Hello Friends!
I want to thank Kelly from Live Laugh Rowe for inviting me to participate in her amazing series…
In the next week you are going to receive tips from different bloggers about how you can help your blog grow.
I’m honored to be a participant in this series since I feel there is so much I still have to learn,
however I love to party so I belive I can talk about this! 
I came from a family that had the chance to host tons of parties and dinners for acquaintances and friends.
I was taught from a young age about party etiquette.
I was taught how to sit, how to eat, how to drink, how to dress for different events,
how to thank and how and when to excuse myself.
By age 12 I think I was a pro and as much as I loved my stepfather I hated the time he took in teaching me table etiquette and manners.
{ He even taught me how to peel a shrimp with a knife and fork.
What the heck?! ;)}
Now I am grateful for the simple basic tips that he taught me.
Link Parties!
{ picture source }
We are so fortunate that so many of us have the opportunity not just to host parties every week
but to link up our projects to some other amazing blogs weekly.
We have the chance to not only share our work but the privilege to have it featured in other incredible successful blogs
and get great exposure by their followers and readers.
If you are a new blogger I hope you take full advantage of this opportunity.
I did! Everyday I took around 15 minutes to link up my projects and shared them over at some of my favorite blogs.
This gave me the chance to not only showcase my work with a greater audience but to introduce myself as a blogger.
I have to say that a huge part of the growth of my blog came from the exposure of being featured.
There are a few tips that I would love to share with you about link party etiquette
that hopefully helps you with the growth of your own blog.
1
Read and FOLLOW the rules.
If you were invited to a party I am sure you would take the time to read the invitation.
You would try to figure out what to wear, how to introduce yourself to others and
I am sure you would not leave without thanking the host of the party.
TIP:
Take the same steps when you enter a link party.
Each host has their own rules for their parties, PLEASE take the time to read them and
FOLLOW THEM.
These are NOT our parties, we are a guest and we should act as a kind and polite one.
Pay close attention to general rules such as:
GIVEAWAYS AND SHOP POLICIES
Button UP guidelines.
Number of projects to link.
Type of party.
Be a good girl and party nice!
2
Thank the host.
It is natural for people when they go to a party to thank the host.
I really doubt that any of us would go to a baby shower, birthday party or wedding
and leave without acknowledging the host giving her our most sincere thank you.
TIP
Do the same when you visit a link party.
Make sure somehow you thank the host.
There is a good chance you are not going to get a reply to your form of gratitude out loud
but trust me the host will notice your efforts and you won’t be a number to them but a guest with a name.
Here are some ways to say Thank YOU!
Leave a Comment
Here are some sweet comments from my last Sticker Time:
Samantha says:
Woohoo! This is my first sticker from 36th Avenue- I am going to display it proudly!!!
Thank you! Happy Valentines Day… love your blog!
Mel the Crafty Scientistsays:
Thank you so much for featuring me in this AWESOME, very LOVE-ly roundup!
So many great projects – I want to make (or eat!) them all! : )
-Mel the Crafty Scientist
Jaime says:
Thank you so much for featuring my rufflicious valentine in your beautiful roundup!!
Lizy b says:
You absolutely made my day!!
Can’t wait to visit the other featured ladies!
You get the point!
You don’t have to write a letter, just a few words go a long way.
Thank you ladies… You guys are the best!
♥
Button-UP!
Seems like a common theme of parties is to button up.
Please display the button of those parties you visit on your blog.
This is another way to say thank you.
Shout OUT!
I love to give shout outs when I’m featured.
I am so excited to see my work on someone elses blog and I think to share those blogs and parties
with my readers is another way to say thank you.
3
Don’t Cheat
I am sure you would never show up in an event passing yourself for somebody else.
{ picture via thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com }
I have to admit that it really bothers me when people share someone else’s work.
PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT.
Don’t try to promote your blog by someone else’s projects.
This is ALWAYS a bad idea that back fires.
If the project doesn’t BELONG TO YOU… my advice is DO NOT Link It Up!
After each project there are a SERIOUS amount of hours.
It is not just about the time however. It is the pictures, the editing , the shape, color, concept and idea behind a project that makes it YOU-nique and YOURS.
I personally do not even link up round-ups to any party. If I find any on my own party I don’t delete them but I don’t feature them either…
but again each party is different.
4
Interact.
Part of going to a social party is to visit and get to know new people.
Blogging is all about net working and building a community around you.
Take the time to visit other entries.
