Monday, June 11, 2012

Meme Mondays—Increase Your Blog’s Visibility through Memes


Today I want to introduce a new regular Monday post—Memes (rhymes with beams). Many of you may have seen the word or heard the term and wondered what all the fuss was about. Well wonder no more...
Memes are nothing more than linked posts. 
Here are the basics:
Topics—these are limited only by your imagination. If you’re running out of ideas and passion for your blog, go for a simple list. One of the best examples I’ve seen is Patty Wysong’s a to z for u and me. You can also use pictures, writing prompts, literally anything you wish.
Participants—no limits here. Anyone who wants can take part. All you have to do is click on the Linky gadget at the end of the post and add your link. Be sure you link to the EXACT post on your blog, not just your general blog address. 
Benefits—I mentioned that memes are a great way to increase visibility for your blog. The key to that is to visit some of the Links listed at the end of the post. You don’t have to spend hours doing this, just visit one or two of the other blogs and leave a comment. 


Directions to Incorporate a Meme into a Blogger or Wordpress post:

  • First you'll need to set up an account with a Link service. I used Linky for this one. It's free for the first month and $2 per month there after. I like the options this service provides, but there are others that are completely free.
  • Next, you'll need to write your blog post. I recommend you compose your post before you generate your Meme so you'll have an idea of what to name it and how you want to describe it. I always compose my post in just the regular text window (as opposed to the HTML window) because I don't like to compose code.
  • Now you'll need to go to Linky and generate your meme. I recommend you begin with just the basic link. After you've generated your link, copy the code and return to your blog compose window. 
  • BEFORE you past your link into your blog post change your view to the HTML window. This is VERY important. If you don't do this, your link will not work. After you're in HTML view paste the code at the end of your blog post.

My Meme
I’m designing this particular meme (remember it rhymes with beam) to help us get a head start on the week. My challenge is for everyone to post a picture that inspires them. Here's mine:



To me, this picture illustrates one of my passions. I want to 
give each of you the tools for your blog to rise above the rest.



Meme Details:
The Picture—it can be a picture about anything that inspires you. You can include a blog post about it, or simply post the picture.
The Schedule—I will post a Linky on my site shortly after midnight on Sunday. You’ll get the biggest benefit by linking early so check in first thing on Monday morning. Who knows you may even find some inspiration. I encourage you to participate on Monday, but life happens to all of us, so feel free to link when it works best for you. Just remember, the picture will change on Monday.

Now it's your turn!
Don't forget to join the conversation,
Blessings,
Edie



23 comments:

  1. Love this, Edie! I recently changed my Monday posting schedule to have a scripture photo that I create. I haven't been linking on Mondays because nothing really fits, but now I have a place!

    Thanks!
    ~Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Susan! As you know, this one's a stretch for me, too.

      Delete
  2. Okay, I tried. Twice! My photo was too large. I'll get help from Susan Stilwell on our mountain trip. You two are too smart for me! I think I need a little one-on-one tutoring.I do love that you encourage those of us scaredy cats out there to do new things!!

    I hoped to Meme the Book Giveaway on my blog! It's today only! www.kristibutler.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're smarter than you think! We'll get 'r done :)

      Delete
    2. Kristi, memes are great when you get the process down. Don't feel too overwhelmed, they aren't the easiest to master on the first try. Susan knows I've had to tweak this one quite a bit before I was happy with it. Blessings, E

      Delete
    3. It's okay Kristi. There are much more of us than those smart People.

      Delete
    4. Thanks Susan, Edie, and Bruce for the words of encouragement!!

      Delete
  3. It cut off alot of my photo, but I took this one at our recent church synod and loved the photo of the elderly priest blessing the little girl and the younger baby sister looking on. More pictures of Church Synod, Cowboy style in Casper, Wyoming @ www.writingstraight.com. Thanks Edie for doing this and for your post today. Very informative. I'm going to mention it in my blog or reblog. Holly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Holly, this is great! Thanks so much for joining in! Blessings, E

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Yay Yvonne! Thanks so much for taking part. Blessings, E

      Delete
  5. Thanks Edie. I don't quite understand memes yet, but I appreciate the link to Patty Wysong's site. I've also been a writing slump. Not sure if it's because God has sidelined me for some needed instruction or if I'm using that as an excuse, but I have been in an idea void, except for commenting on Bible verses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And the verses you post on FB are such blessings! There's no better place to be than in THE Word. Press on, my friend!

      Delete
  6. I had to put my link ups/memes on hold for a season. They are wonderful whether you host or just participate. :) This one is great. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Audra, thank you for chiming in and giving your endorsement to memes/link ups. I appreciate you stopping by! Blessings, E

      Delete
  7. Wow - it WORKED! That was easier than I thought it would be! Thanks Edie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Felicia you should know by now that if it's hard, I just don't bother. Life is way too short! Thanks and Blessings! E

      Delete
  8. I agree with Felicia - that wasn't nearly as difficult as it sounded. As I get the hang of this, I may start using it. I was just wondering this morning how I could link blog sites for Bible study writers & teachers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathi, I think linking sites for Bible study writers & teachers is a great idea. And you're right, memes are a good way to do that. Thanks for stopping by! Blessings, E

      Delete
    2. Kathi and Edie,

      Need to wrap my head around memes, but am very interested in linking with other Bible study writers.

      elaine

      Delete
  9. Edie,
    Do you know of a good free service to use for Memes?
    Glenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glenda, I've had some recommendations for Mr. Linky, but had trouble figuring it out. I chose to go with LInky (the $2 per month) because it's so easy.

      If anyone else knows of a good site, I'd love for you to share it with us!

      Blessings, E

      Delete
  10. This really nice ideas and thank you for sharing this.

    ReplyDelete