This is Captain Comment. He’s not real I just made him up about 20 minutes ago. But if he was real, this is what he would tell you about comments on blogs. I am going to share the importance of both having comments on your blogs and also leaving comments on other people’s blogs.
Comments on Blogs Build Communities
A blog without comments; is like Christmas without the magic and the meaning. Have you ever stumbled upon a blog with great content but no comments? Having comments on blogs, really improves your social proof and the whole community on your site. You may or may not know this but when you have comments after your blog posts, readers are more likely to share your content.
However, it is really important to engage with your blog commenters. If you don’t respond to your comments regularly, you run the risk of not getting your readers to come back. The more you interact the more quality discussions you will get on your posts and when you respond to comments and use plugins that notify your commenters that you have responded to their blog posts, you will start to see your readers coming back to your blog and re-engage on your site.
You can use the premium commentluv plugin which includes the replyme function to notify your readers that you posted a response to their comment.
Comments on Blogs –Show Insights!
One of the main things you can do, to ensure that you deliver content that your readers NEED is to find out what they WANT. One way you can achieve this is to listen to the conversations that are happening on your site in the form of comments on your blogs. You can also make better use of this approach by actually asking your readers specific questions and inviting them to leave their thoughts and feelings in the comment section.
Get good at listening, read between the lines, create posts and comments that give your readers what they want.
Comments on blogs attract attention.
Blogs with lots of interaction will always be more appealing than one that is quiet. Who wouldn’t want to find out more about what the author is doing to create so much noise on their site after all they must be doing something right. People will become naturally curious when they have to scroll down the page to get to the end and see all your raving fans and followers.
Now Let’s Flip It
Comments on Blogs
Images courtesy of [digitalart] and [Ohmmy3d] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Comments on Blogs drive more traffic, build relationships and produce opportunities.
As well as wanting to have comments on your own site. It is also really important to also be commenting on other people’s blogs as part of your overall blog marketing strategy. When you comment on other blogs you are first of all showing that you are a committed blogger. When you leave comments on blogs you are creating backlinks to your own site which in turn builds up your sites authority in the search engines.
When you leave comments on blogs, you have to be doing it for all the right reasons. If you haven’t read the blog post you are about to comment on, you may as well not bother. Leaving quality comments will not only capture the attention of others who may or may not click through to your own site, but you will also capture the attention of the owner of the blog.
Blog commenting in the correct way will help you build some great relationships with other bloggers and other people in your niche. This could in turn create opportunities such as guest blogging and who knows what else. Don’t over look leaving great comments on blogs.
Please let me know what your experience of commenting on blogs has been in the comment section below.
What’s your best way to find inspiration for your next blog post? Have you got any good ways to get your brain cells buzzing? Please comment and share this post if you have found it useful.
To Your Simple Blogging Success,
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December 9, 2012 at 4:08 am
Hi Beth, Your post is so true! I really enjoy reading comments left on my blog because it lets me know that all of my hard work is helping to make a difference in someone’s life. I also like leaving comments on blogs that I read to let the reader know that I appreciated what they just shared. Thanks so much for highlighting the importance of making comments.
December 9, 2012 at 4:33 am
Hi Beth,
For me, blog commenting has been exactly as you described – from the aspect of having activity on my blog, to the backlinks that I created when I commented on others, to the opportunity to form relationships with other bloggers. I’ve been somewhat of an inactive blogger lately and am recently getting back into my blogging rhythm. Your insight definitely solidifies my commitment to include blog commenting in my schedule – for the benefits that you outlined as well as for my enjoyment of being an active member of the blogging community.
Great insight, as always, Beth, thanks!
Dena 🙂
December 9, 2012 at 7:06 am
Hi Beth,
This is a topic that I cannot stress enough. Commenting on a blog is so important. When I say comment, I mean, read the blog, and give an intelligent and honest comment.