Introduce yourself to them and let them know what you love about their projects.
Final TIP
Party and have FUN!
There are so many parties out there that to follow all of these steps can feel overwhelming.
Link, up, thank the host, visit other blogs, and leave comments there too?
It can take a LOT of time!
My advice is to pick some favorite parties that suit the personality of your blog.
Then enjoy sharing, visiting and creating!
I hope these simple tips help.
I know I enjoy visiting your blogs every week when you come and party over
at my Show Me EXTRAORDINARY Link Party.
I look forward every Wednesday night when I get to see your new projects being linked up
and I hope you have as much fun as me sharing them.
Featuring your talent during Sticker Time is one of the highlights of blogging for me.
………………………………
Make sure you take a few minutes tomorrow to visit Amanda
over at her fabulous blog Oh Amanda.
She will be sharing about groups & tribes.
{Finding Support in the Blogosphere}
I can’t wait so see what she has to say!
Happy Monday!
Desirée
Wait ONE more thing!
GFC is going away soon…
Please stay in touch with me and follow here.
Thank Y♥U so MUCH!
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
71 Responses to Party Time Is Show Time!
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I am Desirée, the heart behind
The 36th Avenue.
I am a mamá X 4, a thrifty shopper,
a fabric lover,a paint brush best friend
and a never ending makeover believer.
Thank you for visiting with me today!
{ ...Read more HERE }
Holidays!
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Meet this month's EXTRAORDINARY Guests!
Stay in Touch!
Thank you so much for the great advise. I’ve been blogging since November and have so much to learn.
Great ideas! Have a fabulous week=)
thank you so much for all your tips, but especially the one about GFC. i had no idea that it was being phased out… just signed up for an alternative!
I’m coming to this series a little late. Thank you so much for the party tips. This is a whole new world to me and sometimes I do feel a little lost. I’m catching up fast and enjoying it so much. Party’s are the most fun! So much inspiration in one place.
Thank you for all the great advice! I, too, wonder where to find these parties..
I didn’t see you answering the most basic question about parties… how the heck to do you even find them??? I seem to randomly run across them at times, but they’re usually super specific about what you can link to them (I’m assuming you’re talking about link-ups when you say parties? You didn’t really give an example, so it’s hard for me to fully understand what you’re talking about. But I’m trying to track with you…)
Anyway, HOW do you find these parties? You say they’re integral to getting your blog noticed but don’t ever really say how to go about locating them. Is it always something you randomly stumble upon or am I missing something? Are they always in the same place? You mentioned you have a weekly party?? The one time I looked into hosting something with Linky, it said you could only have one before you had to pay — am I looking in the wrong spot or are you talking about something something different than a link-up?
So confused…
Thanks for the tips! Found you from 30 Handmade Days FB page.
Have a great weekend!
Kim http://www.plumberrypie.blogspot.com
Hi Kim and welcome to The 36th AVENUE!
Thanks for the great tips!! I’m enjoying reading through all of these great posts in this series, I think its so sweet for veteran bloggers to offer advise for newbies!
Thank you so much for writing this. As simple as it may seem, some of us (me included) don’t know the “rules” for linky parties. I needed this series to come out, thank you again and I hope to be having linky parties in the future. Have a great Wednesday!
Great Tip! Going to Pin this… also your newest linky follower would love for you to stop over and follow me back <3
B
Great thoughts! I love to look around link parties, but often get overwhelmed with all that I want to look at, and so many having parties, and the overlap. They are fun though!
Hi Desiree,
Thanks for all the great tips! I am new to blogging and a bit overwhelmed. I have been following Amanda @OhAmanda and thats how I found out about this series. Right now I am focusing on writing, but have a few ideas to link up to parties later. With your tips, I have a better idea what I am doing!
Mindy,
Good luck with your blog! Thank you for visiting!
Thanks so much for all the helpful tips. Being new to the blog world I am finding this so useful. Getting into blogging can be a little overwhelming at first!
Amy@homehappyhome
Thank you for the great tips! I just started reading the series & there’s SO much wonderful information.
Michelle @ Crazy for Crafts
Heyhey Desiree
.
I’ve been following your blog for a few days now, maybe a good week. I love your inspirational ideas and the design of the site. Thanks for the inspiration and entertainment
Take care, cheerio from Switzerland
Thank you for all of the great information! I’ve been looking forward to the start of this Blogging series this week! And I do hope to join one of your Wednesday Link Parties!!
