Use these tactics to engage blog commenters
A great blog should attract regular feedback from readers. Any subject that provokes thought, whether it’s because visitors love or hate what you wrote, entices them to leave a comment. They might ask for further clarification, leave an opinion of their own, or thank you for the information. Sometimes if your opinion or perspective in an article really irks them, they’ll even bash you on a personal level. Comments are comments and they’re all fantastic, because
you know you made an impression on your readers.
You might think that the only reason to answer comments is for courtesy, like the obligation to return a phone call when a voice mail has been left. It is the polite thing to do, indeed, but you can also use comments to keep your readers talking.
I won’t tell you there’s a right or wrong way to respond to your readers’ comments, because as long as you’re not saying anything profane or offensive to them, you’re doing well. But, like everything else in blogging, your comment responses can be strategic. You can increase the number of comments left on a post, and also keep people coming back to your blog because they know they’ll find stimulating conversation!
Over the years while blogging for businesses, there are a few tricks I’ve learned. I’ll even share my biggest secret with you, but you’ve got to promise me you’ll comment with your own thoughts on the subject in return, got it? Stay tuned, because we’ll focus on my first tip today, and once I get you all warmed up, you can come back next week for the more juicy ones!
Try to understand what readers commenting need from you – it’s all about intuition. Here are a few different categories of comments you might receive and some guidelines on how to respond:
The acknowledgement – A simple comment like “great post I agree/disagree” doesn’t require much of a response from you. Usually the commenters aren’t looking for one either. A equally simple response to thank them for reading is all you need to do.
The information source – On the other hand, commenters who leave a comment like “I agree/disagree because I do or find XYZ” are opening the doors for further discussion. Often, this type of commenters won’t elaborate upon their opinion so a good response from you would be to ask for more. They want to share their own experiences with you so a statement like “interesting perspective, I’m curious to learn why you think that” is the right move.
The debate - You are likely to come across those that challenge your opinion or perspective as well; it’s par for the course with any blog. Ignore any personal attacks – it’s not you they’re angry at anyways, it’s all due to the emotions you’ve surfaced in them because they feel so strongly about the subject of your article. You will find, however, that sometimes these readers will try and put words in your mouth. Feel free to clarify your point and go back and forth with them provided you can keep it simple. Try and apply the rules of high school debate here.
Next week, come back to read about how you can write posts that will generate strong reactions on your blog, and a little secret about how I handle comments that I’m going to share for the first time!
Tags: Beth Graddon-Hodgson, blogging for business, blogging for small business, problogger, professional blogging, small business marketing, Writesourcing, writing
July 20th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Good point. It is a great idea as long as the individuals who comment leave something worth while. I get many comments on my blog of ” good post”, thanks for the post. It’s the ones that leave deep emotional driven thoughts on your blog that really have meaning. Like you said, blog owners should always address these people.
July 20th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
This was a good post to read because I just started a blog recently. Thanks for the tips!
July 20th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Magician just gave you a shout out on Twitter. Good luck with your blog and keep coming back! B.
July 21st, 2010 at 2:58 am
There are many opportunities when you get involved in an online business. Blog Commenting is one of the effective way to earn out from online marketing.
July 21st, 2010 at 4:17 am
Can’t wait for that secret!
July 21st, 2010 at 8:15 am
I have just started with blog posting thanks for the tips,i see how it works for me,from this tips and comment again in this post..
July 21st, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I agree that trying trying to get repeat commenters that have soemthing useful to say feels like searching for hen’s teeth some days. Hopefully your article will help to get some of those elusive types to my blog.
July 21st, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@Vietnam Veteran – definitely! I still like to acknowledge those, but it doesn’t have to be constant or individually. A hey “thanks for reading, glad you all enjoyed” does the job, but that won’t instigate further discussion, it’s just nice!
@Andy – it’s one that really can work if done right so stay tuned! I’m on vacation next week so I won’t be here to discuss it or read any comments right away, but I look forward to seeing what you think upon my return! One little spoiler : it’s not a tactic I ever, ever use on this blog…you’re all just so nice, and happy to share your experiences!
@Everyone else, thanks for reading!!
July 21st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I love to see productive conversations in comments. I generally read most of them on other blogs if it seems like they can elaborate on the topic or add a new perspective.
July 21st, 2010 at 9:53 pm
You do seem to be the expert! 9 comments in front of me on a brand new post! I wish our blog had this kind of lively participation.
July 21st, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Maybe that’s why sometimes it’s called Post your “Comments”, not “Compliments”..Most of us love to hear praises..after all, who wouldn’t be? I have commented on some blog posts wherein there were some opinions clashing there..and I’m glad that one blog writer there is very calm and answers truthfully about what the commenter is pointing out about the post.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:39 am
I am starting my own blog too and I have not thought of these ideas yet. I kind of thought it would take care of itself. I guess not. Thanks for your thoughts and input.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:30 am
Actually, the “thank you” posts and the likes are not acceptable to some, especially to forums. Because its so easy to say even if the commenter didn’t read your post. I don’t mean anything bad but that’s what I usually read from comment policies of other blogs and in forums as well. Even for me, I wouldn’t mind it also. But to each his own. Have a good day!:)
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I agree that it’s too easy to just say “thanks”, since it’s so easy to jsut breeze to the comment section and not read the article. And if you have and just want the writer to know that yes someone does read their work, a brief blurb as to what you got out of it does wonders.
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
As most of you know, this is a dofollow blog – meaning I have the plugin that eliminates WP’s ‘no follow’ feature. Although in the beginning you get a lot of spam, it really has added more commenters, People finding us initially to get that inbound link,have come back for the content.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I have to admit, I’ve developed some poor habits with respect to comments on some of my blogs. Your post is a great reminder of the value of commenting.
Higher comment counts have a psychological affect on people who come across the post (imho). It’s like social proof that the post is worth reading and commenting on. If a blogger simply responded to every comment in one way or another s/he could automatically double the number of comments (not to mention attracting more comments).
Thanks for the reminder.
July 26th, 2010 at 3:20 am
I personally suggest that teaser has something to do in luring readers to visit certain post. I also agree that a post must always imply quality thoughts.
August 1st, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I agree with the comments that a “thanks for the post” isn’t always a welcome comment. In the context above, I don’t mean that you should leave those comments on other blogs – but that you should acknowledge your commenters on your own! I think if you’re leaving a comment on another blog and want to say “thanks” include a little something else – a thought, your opinion, something that actually responds to the post.
August 5th, 2010 at 1:09 am
it is very good,Try to understand what readers commenting need from you
April 28th, 2011 at 5:53 am
Nice post,The tactics shared by you on this article are really helpful while commenting blogs