When I am showing folks the ropes of blogging they often tell me that they have not time for this. But you have to make that time. It would seem overwhelming at first, but it must be part of your DMO. I’m always getting people to my blog just from a comment I have made on theirs if I found it of interest.
Oh…and let us not forget to answering those comments! One of my commentors recently was fed up because she was leaving comments…good ones, and as that blogger grew, he/or she did not respond. This left her feeling like her comments didn’t count. So she walked away.
Thanks Beth for bringing this up. It is an important part of that big machine of business! We need to make the time and it is easy once you set time each day to do so.
Donna
December 9, 2012 at 10:44 am
Commenting on blogs helps you to build a reputation online. Other people see for what you stand for and in this way you can attract new people to your site. On the other hand you help the person who wrote the blog to more credibility and you can build a relationship with that person.
December 9, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Hi Beth,
Thanks for sharing this great piece of advice for gaining more blogging success.
If you want to have success in any endeavor, you must have discipline and make a commitment. That includes your blogging activities, which is your central hub and must be taken seriously.
Having a successful blog and branding oneself doesn’t happen magically just be creating a great blog post. It is a process and we must be present at every part of the process…
Commenting, sharing and responding to comments are key ingredients in the process. It is part of the overall reciprocity that is needed to succeed at blogging.
First you give, then you receive…
Thanks for sharing your Simple Bogging Advice,
Marc
December 9, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you leaving a comment. I am interested to know what Chia Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse is 🙂
Hope to see you back here again soon,
Beth 🙂
December 10, 2012 at 4:35 am
I am sure glad commentluv added the replyme feature. This means I don’t have to have another one installed (for comments that go to their email). The less plugins I have installed the better as it opens a lot of processes on my VPS.
I think we can all tell as bloggers when someone just comments on our blog to get a backlink. Nothing weirder than a blog that has comments but the blogger doesn’t even take the time to respond. At least they could say thanks for stopping by or something. It’s almost like if someone said hi to you in person and you didn’t even respond to them.
December 10, 2012 at 9:29 am
Hi Beth
The really like the layout of your blog and the advice about commenting is absolutely spot on.
The important point for for me was that just by actively commenting on people’s blogs and replying to comments the authority of your blog is enhanced.
Thanks for sharing
Mark
December 10, 2012 at 10:40 am
Hi Beth
It is true what you say that having interaction with your followers makes them feel that their comments are valued and they will come back and read more of your blogs.
Also it is important that when you comment on someones blogs that you agree with the content and you are not just commenting for the sake of it as you say “When you leave comments you have to do it for the right reasons.”
Commenting on blogs will increase your own social proof and because people are naturally curious they will scroll down and read the comments already left therefore you may gain new followers.
Thanks for such a clear and as you blog says simple post.
Kerris
December 10, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Beth – Comments are definitely the life blood of a blog! Of course you already know how I feel about comments.
You really did hit it on the head though on why it is important to receive and reply to comments on our own blogs. (Not kissing ass here see!)
Unfortunately for me? My niche is with gamers – and they usually suffer from severe ADD. If they don’t see the information they close the back button and have Google search up faster then you can say “Google”.
Thanks again for visiting – and for your article here!
December 11, 2012 at 1:21 am
That’s very true. It is quite important, in my opinion, to return the favor to the commenters on your blog because it is about building relationships rather than one-off comments. The number of comments people leave on posts is surprisingly dependent on your relationships – I have, from personal experience, seen that search visitors are less likely to leave a comment. I think if you have a tribe around your blog, you can be sure of getting more comments. Cheers
December 11, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Great insight Beth. As a blogger I have to say that there are times when I read comments and just shake my head wondering what that person was thinking! Earlier this year I finally had to break down and write a comments guideline and now I monitor ever single comment – I will not rewrite a comment like I know some bloggers will do – but I will delete a comment if it’s inappropriate or flagrantly self-promotional. To be fair, I get very little overt spam – but I do get a fair number of fellow bloggers out for a little link love. I don’t mind that of course, but as you’ve pointed out, at least give the courtesy of taking the time to read the post and contribute something. This morning I found a one line comment – “Geat article, I really learned a lot!” Now that little ditty was actually left on my About page – can you say DUH?!