Thanks! It’s a great tip to compare link parties like real parties!
It’s totally true about getting featured! I’m starting to get featured here and there, and its really helping my blog to grow.
~Kate, ACreativeCookie.blogspot.com
Hi Desiree,
Thank you so much for the tips! It’s so easy to always be worrying about promoting your own blog, that you forget to comment on others. I think it is great advice to mingle with other bloggers out there! Besides, you never know where you will find inspiration. Great tips, thanks again! P.S I am a new Linky Follower!
One thing that I need to do is curate a list of all the parties going on so that I can link up. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. I’ve done a link and run before, but I try to make an effort and comment. So glad I found your blog. I *may* have been here a few times via Pinterest. Will be back Wednesday to party
.
Thank You Sheena… see you on Wednesday!
Thanks for the great post. I don’t know WHY I wasn’t following you yet, I KEEP ending up here from Pinterest, facebook, and other blogs. It was meant to be
Heidi… welcome!
This was a really great post. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us!
Thanks so much for your helpful tips. Been working on a fairly new blog and certainly want to get it out there…all while learning about new things and getting some amazing great ideas too.
I recently started joining linky parties and I am so glad this was first on the party list!! <3
One thing I missed out of all your pointers is saying thanks. I usually hop in and say hi to everyone but the host. Good to know!
Excellent tips! I so appreciate when someone says, “Thanks for hosting!”. It’s fun to host–but I like it when people notice and say something!
Honored to be doing this series w/you!
a
Same here Amanda… I can’t wait to read your post tomorrow.
Thanks so much for the great tips about parties! It can often be confusing!
Thanks so much for the tips! I have surely faux pased more than once or twiced in this new blogging world! I really wish I could have seen this 8-9 months ago!!
Thanks for the tips and as usual your delivery was awesome!
Very well said. I was just going to send you an email asking what your blogging tips were for growing a blog. I came across Thiry Sixth Avenue when you had around 600 followers and have been reading ever since. Love you’re creativity and exuberance! You’ve skyrocketed. What are some of your tips for quick growth? I seem to have been muddling along at a slow pace. :~)
Thanks for posting this, I’m a new blogger and I want to make sure I’m playing by the rules so actually seeing the rules in writing definitely helps! Thanks again!
These are awesome tips! Thank you so much. I am so glad I found your blog now I can add you to my linky party list.
Mandy
I’ve been following via RSS for a while — I love your blog! I’m now following you through the Linky tool! Have a great day! Best.
You need an html code for your extraordinary party button so I can put it on my blog!
Hahaha! I know! Hopefully I have it by Wednesday… Have a super AWESOME day Jaime.
Hi – thanks for sharing these comments – it’s good to get a reminder now and again!
I can’t count the times this year I have to gone link up a project of mine – only to see a thumbnail already there!! This happens a lot when people are linking “compilation” style posts. I always take a look to see if they have at least credited me with the project (happy to say they mostly have!) but essentially they are still using my work to drive traffic to their blog.
I have learned to let it go as long as there is a proper credit or I would spend the whole time emailing people about it!
Just a little rant there!!!
Thanks again for sharing this! Lowri
Lowri,
I think a lot of people has this same problem… I do not feature roud-ups for that same reason.
Thank you for stopping by!
This post is fantastic Desiree! So well written. I’m going to share it on Facebook. And thanks for linking up to my Pity Party (and commenting
) when you do! xo
These are great tips – thank you for posting them. I was also raised to be polite. It’s both nice to see you give some guidelines but also kind of sad that people have to be reminded. I really enjoy reading your blog!!!
Thank You Mary!
Well said, and I think there is room for improvement as I party! Can you tell me is google connect going totally away? Or only for non google bloggers? Specifically I am wondering if I am still going to be able to follow all of the blogs I follow. Thanks!
Laura,
You won’t be able to follow non google bloggers like me and many others. My advice is to subscribe via RSS. It is super easy to follow everyone with it. Linky Follow is another great tool.
I hope this helps!
Love the post Desiree – I have been a follower for quite a while with Google but I am also now following with Linky Followers. Thanks Athena
Thank You Girl!
Great advice, thanks for sharing! I have a question about the “don’t cheat” part. I do “top 10 Tuesday” on my blog every week where I come up with a different category each week and post about my favorite 10 finds. I kind of feel like although I didn’t create each project I feature, I did create the post (which often takes longer for me to find all the goodies to share and put it together than actually making a project from scratch). Do you think it’s wrong to post those roundups on linky parties? For example, I recently did “Top 10 Things to Make Out of T-shirts” which was very popular. When people say “link only your own creations” I feel like the post is my creation but I’m not sure what they mean by that, is that wrong? Thanks so much!
