I am so thrilled that you are here to get social with our bloggy friends from all around the world and link up your social media details.
Thank you for being here!
Thank you for being here!
The reason why I decided to host this link up is because of the post I did a few weeks ago about the impact on social media on our lives. One statistic showed that in 2012 there are approximately 4.2 million Mummy Bloggers! That statistic alone got me thinking about how "Mom Bloggers' find the time to raise families, work in other paid employment and network and promote their blogs! After researching it I realised that blogging alone isn't enough to keep the lines of communication open with our blogging friends. We don't always have time to leave comments on each other's blog posts but it's so easy to let someone know that you are thinking of them by pinning one of their ideas, liking their latest picture on Instagram, hitting +1 on a great post they did, tweeting a link to their linky party, adding a link to a recipe that a bloggy friend posted on your own Facebook page or reblogging a pretty picture on Tumblr. I've discovered that there are so many easy ways to not only read each others blogs in a quick and effective way and to also stay connected with our online friends.
So, today I am sharing the various ways that I read all the blogs that I follow and the different ways that you can follow me, Natasha in Oz!
The first social media platform I use is obviously the Google product Blogger. Google is the starting point for many bloggers. Some eventually move to other sites like Wordpress so they can have more independence and ownership of their blogs but I'm too familiar with blogger to give up on it just yet!
There is another important reason why I'm sticking with Google and that is because of Google +, something that many people don't really "get", including myself! Having said that though, I don't really "get" Facebook either so I guess I am a bit slow! If you would like to read more about using Google + this is an easy read and I really think you should read it!
There is one really big thing that I do understand about Google+ though, and that is that it is a Google product so it helps with the Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) for my blog.
The two main benefits of using Google+ is the seamless integration of other Google products and SEO optimisation. The other benefit is that Google is really, and I mean REALLY pushing Google+. Google has linked all of its existing online services from Google Docs to Video (YouTube) and with so many people already using Google's free services like Gmail, Google Reader and Google Search it makes sense to stick with something used by millions of people!
Now, the secret to success with Google + is first adding friends to your circles and then, importantly, making sure you click the magic +1 button as a way of promoting blogs and ideas with the people who are in your circles.
Search engine marketing firm, Tasty Placement, conducted a study to determine just how much of an effect Google+ and the +1 button promotion has on search ranking.
Search engine marketing firm, Tasty Placement, conducted a study to determine just how much of an effect Google+ and the +1 button promotion has on search ranking.
Here are their findings:
Infographic authored by TastyPlacement, an
Austin SEO company, To view the original post, see the original
Social Media Infographic.
In a nutshell, clicking that little +1 button at the bottom of each of your posts does so much to help your search ranking because Google actually indexes Google+ posts and profiles and not the profiles of its competitors like Facebook and Twitter.
So next time you visit me (and when you visit all of your bloggy friends) why not click that +1 button! I know that I will be forever grateful if you do that for me!
Now, let's talk about ways to read your favourite blogs!
Do you use Feedly?
“ Feedly is a news reader for creative minds, a simple and elegant way to read and share the content of your favorite sites” (Via Feedly!)
Here is how my Feedly page looks when I'm ready to read your wonderful blogs!

I like Feedly because it looks like an online magazine, you can personalize and customize the way you read blogs and it imports your subscriptions from Google Reader...see, another Google product! All you need to do is add the feedly button to your toolbar (I added mine via Google Chrome and it was so easy!) and then, et voila, it has added all the blogs you follow to your page! It is fully integrated with Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus and you can even use it on your mobile phone!
I have also been using BlogLovin for a while now and I also recommend it as a reader.It's easy to use, allows you the freedom to categorize the blogs you read and you can follow any blog, from anywhere on the internet, whether it be Blogger, Wordpress, or a self hosted site.