December 12, 2012 at 2:35 am
Hi Beth
Yes it’s true, blog commenting it a critical key to success! I find that people in the tribes especially are very careful to leave thoughtful, well thought out comments, because they want to not only build a good relationship, but they want to encourage a good exchange between blogs! It’s important to respond to our commentors that have taken that time, you are so right! That’s why I love Comment Luv, and some of the other plugins that encourage follow up comments.
December 14, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Hi Laura,
I agree with you, the quality of comments from other bloggers is really great. It certainly help bring out the best in a discussion and build the community spirit.
Hope you are feeling better,
Beth 🙂
December 14, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Haha,
Hi Marquita. You got to wonder about some people and their comment strategy or lack of. I don’t have a comments guideline, but I am selective about what comments I let appear on my site, but I do see a lot of spammy comments on other people’s blog and that makes me sad. 🙁
Beth 🙂
December 14, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Hi Jason,
Nice to have you visit my site 🙂 (Kissing Ass) I can certainly see how the people that visit your niche could find it harder to leave a comment or leave a meaningful one. I guess the trick is to always have a call to action or something and asking them specific questions. Let me know if you have a breakthrough. Also consider joining tribe syndication groups. You will get more quality comments if that is what you are looking for. I recommend networking superstars. The banner is to the right or by clicking on be a superstar tab above.
Thanks again (kissing ass again),
Beth 🙂
December 14, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Hi Mark,
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words about my new site. I am glad you liked the post and thanks for subscribing to the newsletter I hope you will find it useful.
Beth 🙂
December 14, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Haha,
Yes I haven’t thought about comments like that. Like someone is saying that’s a nice shirt and you’re just looking past them.4
Thanks for coming back again,
Beth 🙂
December 14, 2012 at 9:27 pm
Hi Mark,
Just getting round to replying to your comment, but I always do. You are right that there needs to be a real discipline to blogging. If you are only doing it to receive it wont work out very well. I am grateful that you are one of the good guys and take them time to leave thought out response.
Have a great weekend,
Beth
December 15, 2012 at 1:43 am
Beth – Thanks! I’ll have to check it out. LOL And Kissing ass is the blatant OMG YOUR SITE IS SO AWESOME SAUCE I JUST CANT LIVE WITHOUT YOUR ARTICLES! Not the general thanks like I just gave to you 🙂
Silly!
December 15, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Hi Beth,
Thank you for sharing your insights. As many reader commented, blog commenting is a great way to build relationship and build our own reputation. I appreciate your saying about giving out quality comments. At the end of the day, we certainly would not like to be well known for our ‘stingy comments’ all over the internet.
The ‘adding value’ and ‘sharing with a servant’s heart’ are timeless success tips.
Thank you for bringing this important issue up in the open for discussion.
PS: I LOVE your blog title!
Viola Tam – The Business Mum
December 15, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Hi Viola,
Thanks for the compliment. I might write a blog post on eye-catching blog titles. People like to stuff the titles with keywords overlooking the fact that they could get more from actually getting people to click to find out more than being found in the search engines.
I am so glad you stopped by my site and thank you for your vote in the Top 50 MLM Blog Contest. I will go check out your site now 🙂
Looking forward to seeing you again soon,
Beth 🙂
December 16, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Hey Beth,
Haven’t been to your blog in a while, it’s looking awesome!
Love that you point out that you shouldn’t just leave a comment just for the sake of getting a back link to your own website or blog. You must return value with value or don’t comment at all.
My personal practice is that if someone leaves a short one liner … something like “Hey, awesome post, thanks for sharing” it will be deleted.
Good luck in the contest Beth!
