An active blog is a fun blog. More comments and discussion can turn a hum drum “hey is anyone reading this?” blog into a whirlwind of activity.
Here are a few ways to get the party started and get more blog comments!
Get your readers involved. There are many ways to inspire your readers to comment. One of them is to simply ask questions in your blog posts. Ask them to share their 2 cents.Thank them for their comments. Even if you disagree with their comment or they left a link generating “thank you for the valuable information” type of comment, thank them. When people know they’re going to be acknowledged they’re more likely to contribute.
Consider engaging your commenter in further discussion. Acknowledge their comment, expand on it and ask them another question. Once a dialogue is going, other people are likely to jump in.
Be controversial. Controversy sparks discussion and it can be a wild ride but it usually draws traffic to your blog too.
Make it easy to comment. This is a personal decision, but you don’t have to require people to register to leave a comment. You’re likely to get more comments if you don’t.
Give CommentLuv – This handy little plug-in allows people to track and view their most recent comment. For those who like to see their name in print or who enjoy participating, they’ll comment more often if you use this plug-in.
Let ‘em link. Give readers the ability to create a profile that links to their website. That way they’ll also hopefully not fill their comment space with self promotion.
Track your popular posts and repeat the format or style of information. Your audience may have a favorite subject or style. Recognize it and give them more of what they enjoy.
Blog comments aren’t necessarily an indicator that your blog is succeeding but they do make it a more interactive process. And you’re likely to get more visitors and commenters when there’s already a conversation going on.
Wonderful tips – thanks Jeanette. I found an extra one, which I have just added to my site. It’s a “Most Commenting Visitors” plugin widget, which shows multiple commenting visitors, and gives a gravatar and a link to their site. I think it’s pretty cool, and it rewards people for returning and providing comments again and again 🙂
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I really believe the way to get more comments on your blog, Jeanette, is to “give” more comments.
Yes – it takes time, energy, and effort to visit other people’s blogs, read their posts, and leave a comment.
It’s 10:30 PM right now and look where I am and what I’m doing. I’ve just read your excellent tips and I feel compelled to respond with a comment.
I could be soaking in the tub, watching television, or reading a good book at this hour of the night, but I’m choosing to be here.
It’s really foolish (not to mention selfish) to think that the practice of posting comments is a one-way street.
Having tons of fun in the 30-day challenge!
Melanie
I totally agree. Those who go one (or two or three) steps further are the ones who are succeeding and making money online. Plus we’re having a lot more fun.
Anyone who builds a busines, whether it’s online or offline, recognizes that it’s the extra “little” things that make the difference – and blog comments are one of those extras. Congratulations for putting in the time and effort to go over and above the minimum.
Jeanette,
I agree 100%, these are all wonderful ideas. Also joining these things I keep hearing about online called Blog Challenges give a nice boost in comments I have heard… 🙂
We are learning first hand about the “wild ride” of creating controversy. Ely sent an email yesterday that has sparked a MAJOR response. Some good some not so good, but hey it got people talking. So sometimes these tactics work for getting activity in places other than blog comments as well 🙂
Cindy
Great tips, Jeanette! I agree with everything you said. Comments are what makes the blog post a conversation. Your last tip about tracking your popular posts and recognize what worked is fabulous. Love that!
Thanks for the suggestions Jeanette. One thing that I try to do, and probably not very good at, is if a new person visits my blog and leaves a comment saying, I go to their site and leave a comment. I do this because I love when I leave a comment at someone’s site then they check out my blog and leave a comment saying “Thanks for the comment you left on my blog”! You will get to know your regulars, so it’s easy to spot new people. Like you said, its good to go one two or three steps beyond.
Gwen
I really appreciate these great tips Jeanette! I’ve always wanted lots and lots and lots of comments, but rarely get them. I’m really eager to try some of these widgets you’ve mentioned! Is it OK to ask people to tweet or re-tweet your posts?