For those bloggers who are looking for an alternative to Google Reader Bloglovin’ offers a really simple feature for importing the list of blogs you currently follow into your profile. It literally takes less than 15 minutes to add an entire reading list into BlogLovin'! All you have to do is click “Import Blogs”, choose “Google Reader” and start moving your blog feeds to BlogLovin.
Just like Feedly, you can use a Google Chrome browser extension to let you know when you have unread blog posts on your reading list.
If you would like to follow me on Bloglovin just click the Eiffel Tower!
Like many people I am totally addicted to Instagram, the free and amazing iphone app that allows you to edit and share your favourite pictures. You can follow me via Followgram by clicking here.
If you are on instagram I am @natashainoz - please come and follow me and I will follow you!
I'm sure you already know that I'm a Pinning Fool but for those of you who don't why not come and visit me over at Pinterest!
Have you heard of Hello Cotton?
And don't forget to join in with Linky Parties! You will meet so many people and find so many resources. Just make sure you always try to Say G'day to as many participants as possible. If you would like to join my weekly Linky Party, just click the Say G'day Saturday button-I'd love it if you could join in!
Well, as you can see there are so many ways that we can stay updated on all of our favourite blogs and there are so many ways we can keep up to date with our online friends.
How can your bloggy friends find you when you aren't blogging away at your bloggy home? If you have prepared a Let's get Social {Media} post now's the time to link up and get social! Your blog post should tell us about all the different ways that you are social! Include all the details we would need to find you at all of your social media outlets. Provide us with links to your Twitter profile, your Facebook page, your instagram address, your pinterest boards, your Tumblr blog, your Etsy site...everything! I have decided that as part of my bloggy renovations this post will eventually be changed a little and used as a stand alone page on my blog for my contact details.
So tell me, how can I keep in touch with you?
How can your bloggy friends find you when you aren't blogging away at your bloggy home? If you have prepared a Let's get Social {Media} post now's the time to link up and get social! Your blog post should tell us about all the different ways that you are social! Include all the details we would need to find you at all of your social media outlets. Provide us with links to your Twitter profile, your Facebook page, your instagram address, your pinterest boards, your Tumblr blog, your Etsy site...everything! I have decided that as part of my bloggy renovations this post will eventually be changed a little and used as a stand alone page on my blog for my contact details.
When you are ready to link up, link the page you would like us to visit, not your general blog address. If you don't have a blog but would like to link up your Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Google plus page that's not a problem! If you already have a stand alone contact page that you would like to link up please do! There's no need to link back to me but a quick shout out on your social network sites would be be very much appreciated!
I would love it if you could help me spread the word about this social media linky party by sharing this post on all the social media outlets that you use! You can use the hashtag #LetsGetSocial to share the details about this Social Media Linky party with your online friends.
You could tweet something like: Join @natashainoz for the #LetsGetSocial linky party. Link up your Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest profiles!
I would love it if you could help me spread the word about this social media linky party by sharing this post on all the social media outlets that you use! You can use the hashtag #LetsGetSocial to share the details about this Social Media Linky party with your online friends.
You could tweet something like: Join @natashainoz for the #LetsGetSocial linky party. Link up your Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest profiles!
Finally, please feel free to grab a button and add one to your post!
Thanks so much for joining in with my Let's Get Social {Media} Linky party. Please don't forget to mingle (this is a party after all!) and meet others!

Thanks so much for joining in with my Let's Get Social {Media} Linky party. Please don't forget to mingle (this is a party after all!) and meet others!
Let's Get Social {Media}!
By the way, when you do go and visit others don't forget to say G'day and click that +1 button!
For more blogging tips just click the Blogging Tips Button below.
Best wishes and happy socialising!
Please join me each weekend for the Say G'day Saturday Linky Party!
Thanks for hosting! Love my social media ;) I shared on fb and pinterest =) Shannon!
ReplyDeletewonderful idea So much opportunity on the social media sites! Thank you !!
ReplyDeleteNatasha
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this social media soiree! I hope I did everything right! ;)
I will share also on Google+ & FB . It's Friday night here, so I'm off to Happy Hour...