Kevin
December 17, 2012 at 10:04 am
Hi Beth,
I totally agree with you on commenting on other bloggers posts and responding to posts. I once realised the comments on my posts had dropped and then I discovered why… I’d stopped commenting on other people’s blogs. It is a two way interaction. Also, if some one takes their time to leave a comment on your blog, it is only proper you respond to them. Just like some one said in one of the comments to this blog post, its like some one saying “hello” and you keep quiet – bad manners!! 🙂
Thanks for this valuable information. I’ve a lot of great information on your blog.
Cheers,
Ruthida.
December 17, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Hi Ruthida,
Thanks for the comment and the vote in the Top 50 MLM Blogs 2012 contest. If you aren’t involved in a tribe of any sort I highly recommend you check out networking superstars we work together each week to get more exposure and comments generally as well as masterminding. You can find out more here.
https://simplebloggingnetwork.com/networking-superstars
Good Luck in the Contest, Hope to see you back here soon,
Beth 🙂
December 17, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for stopping by my new blog. I am glad that you like it. I have worked hard to make it look pretty and simple at the same time. Thanks for your vote and for not leaving a one liner comment hehe.
All the best for the new year,
Beth 🙂
December 19, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Hi Beth, thanks for this post, it is soo important that we leave comments to a) show appreciation for the information, time and effort that others have put into the post and as a by-product we build backlinks and improve our brand online.
December 20, 2012 at 8:06 am
Hi Beth,
I enjoyed this post. Thanks very much, in particular the 3 key benefits of commenting.
I also appreciate the way you show us how to invite that interaction from the audience to get insight and great feedback from your audience.
Thanks very much.
Regards,
John.
December 23, 2012 at 12:44 am
Beth, It’s true, commenting is vitally important to your blog and you. Leaving great comments is a boost to the blogger as well as spreading their content and encouraging others to leave comments and share. Everyone is usually very encouraging, giving positive feedback and finding the good in the post even if they may not see eye to eye with the blogger. Who doesn’t want more attraction to their blog?
Yes, participate in leaving comments on blogs!
Lynn
December 28, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Thanks for this. In all honesty and humbly, I’ve been miserably bad at this and I truly believe it’s one of the key factors missing in my online marketing.
Thanks for the post, tips, and reminders!
December 29, 2012 at 10:56 am
Hi Beth,
I couldn’t agree more with all the points you make here – I’ve written on this topic recently myself and think it’s so important both to comment meaningfully on other people’s blogs and to invite and respond to comments on your own site.
As you say, it’s a good idea to try to spark debate with some stimulating questions – and it’s great when people actually add something to your post, either by making a different point or maybe taking issue with something you’ve said, rather than just making a bland ‘great post’ type response.
I think it’s very disheartening when you leave a thoughtful comment on someone’s site and they don’t bother to respond – I know it’s time-consuming, but I think that’s part of the deal – besides which, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity to connect with your readers.
You have a great blog here – I’m very pleased to have found it,
Sue
December 29, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Hey Sue,
Thanks for stopping by, I am glad you found my site, I must be doing something right! And thank you for your lovely comment. I think people think it takes time to respond to comments, but actually when you take it seriously and plan it in to your marketing activity it doesn’t take too long at all and as you say you get to connect with lots of other great people (like you).
I’ll be heading over to your site to find out more about you right after I have replied to my comments 🙂
Have a fabulous 2013 🙂
Your New Friend,
Beth 🙂
December 29, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Hey Jon,
Thanks for stopping by. I am glad you found the tips helpful. Maybe you could make blog commenting a goal for 2013. You might be surprised at the results you get. Do you have a site I can stop by?
Hope to see you here again soon,
Beth 🙂
December 30, 2012 at 3:50 am
Thanks for the reply! I am certainly making blog (and forum!) comments a big portion of my 2013 plan, to continue to grow and make my site and content better, and share, share, share!
To answer your question, I certainly have a site you can visit (several in fact…):
http://JonRPatrick.com
Constructive criticism always appreciated! 🙂
December 30, 2012 at 4:21 am
I’ve always appreciated thoughtful comments placed on my blog. When those regular readers come to my blog, I become a regular reader of their blog as well. It’s one of the best forms of online collaboration. Thanks for the great article!
