I should have explained what a Blog Linky party is before I decided to have Eats & Treats Thursday. That’s me. Sometimes I get in a hurry and don’t think about explaining things. ….So for those who don’t know and haven’t ever participated, I’ll do my best to explain. BTW I don’t claim to be an expert in the Link up department. I have participated in Link parties and I am just in the middle of my first party called “Eats & Treats“.
Here’s what I know….
A Linky Party is a party where readers share a link from the party host site back to their blog post and visa versa. I’m doing a recipe food linky so people can share what’s cookin in their kitchen…soon maybe I’ll do a DIY linky where you can link up special projects you’ve done.
It helps to take photo’s of your food so readers can get a visual image of your special dish.
The thumbnail photo style I’m using allows you to see a small picture of the recipe from the individuals post…you can click on it and it takes you to the blog owner’s site so you can see their complete post.
If you are interested in doing a party on your blog there are a couple of places you can sign up and begin using the program. One is InLinkz and the other is Linky Tools.
I decided to use InLinkz simply because I can adjust the the thumbnail size photo of your creation. I like having a little larger photo than I normally see in Linky Tools. If you know pros and cons for either program please share them in the comment section below. There might be benefits to using linky tools that I don’t know about.
When I signed up to start “Eats & Treats” I realized that they also have a referal program. So that means if you click on the In Linkz link and sign up I make 65 cents 🙂 
I didn’t decide to do a Link up party for that reason, but I just want you to be aware of it. Well, you’ll see the info about it if you sign up… they’ll give you your own link codes for your blog. Maybe in the long run the referal change will add up to off set the cost of the program :)There is a small monthly fee for using the program if you want picture links. If you decide to share title links without photo’s there’s no charge.
Here’s how to add a link at a blog party:
Press the froggy button inside the red box that says “Add your link”
Next:
1) Add your blog URL or your flickr page (This is where you add the direct link to the blog post you are linking not just your webside address) To find your blog post direct link click on the title of your post that you are featuring and then copy and paste the address (url) located in your address bar. It will start with http://
2) add your name (this can be the name of the recipe or whatever you are featuring…it doesn’t mean your personal name)
3) add your email so the owner of the blog can communicate with you
4) press “Next step” to choose a picture from the blog/flickr page you entered in (1)
Select a picture from those on the page you entered!
Just click on the picture..
That’s all, the link is there with the thumbnail.
Great explanation!
thanks Amy!
Thank you, I’ve been wanting to set up a linky party and wasn’t sure where to start. I’ve become a fan of your blog…as I’m a thrifty chic with a lust for DIY projects and cuteness. Added to reader 🙂
Sunshine queen,
I’m so glad this info helped you and thank you for becoming a new friend!
This is the BEST explanation I have ever found of this! Thank you so much!
betterthanasitcom.blogspot.com
Thank you Leslie…I am so glad you found it helpful!
Question- When In Linkz asks for a meme name and repeat rate, what does that mean?
Hi Leslie,
I believe it means for example: If you are going to do a link up party on a regular basis you can add the name of the party. Mine was Eats and Treats.
The rate means how often you plan to do the link-up in a month….once a week/first week of the month etc. Then the next time you do your link up all the info is there and you don’t have to re-enter it. Click on the question mark next to Meme name, that will give you more info.
I’m judt learning my way through the process too 🙂
thanks for this post! I’ve been seeing lots of linkys while doing my regular blog-hopping and have been wondering how they work–or how to join them– until I read your post. 🙂
vivi…so glad it helped!
I’m in the middle of doing a linky party, and I’m finding there are things I didn’t know that I didn’t know! I’ve looked for the answers on InLinkz, but haven’t found them. I’ve had two people link up on my blog, but when I go to their blogs, neither has any kind of link back to me. Do they have to do that themselves (meaning I need to say that in my post)? As it stands now, they say “I’m participating in this linky party” but their readers don’t see the party or me. Can you help?
Hi Sharon,
Yes, they need to add a link to you. It is good to write that in your info. I’ve even seen some linky party hosts say if there isn’t a link back… they will delete that persons link/image.
You can create a button that links back to you if they add it. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the explanation! I’m new at blogging and just started my own DIY mish-mash blog. Eventually, I’d love to host link parties but had no idea where to start!
Thank you for your comment Becca….. I am so glad it helped you!!
Have a fun time with your new blogging adventure! xo
Hi there,
I’m new to blogging and have linked as described above to a few link parties. What I can’t seem to do though is link back to their party on my post. They have a button and code but what do I do with that? I’ve tried copying & pasting each of them (separately) but it just gives either the picture or the code but doesn’t make a clickable/linked button to take readers to the host’s party. Can you help me out please? Thank you!
You need to add the code to the html portion of your blog post.
I’ll try to add a screen shot and info showing you how to do it.
The other way is to add the party places name and add a link to the name.
by highlighting it and putting the url address of the party page in the link box.
Hi, thank you so much for this post.. I have been confused about the linky lists and linky parties for a while now. I’m so happy I found your post. Not only do I know what it is and how it works.. I know how to set up my own if I wanted… Thank you!!
Hi Jamie! I’m so glad the post helped you!! Best wishes on your linky parties!!
This is a great post explaining what a Linky Party is and how to go about it. I was really surprised that there isn’t yet a wikipedia article on this! 😀 Thanks for the great information!
Nithya, Thank you for your sweet comment!! I’m so glad it helped you! …..What! No wikipedia article?? ha! 🙂
Thanks, I have heard of Linky Parties before but this is the first time I investigated further. Seems like a popular concept, now I will consider holding one myself. Not sure exactly where to start but I think my best best would be to begin with the 2 resources you have suggested.. 🙂