Ciao!
PS Hi, Shannon!
Hi Nat
ReplyDeleteBookmaking this one and will tweet it now.
Carolyn
Thanks for hosting - such a great idea Natasha! There are quite a few sites in your list that I havent heard of before, and will definately be checking them out. Have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteFace booked it too
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
Great info! Tweeted, g+ and shared on fb. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Thanks so much for sharing on all your social networking sites, Debbie. I just signed up to follow you on Twitter so I think I'm following you everywhere now! Best wishes, Natasha in Oz.
DeleteHi Natasha!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing, fantastic info for this newbie blogger! Will be rereading a few times to get my head around it all! I just used G+ and will share on FB too. have a great Saturday.. Jo xx
Hi Jo! Thanks so much for your comment and thanks also for following me here at my blog! See you at your blog or over at Facebook or of course at Instagram!
DeleteBest wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Hi Natasha, how are you? Looks like we're in for nice weather this weekend. Are you doing anything French today? Thanks for hosting today. Have tweeted.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
Thanks for stopping by Anne. I didn't do anything French apart from opening a nice bottle of Bordeaux!
DeleteThanks for linking up and for the shout out-much appreciated!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
REALLY GOOD post, Natasha! I love that you are having this party. I just linked up and will be "shouting it out" all weekend :)
ReplyDeleteShasta @InTheOldRoad
You are the best Shasta! Thank you so much for all the promoting you did. This was a huge success and I know I owe much of its success to you! Thank you so much!
DeleteBest wishes,
Natasha.
Thanks for hosting Natasha!!! XO, Aimee
ReplyDeleteWow! Natasha you have mentioned places I haven't even heard of. I am so in agreement with you that I am not giving up my Google platform. It is just going to get better for us blogging there. I so wish I could play on instagram. I am getting a smart phone but it isn't that one.:( You have brought up some very good points. I think my post mirrors yours a little. I'll go proofread it one more time and come link up! I am so excited your doing this party! This is what it's all about!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Dear Natasha from Australia..thanks for G'day Saturday, such fun and terrific link up!! You did such an interesting info post today, wow! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY
Terrific idea, Natasha! Thanks for hosting x
ReplyDeleteI loved your post, that was very well put together and I learnt a few things too - thanks! I've linked up and will share this on Facebook! Oh and of course I'm going to follow you every way I can, that's what it's all about!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post and thanks a bunch for hosting the party!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Trish
Hi Natasha
ReplyDeleteOK wow - my head is spinning. Thanks for sharing all this information with us. The info on Google plus was particularly interesting. So much to learn.
I notice the little photo of you and me made it onto your screenshot of instagram. Yummy cake!
See you online,
Kylie x
(Now I'll have to +1 it)
SO much great info! Thank you! And thanks for hosting such a great link party! I'll be spreading the word :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so inventive! Love all your parties and posts!
ReplyDeletehello,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this useful post..
I am following you now
Blog Twitter Instagram..........
Come & followback plz
Love this idea, Natasha! Thank you so much for hosting :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at All my Bloggy Friends! Hope you have a great weekend :)
DeleteThis is fantastic! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting such a fun party! Putting it on FB right now! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteAmanda @ Bullfrogs and Bulldogs
Wow Natasha what great information you have here! I've begun by linking up one thing so far, but I will be back later to link up some more!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!!
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
Thanks for hosting the fun social media Linky Party, I almost making it back her after you kindly visited my blog this week. Now following on GFC, Twitter, Facebook, and have you Google Bookmarked and signed up receive updates!!!!
ReplyDeleteI want to keep track of you.
Have a great weekend, Karren
Natasha, What a wonderful Linky party. Your info on Google + was very informative. I really appreciate your teaching.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Natasha for hosting a GREAT linky party! This is one I haven't seen before! I look forward to following!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Natasha! This is such a benefit for all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting :)
ReplyDeletexo, Jersey Girl
hairsprayandhighheels.blogspot.com
Thanks for the party Natasha! I had never heard of Join My Community and always wondered what Hello Cotton is. Your post is a great resource! Following you on Bloglovin, Twitter, Facebook etc.....