December 30, 2012 at 2:40 pm
HI Beth,
Thanks for your input in this Article. It amazes me how much commenting can really help the community of the blog. Your Christmas comment is really spot on. I must say I really enjoy coming to your blog and reading through your posts. thanks for all of your insights.
Sincerely
Chuck Barnes
December 30, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Hey Chuck,
Great to have you here and to leave a comment as well. Thanks for the kind words I am glad that you find my site useful. You may find it useful to sign up to the monthly round-up to be kept in the loop for latest news and blogging tips and tricks. Heres the link https://simplebloggingnetwork.com/its-so-blogging-simple I hope to see you again soon.
Beth
December 30, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Hi Jon,
That’s really great to hear. I am going to be launching a 30 Day Blog Post Challenge Tomorrow if you are up for it!! Come back tomorrow for the details or sign up for the newsletter so you get early notification https://simplebloggingnetwork.com/its-so-blogging-simple I’m heading to check out your site now.
Beth 🙂
December 31, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Hi Beth, I’m just getting started blogging again. This is a wonderful article. I love to get comments (and leave them) and encourage dialogue with my visitors. tyvm for all your hard work.
December 31, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Hi Nettie Mae,
Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad that you enjoy my site and I hope it is helpful. I noticed you signed up for the blog challenge. Looking forward to reading some of your blog posts. Let me know if I can help out with anything. Have you got a Gravatar so we can see your smiley face when you comment on blog posts? You might like this video I did. http://bethhewittonline.com/gravatars-and-signatures-abc-of-building-your-brand/ (it’s a few years old)
Hope to see you back soon,
Beth 🙂
December 31, 2012 at 10:34 pm
I have a gravatar – I don’t know, yet, why it’s not showing up but I’ll get that figured out asap!
January 3, 2013 at 2:03 am
I agree… Blogs with no comments are…. Blah. No fun. Sad that my blog very rarely gets comments. I can’t figure out why. I know it’s a very niche blog but I figure someone out there needs the information I post. But then again my blog is only 3 months old. Maybe I need to give a little more time. If you woudn’t mind, take a look and let me know what you think.
Thanks!
January 4, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Hi Joe,
Having just a brief look over your site, it actually looks good, fresh and easy to navigate so nothing on the brand and design front, strikes me as being wrong.
I think you would benefit from being part of some blog syndication groups and also because you have a specific location you are targeting, I would suggest if you could find bloggers in your area? Or other people in your niche who have contacts in your area. I offer free 20 mins consultation which you can take advantage of here https://simplebloggingnetwork.com/20-minutes-consultation/
Thanks for stopping by the Simple Blogging Network. I am also currently running a 30 day blog posts challenge, this would be a great way to get you more exposure. You can join the challenge here https://simplebloggingnetwork.com/blog-post-challenge/
To your simple blogging success,
Beth 🙂
February 19, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Hi Beth,
thank you so much for your great explanation on commenting.
I recently came across the suggestion to close comments after a while (14 -30 days).
Why would anyone want to do that?
Do you have any thoughts on that?
Commenting on other people’s blogs makes a lot of sense.
Thanks again.
Cheers,
Yorinda
March 2, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Thanks Beth
You have a simple approach to what could be complicated topic. What you teach worked for me I made contact with a lot of my Followers through comments during your last two Challenges.
Other Bloggers make the Best Commentators.
Your Friend and Follower Michael
March 3, 2014 at 10:42 pm
Hi Michael,
So glad that Captain Comment has helped you 🙂 I think we over complicate things sometimes. You are right that bloggers are the best commentators.
Beth
May 27, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Great job Beth and Captain Comment! These tips are absolutely amazing. 🙂 I knew commenting on other blogs was a good idea, but I didn’t know exactly how much they were! Thanks for posting! 🙂