From Traffic to Community – The new role of the Blog Link Party.

I think I was introduced to the link party environment around 2015. I impulsively started a blog in 2013 after leaving a toxic work situation, and I thought it would be easy to transition into a new career as a blogger.

Link Parties, also called Blog Hops and Link-ups, were soaring in popularity at the time as a primary traffic-driving strategy. 

Imagine me at this moment shaking my head at the memory of how little I knew about blogging, even two years into the process.  Do any of us ever really know everything there is to know about blogging?  I thought that sharing my blog posts with these fabulous things called link parties would skyrocket my blog into internet fame, and the money would follow.

This post contains affiliate links that help to support this blog at no additional cost to you.

Can anyone else admit to sharing this same mindset?

In late 2017, I emailed Lorelai, the creator of the Home Matters Linky Party, and asked to be a temporary host. At that time, the party had over 500 posts linked up weekly.  I figured that if sharing posts was a positive thing, then cohosting was even better.

Being a cohost required following strict posting guidelines and commenting on a strategically assigned numbered list of posts.  I was so inexperienced, but I stuck with it and enjoyed visiting and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  

One by one, the other long-time hosts, including Lorelai, dropped out of the party to pursue other interests or devote all their energy to their blogs.  Out of the blue, she asked me to take over the weekly link party, so in late 2019, I found myself in control of the style, the guidelines, and directing the cohosts each week.

As the new owner, I prioritized streamlining the weekly blog format, allowing each cohost to embrace their own style for the weekly post. I threw out the assigned list. My goal was to create a more relaxed and enjoyable community. Things worked out well in the beginning. Eventually, the few cohosts that stuck around dwindled to just two, then one, but we created new graphics together and had fun each week.

2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic brought about many changes in our lives and the blogging world. I spent most of that year as a solo host and watched the weekly numbers drop drastically. Then came platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, as well as Google’s algorithm changes, which significantly impacted the traffic-building ability of link parties. As the blogging environment changed, so did the momentum behind link parties.

Do I quit or stay?

I thought about quitting and shutting it down many times, just like so many other parties were already doing. Blog hops and link parties started as great ways to boost traffic, but they are no longer considered valuable, as video platforms have taken over the internet.

But do you want to know why I didn’t shut down the Home Matters Weekly Party?

I was afraid I would stop blogging altogether if I didn’t have that weekly commitment to have a post go live for others to link up. It held me accountable for following through on a dream, no matter how long it took to reach it. And I never wanted to disappoint those dedicated bloggers who did show up every week and continue to do so.

The power of community.

As the years have passed and the lure of increased traffic is no longer a reason to continue hosting a link party, I have found a sense of community with other bloggers who still want to share their posts.

This community of creative bloggers has also become like true friends who meet weekly to share their projects, recipes, latest successes, and a small glimpse into their daily lives. Today, link parties are like the virtual version of bumping into your friends at a coffee shop. You quickly scan the shared posts to see what your favorite baker, home décor blogger, and fashion stylist are up to this week, and you get excited about any new additions to the party.

They create a space where bloggers can connect face-to-screen, sharing more than their latest post links. It’s a chance to engage in small talk and build relationships founded on mutual support and understanding.  It is no longer just about numbers and clicks but about honest conversations and genuine support.

Another reason to join link parties.

When you pop into a link party, you might discover a blogger whose voice resonates with you or a dear friend who cheers you on during those brutal content slumps. This unity of mind connection feels refreshing in the often lonely world of blogging. It reminds you that behind every blog post is a person, not just traffic statistics.

These connections often lead to true fellowship that lasts longer than just one blogging season. Unlike chasing traffic spikes, these relationships build a steady foundation—you don’t just gain a visitor once, but possibly a reader or collaborator for the long haul. The vibe is less “click and run” and more “let’s chat and share ideas.”

When life and the blogging road got bumpy, this link party kept me showing up each week.

2023 and 2024 were two very tough years for my family. I will share that story one day, but not yet.

Keeping this small link party going gave me a weekly goal that needed my attention. Sometimes, it was the only reason I was still blogging during those dark, anxious days.

Each week, as we all bring our uniquely different gifts and talents to the table, the importance of community is nurtured and shared, even when we are unaware of it.  But it is still there.  We experience it when we are inspired to try someone’s recipe, get excited over a finished DIY project, and especially when we buy craft supplies to make something another blogger shared the how-to for.

Because of these reasons, I will continue to host the weekly Home Matters Linky Party for a little while longer.

Hugs,

More posts to visit and enjoy:

Home Matters Linky Party #381

Home Matters Linky Party #499

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.