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, and thanks for the G+ info :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Natasha, I may not be a Pinterest fan yet but I have been using Google plus and all related products for some time and they are definitely beneficial. Like you I have no plans to leave the Blogger platform I think they do an excellent job!
ReplyDeletethank you for hosting! you are a social media maven- you could totally teach a class or something like that.
ReplyDeletecheers and thank you for your support!
~Deirdre
Thanks for hosting this and for the great tips :) I *finally* made myself a facebook page for my blog and etsy store. Better late than never right!?
ReplyDeleteinstagram is being dumb and won't let me find you! try me: @nichollvincent
ReplyDeletenichollvincent.blogspot.com
Hi Natasha,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to connect with others! And you put together such an amazing post. Thanks for letting us share out stuff :-)
Gosh - I really need to get my G+ set up. I don't know why I am so confused by it!?! Thanks for the info - visiting from Take It On Tuesday :)
ReplyDeleteGood info! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteNew follower from Musings of an Imperfect Mom
http://musingsofanimperfectmom.blogspot.com/
Hi Natasha,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post. I've been wondering about Google+. I have a page and I'm following people and have followers but I've never been sure exactly how to use it and benefit from it. Your post has really helped! Thanks!
I'm visiting through the Naptime Review Hop and I'm now following via Linky, GFC, Neworked Blogs, etc. I couldn't find your Google+ follow button. It could be because I'm pre-coffee though! lol We connected through Twitter. Cheers, Renee
http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com
Natasha, what a great idea for a linky party!! Thank you so much for hosting!! I am looking forward to making some great connections!
ReplyDelete~~~rhonda~~~
Wow, great information! I dropped by from Katherine's Corner and learned a ton!!
ReplyDeleteIf you happen to check out blogger's that comment you need to use the link form Katherine's blog,Lucy's Reality, blogger leads to my second blog, which I never use for blog hops, just and FYI.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog so I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog and Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can check it out here: http://mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-i-blog-some-more-blogging-awards.html
ReplyDeleteEnjoy and congratulations,
Karri
Sorry to be coming to the party so late Natasha... I've been wanting to join in all week long. Your blog is looking so good!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post with some great information. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteThat is great info Natasha... I went and joined up to Hello Cotton after this post, but have yet to figure out why my RSS feed link isn't working... and I'm also trying to remember to +1 my posts
ReplyDeletexx
Hello Natasha, This was a great idea - I missed jumping in! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday and your post will be featured in this evening's party post! I do appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteKathy
Very interesting information, Natasha--I saw your featured post at A Delightsome Life, and had to check it out! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteWow...this is incredible. So much great information. Thank you so much for linking up to our party!
ReplyDeleteWow ... there is so much practical information here ... I think I might read it three or four times. Thanks for all your hard work. I am coming over today from the Gold Medal Blogging Tip Link.
ReplyDeleteNatasha, thanks so much for putting this on our linky party! You have such good information in this post, especially about google+. I think I was missing the boat about giving out the +1s. I will be doing so more frequently now, and I will come back to your social media linky party to visit others and link up.
ReplyDeleteWow, Natasha, I am impressed with all your social media. I am still getting my feet wet in the social media ocean! I am on FB but never post or update status, I adore Twitter and Pinterest and of course Blogger. I am been invited to join some Google+ circles but I am still in the dark with that. I am going to have to come back and really study all the info you provided. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linkin up to Sunday FUNday! Social Media is so useful!! I've never heard of Feedly, thanks for sharing your great idea!!
ReplyDeleteKristine -The Foley Fam {unedited}
I've been doing Pinterest and FB for a while, but Google Plus is a bit of a mystery for me. Thanks for the post and the link up!
ReplyDelete