks linky to your list x It’s open Thurs-Sun for any Family/Pregnancy/Parenting posts Mim x

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  38. Brilliant post Aby, thank you. Linkys are something that I keep telling myself I will join in with and then I never do *sigh* I just don’t seems to get the time, and I don’t want to be that person that link drops and then the baby starts to wail and I forget to go back into it.

    I will get there though, you’ve inspired me!!

    H x

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      So glad it is helpful huni. I always open a seperate tab for the linky, and I don’t close it until I have commented a certain number of times. Helps keep me on track x

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  39. Really useful guide, thanks for posting it Aby. It took me ages to really get into linkies, but now I think they’re so great for finding new blogs

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  40. I try to do a few linkys a week and enjoy reading other’s posts. The bit I find tricky is sometimes finding them. I will know the site but finding the linky on the site can be tricky so I like them to be emailed to me as a reminder. Thanks x

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  41. Some clear and sound advice.
    I’ve thought many times of starting a linky, but with baby number two n the way I know I won’ be able to commit for a while (until baby settles and sleeps through the night)

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  42. I love this and wish I had seen it a few months ago when I started taking part in links. I love taking part as it really does enable me (a newbie) to be part of the blogging community and read some great posts. I love how it gives me inspiration too. #TheList

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  43. Blog hop sounds fun, but I’ve never seen one in action yet! Such a helpful post, thanks. I kept seeing linky hashtags on Twitter but was too scared to check them out, thinking it was something for established bloggers. So glad I did though, I’ve discovered so many great posts since I started linking up. This explains everything I’ve been wondering about.

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  45. Great guide Aby. Linkys are a great thing for new bloggers to get involved with but I know a lot can be nervous about joining in. I was lucky to get involved my first week of blogging. I had such a hard time figuring out how to add the badge the first time but was flying it after that! #TheList was one of my first linkys I joined! Visiting from #TheList x

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  46. Thanks Aby – I love linkys and wish I had read this a few months ago when I hadn’t got a clue what was going on! It is great to have it all clarified though :)#TheList

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  49. I love linkys! I’ve discovered so many new blogs through joining in and have really helped to increase my own traffic. I wish I had time to take part in more #TheList

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  50. Linkys have really helped keep me motivated to blog. I commend you for hosting your own – I can’t imagine the time it takes to organize and run! Thanks!

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  51. Helpful informtion. Don’t seem to see a lot of carnivals – only ever seen one person do one. Still too scared to try a linky myself! #thelist

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  53. LOVING Linky’s; veeerrryyy addictive and time consuming if I get sucked in… which I do…every time…love reading so many varied posts and looking at everyone’s pages and set-ups and photos…thanks for being such a fabulous host with clear instructions and a long time window to get #TheList in each week.

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  54. Very well said! Since I started blogging 5 months ago, I have been joining linkys everywhere and I love the fun that goes with it… Thanks for sharing and hosting this lovely linky! #TheList

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  55. Great summary Aby! I wish I had more time for joining in linkies but tend to stick to 3 or 4 now – including #TheList when I can of course!

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  56. Great guide Aby. Linkies have helped me connect with some great blogs that I might have otherwise not known about. I’d love to run one myself but can only imagine how much time it must take up. Unfortunately I don’t have the spare days right now #thelist

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  57. Great post on linkies…and will have to check out that document on all the linkies, so I can join more 🙂 #TheList

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  58. Ha ha linky law 😀 I rarely comment on the actual linky post, unless it is a post about the lint topic. I jut comment in the one that is linked by the host. Funny that how many different etiquette a people have – I always though I was very polite linker 😀 I guess not! 😀 but fab post nonetheless, telly valuable resource to new bloggers and other who dot really participate in linkies! And thanks for hosting!

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  61. I love your List linkup with Hannah, I have met so many cool people here and found great blogs, there are so many unique people and links here, I always have a great time. I do have a linkup, it’s a smaller one, but I’ve gotten to know my regulars and we talk outside the linkup too. Help each other on social media and have a group Pin board together. I didn’t know how much I would love having this link party, but I can’t imagine not having the friendships that have formed!

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  62. I did not realise the difference between a linky amd a bloghop, even though I have dipped my toes in the linky pond.
    I love the sense of community you get from linkys, especially the smaller ones(less than 100 links)
    #Thelist

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  66. Great post. I always try to join in at least 1 linky a week. They can be addictive yet helpful if you are struggling for a post

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  69. Thank you so much for your posts, they’ve been so helpful especially for a newcomer! Now time to take a look at some Linkys!

    Jay x

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  70. Thank you for this. I am going to attempt to join your group on lists. I am new at this so hopefully I do it right. This does clear things up.

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  71. Thanks so much for this very helpful article. I was looking at joining a linky the other day, but it was too intimidating so I decided to rather not. Now I feel that I understand enough to jump in and start linking up.

    Ps. Whoever the genius behind this is/was: Thanks!! This is such a great way to meet other like minded bloggers!

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  74. Thanks for this Aby! I don’t think there’s nearly enough content out there that covers the real basics of blogging, so this was really helpful!! I do have a linkup, it’s a smaller one, but I’ve gotten to know my regulars and we talk outside the linkup too. Help each other on social media and have a group Pin board together. I didn’t know how much I would love having this link party, but I can’t imagine not having the friendships that have formed!

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