Everyone who’s been an active blogger for a while knows that blog commenting is an excellent way to make some friends in the blogosphere, to support fellow bloggers and even to attract some fresh traffic. There’s nothing better than a blog post with many comments – it just speaks for an active community, right? However, not always the good intentions turn into good practices. So I’ll share some dos and don’ts of blog commenting I’ve noticed the most in my experience.
Always add value to the discussion through your blog comments
I have always disliked comments like “great post, very useful, thanks!”. Those are usually left regardless the blog post and with the single purpose to get a link back. I call them “empty” comments. In my opinion, if someone doesn’t have anything to add, better move on. Only meaningful comments which bring new info or new perspective into the discussion are worth sharing. Otherwise, we turn our blogs into low quality link exchange machines…
Use your own name when blog commenting
I hate it when I see comments left on behalf of keywords or companies. Call me an idealist, but the blogger has spent time researching, writing and sharing their ideas – why not return the favor and build a nice community around that blog because we like the content; because we care’ because we want to? You don’t identify yourself as Company X or Keyword 1 when talking to friends, right? So why do it when commenting on blogs. For me, it is an intrusion. If you must also include your company brand – that’s fine, but do it after you state your name first 😉
If you are the blogger, always reply to the comments on your blog posts
For the purpose of live community, the blogger has to hold their end of the bargain as well. The commenters have spent some time reading the blog posts and leaving comments – so it is only fair and correct to reply to these comment; or the very least – thank the readers for the time and blog commenting done.
Don’t abuse the blog or anyone on that blog (author or commenter)
Blogs are an arena for personal opinions, thoughts and beliefs. It is the single most powerful tool for self fulfillment, I think. So, most often blog posts are more subjective and personal than not. If you disagree with the blogger or some other commenter views – say so; but don’t insult the other participants in the conversation; don’t take it personal and more importantly – don’t make it personal. Don’t spam. Don’t intrude. Don’t attack others. We can always agree to disagree.
Don’t leave a link unless it is highly relevant to the post or someone asked for it
And I am not talking about the link to your website along with your name – that’s fine; that’s actually encouraged… not for some other reason but because if you add great value through your comments, other community members would want to check your own website or blog out – give them an easy way to do so 😉 I am talking about selling and pitching your new book or product or service under the false pretense of blog commenting. That’s a no-no for me.
Don’t be afraid to share your opinion and ideas
If you think you have something to add, just do it. I can assure you that every blogger wants to hear what their readers have to say – good or bad (as long as it is positive criticism, of course). A good comment can start an even better discussion; it can bring in a whole new and different perspective into the conversation – and that’s a good thing so don’t hold back your wild thoughts 😉 Besides, blog commenting is a great way to add topics to your blog editorial calendar.
Your turn – what other dos and don’ts would you add to this list?
P.S. Before anybody mentions it, I have not included CommentLuv neither as do, nor as don’t because I know it may be a controversial topic. Soon I will publish a post dedicated to CommentLuv plugin and why I wouldn’t add it to my blog. 😉
I agree about the ubiquitos “thank you” or “great post.” I prefer to think of the comments as part of a conversation. It is much better to leave comments that invite conversation.
I agree, Jon! Comments that invite a conversation usually also suggest new blog posts topics – which is priceless 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Great post Diana. I know my biggest pet peeve is when someone doesn’t use their name and instead a company or keyword. I agree there is no reason to do that except for a back link.
One thing I’d like to add is that when I comment on blogs I often use my About Me page link behind my name. My reason being is that if someone clicks on my name it is likely because they want to know more about ME. So I make it as easy as possible by linking to the About Me page on my site. What would you say to that?
oh, this is a great point! I have never used the About Me page before… i either leave the URL field empty (when i comment on irrelevant to my niche blog) or link it to my homepage or blog – for the user to see more of my writing. But to link it to the About Me page is actually the most logical and natural think to do, especially if it is the person’s name as anchor text, brilliant! Thanks for sharing this, Johnny!
Good advice. Although many bloggers want as many comments as possible, those that don’t add any actual thoughts and just say “thank you” are often not very helpful and should be avoided. Its much easier, from a commenters perspective, when a post asks a question or calls to action readers.
thanks for your comment! and what about the commenting as company or keyword? You are an example of that bad practice – i am reluctant to go visit shapedaily (whatever this is) simply because you always “hide” behind the corporate identity rather than state your name as a good member of the blogosphere 😉
I find comments tell you a great deal about the commenter. You can usually tell if they took the time to read your post by how relevant the comment is. The commenter who do the one liners, unless very pertinent to the blog article, is a bit annoying.
What I do love is when a conversation ensues. It is so much fun for both the blogger and the commenter.
Yes, i agree, Susan! It is nice when a conversation is started by a comment. and what makes me even happier is to see when a commenter has made a provocative comment and even before i have had the time to go in and reply, other commenters have joined in the conversation started by that first commenter… this makes me feel really good because the readers of my blog care enough not only to comment but to reply to other commented with their ideas and opinions 😀
thanks for sharing your perspective with us, Susan!
Hi Diana, I loved this! So practical and so useful. I really appreciate how you brought the much needed aspect of being “personal” back to blogging. Since the internet can oftentimes act as a barrier/ shield when interacting with people, it’s so important to remember these principles which you’ve extracted and apply them. 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Vrindavan! Yes, many people often forget that bloggers are just people like everybody else – with their pains and joys, with their knowledge and barriers, with everything… just like everybody else 😀 it’s good to be reminded from time to time it is the personal connection and the shared knowledge we all value 😉 thanks for stopping by!
Many times, I’ve come across blogs where the site owner does not approve comments in a timely manner, which makes the blog uninviting. I only sometimes click the box to follow-up comments via email. I like how the comments for WordPress blogs will appear within my WordPress dashboard, which makes it easier to quickly take note of rather than when they clog up my email.
Hey, Jrei! Thanks for bringing this up! I too go back more often to blogs that either don’t require approval for blogs or if they do – it’s just the first time and it’s quick. I am trying to approve as soon as i see a comment, even if i don;t have time to reply immediately. Great point, thanks for adding it 😀
What do you think about not onlyresponding to comments but also thanking them for commenting?
Oops, found you through BHB.
Yesss, VERY good point! It is important that we thank our readers for the comments – after all, they not only took the time to read the post but they also took extra time to actually add to the discussion. Thanks for adding this important do of blog commenting, Sandra 😉
As someone who is yet to freelance, it’s interesting to see what sort of issues you need to face. If and when I go in this direction, it’s great to have some idea of how to proceed and what not to accept!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Have a nice weekend. ashley
Hey, Ashley! Thanks for your comment… however, i am a bit confused – how this blog post about dos and don’ts of blog commenting relates to freelance issues?