Kate,
This is a GREAT and HARD question!
I peronally do not link up any work that is not done by me. However I’ve seen roundups being featured on other blogs.
Let me do this… I am going to post your question on my FB page and let see what other readers feel about it.
I wonder about this also. Thank you so much for your comment.
We’ll keep in touch!
Thanks! I have been wondering about that for a while.
Kate, I just updated my post with the answer to your question.
Thank you so much from bringing this concern up. I really appreciate your honesty… You are awesome.
These are my thoughts. I agree with you. I put roud-ups together quite often and they take a LOT of time. When it comes to link them up however I think it is not just about the time. It is the pictures, the editing , the shape, color, concept and idea behind a project that makes it YOU-nique and YOURS.
I personally do not link up round-ups to any party. If I find any on my own party I don’t delete them but I don’t feature them either… This is my personal opinion but as I said on my post each party and host is different.
Thank you again Kate… I hope this helps!
…♥
Thanks so much! I was never clear on that and didn’t want to be rude.
You are awesome Kate!
Have a great day sweetheart!
Great tips! Thank you. Looking forward to Wednesday party.
DITTO my friend. RIGHT ON THE MONEY! Great post. P.S. I am following you on linky tools, and even though I think its highly tacky…. TO ASK…. I would love for you to follow me back. You love me so I am sure its no prob. I asked. XO loves, jen
Sure thing!
Love you tons!
Hi Desiree!! Thanks for the tips!! I have linked up to a few parties, but being new to the blog world, I appercaite every tid bit of advice I can get!!! I’m excited to join all the creative women in the world and share my projects and get to know amazing women like you and I’m jumping in with both feet!!!
Thanks again!
Ursie @ uniquebyu.blogspot.com
You are welcome Ursie… Best luck with your blog and thank you for visiting with me today!
Thank you so much for the blogging tips! I know I am not the only new blogger who is extremely excited about these! I just check out Oh, Amanda and I love her blog as well. So full of useful information. Thanks for the help!
As always, I appreciate the blogging success advice
Desirée, Thank you so much for posting this. I am sure many bloggers are used to these rules for linky parties, but as a new blogger, I appreciate any help or tops on how to grow my blog. Every follower is like Christmas morning- I even call my hubby to tell him, “We have 29 now”, he is so good at supporting me.
Thank you again for your patience in posting this- I can tell it took you some time!
Love your blog, everyday you bring a smile to my face:)
~Jen @ hutchinsonherd.blogspot.com
You are welcome Jennifer. I also call my hubby to share any good news
Thank you for stopping by this morning and taking the time to comment.
Hello Desiree,
Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful tips about blogging. I love the idea of starting each day like it is my birthday, so uplifting and Fun! Happy Monday to you.
Smiles, Paula
Paula,
How are you my friend? It always makes me happy to read your comments. Have a great day my love!
Always looking for new tips as a new blogger. Thank you. On a separate note, thanks for having an easy to read font. I have been to blogs where the font color is pink or light teal and the font size is 12 pt. Makes it difficult to read – but your’s is not. Much appreciated!
Tam,
That is one of the reasons why I like to keep a white background. It is easy to the eye. Thank you for visiting with me today!
Thank you, Desiree! You’ve truly showed how to be successful with linky parties. I know I appreciate you hosting the party and I’ve {loved,loved, loved} being in the spotlight every now and again! Cheers, my love.
Kelly
http://www.livelaughrowe.com
You are welcome Kelly!
Enjoyed this article & looking forward to the entire series! Thank you for sharing! Blessings!
Thanks for the tips! I would link up one or two projects at a time and wonder why I wasn’t getting much feedback. My biggest problem is not having time to do the projects as often as many other bloggers… or forgetting to take photos! But summer is on its way, so hopefully I can knock out some projects and then share them around the blogosphere.
Megan,
PICTURES are a huge part of your post. Unfortunately some people don’t have the time to read everything. Pictures are the new language!
I am excited for summer too.
I have to admit that I’m guilty of linking and running, using ‘being busy’ as my excuse. Thanks for the tips…
Pam,
We all do sometimes… Too many things to do and too little time.
Have a great week!