Commenting on blog posts can be a bit of a minefield. I don't know if it's just me, but sometimes, I find it really hard. When I first started blogging, I thought it would be one of those things that got a lot easier - it did get easier, but I still sometimes struggle with it. In the beginning, I often found myself asking:
1. Will the blogger think "who are you and why are you commenting here"?
No. Trust me on this, they really won't. If bloggers don't want comments, they will turn off the feature allowing them. I can only speak for myself (but I really think the vast majority of bloggers will agree with this point) but getting comments on a post is a lovely feeling - it means readers want to engage with us!
2. Is it weird if I keep commenting on different posts on the same blog?
Again, no. I have quite a few people who comment regularly on my posts and I love it. Obviously it's good to know people are returning, and repeat comments show this, but also, it's a great way of meeting readers and building up a relationship with them.
3. I disagree with the points made. Should I still comment?
Yes. The world would be a boring place if everyone agreed with each other and all saw the world the exact same way. It shows that you have thought about what has been said and I love seeing my readers opinions on the topics I am talking about. However, if you can't disagree in a non offensive way, then I would say don't comment. There is a huge difference between saying "I disagree with this point because XYZ" than, for example, "what a load of crap you don't know what you are talking about". See the difference?With that in mind, here are my top tips for how and why to comment on blog posts.
How to comment on blog posts
Honestly, bloggers love comments, and I appreciate every single person who takes time out of their days to read my posts and comment on them, as I'm sure most bloggers do. Here are a few tips if you want to leave comments, but struggle with what to write:
1. Comment in your own voice.
If you write with humour, leave a funny comment, if you use slang in your writing, use some slang in your comment (I would avoid swearing though unless you know the blogger well enough to know they would be ok with it, or the post itself has swearing in it).
2. Be real. Be honest.
As mentioned above, if you disagree with points made in the post, you can still comment - be honest! No one wants to read a comment that feels fake. Don't gush about how right the blogger is if you have recently written a post saying the exact opposite - there's a chance people may have read your post and will now be wondering about your honesty. There's nothing wrong with saying that the post was well written, or gave you food for thought, you can always find a positive spin for the comment if you really don't feel comfortable disagreeing.
If you have joined a linky (more on those later in the month) it may be that the host requires you to comment on certain post, for example, the one linked up directly before yours. This can be awkward if the post is something you wouldn't normally want to read. Go in with an open mind - you might enjoy the post! When it's time to comment, again be honest. Something along the lines of "This isn't something I would normally be into, but I enjoyed learning a little more about it" is fine.
3. Show that you have read the post.
This is by far the most important element when commenting. "Great post" is fine to start or end a comment, but build on it. Alone, this sounds like you couldn't be bothered to read the post! Pick out a point or two to mention from the post. For example, for this post you could say something like "I swear on my blog all the time, but never swear when commenting." It shows the blogger that you have actually read the post, and adds something to the conversation.
4. Add to the discussion
Try to make sure your comment add something to the discussion - try to steer clear of generic comments. There are a few ways to do this:
- If the blogger has left a lead to be discussed in the comments, answer the question.
- Expand on a point from the original post.
- Share an experience you've had that relates to the post.
- Ask a question about something in the post you would like to know more about.
Why you should comment on blog posts.
I don't like using the word "should". It's certainly not my place to tell other bloggers what they should or shouldn't be doing, but I feel commenting is such an important element that is often brushed over or forgotten altogether.
1. To Share the blogger love!
I'm a big believer in credit where credit is due. If you read a post and love it, why wouldn't you want to tell the writer? If the post helped you, moved you, made you laugh or even made you mad it's always good to share the blogger love!
2. To get you noticed/build your SEO
This one is purely from a selfish stand point, but leaving comments on other people's blogs is a good way to potentially have them visit your blog, especially if you have followed the points above and left a genuine, insightful comment that shows you have read the post.
Leaving your blog link in your comment is a great way to build you SEO and also to let the blogger know where to find you. The odd blogger won't allow you to leave your link (I have no idea why - if you are one of them, please do tell me in the comments!), so check for any warnings before you comment. Most bloggers are fine with it - they understand the you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours rule with regards to SEO. Also, if the blogger wants to pop over and return your visit (a lot do) it saves them having to hunt down your url. I would add here that one link is enough - if you are leaving more than that, your comment looks like a shameless plug and loses any value it brought to the conversation.
I must admit, I am the world's worst for reading posts and forgetting to comment. This doesn't mean I hate the post, or don't enjoy the blog! Don't get too disheartened if you don't have a lot of comments, you may still have a lot of regular readers!
Bonus section - managing comments on your blog
I think the simple rule of thumb here is if people take the time out to comment on your post, it's only manners to reply to their comment. Unless you are getting hundreds of comments a day, it's really not that hard or time consuming.
At the very least, thank the person for their comment - even if the comment is clearly someone who hasn't read the post, it doesn't hurt to just say thank you for commenting. I love reading and responding to comments - I often find that the comments put a new light on the post, or bring up a point I hadn't thought of. It's also a good way to get to know a little more about your readers.
I hope this post has given you some help with commenting. Do you have any top tips you would like to add? Let me know in the comments :)
