The web is a community. Sometimes we forget that when we blog. We see our blog as a destination, a resource or source of information for those who visit it. A way of marketing ourselves and our thoughts or products. But when we do that we forget one big difference between blogs and print media such as magazines or newspapers — blogs allow readers and writers to interact in real time (or nearly real time). Blogs allow others to comment on what we write. That’s a great thing. Most blog writers I know love getting feedback and reading what others have to say about their articles. But do we think to go out and leave comments on blogs others write?
Commenting on another writer’s blog makes you part of the community. It can gain you followers, build readership, establish your presence, build your reputation as a knowledgeable writer on a topic. Sounds like a lot, right? It can also piss people off and get you branded as a spammer. It’s all in how you approach the process. So, how do you comment on other’s blogs effectively?
First, you must respect the writer by actually READING their blog. I know this sounds obvious, but it really is the one thing that sets a commenter apart from a pure spammer. Spammers visit hundreds of blogs a day and post vague comments such as “Great blog, bro! Love your layout.” I know they make comments like this because I get them on my blogs and since I’m not a “bro” I generally delete them.
But this leads to another detail. Once you’ve read the blog, you’ll want to make a comment that shows that you’ve read it and have something to say about the actual subject matter. In other words, be specific. I delete all vague comments that don’t show the commenter has ever read the blog.
Don’t comment just to pimp your blog. I run into lots of new bloggers who feel angry and frustrated when they realize someone’s comment on their blog was nothing more than a blatant excuse to link to the commenter’s blog. No one is fooled by this sort of post, and it will just get your comment deleted.
So, what do you want to do? Well, first read the blog. Then make a specific and helpful comment on the information presented. Make sure that comment shows that you did read the blog. Include a discreet link to your blog but don’t be obnoxious about it. Even if you follow these rules, some people will still delete your comments. Make a note of those bloggers who are willing to interact and visit their blogs more often. But remember — if they comment on your blog, you need to return the favor.
Oct 07 2010
Commenting on blogs to grow readership
category: blogging author: tm.smith
Commenting on another writer’s blog makes you part of the community. It can gain you followers, build readership, establish your presence, build your reputation as a knowledgeable writer on a topic. Sounds like a lot, right? It can also piss people off and get you branded as a spammer. It’s all in how you approach the process. So, how do you comment on other’s blogs effectively?
First, you must respect the writer by actually READING their blog. I know this sounds obvious, but it really is the one thing that sets a commenter apart from a pure spammer. Spammers visit hundreds of blogs a day and post vague comments such as “Great blog, bro! Love your layout.” I know they make comments like this because I get them on my blogs and since I’m not a “bro” I generally delete them.
But this leads to another detail. Once you’ve read the blog, you’ll want to make a comment that shows that you’ve read it and have something to say about the actual subject matter. In other words, be specific. I delete all vague comments that don’t show the commenter has ever read the blog.
Don’t comment just to pimp your blog. I run into lots of new bloggers who feel angry and frustrated when they realize someone’s comment on their blog was nothing more than a blatant excuse to link to the commenter’s blog. No one is fooled by this sort of post, and it will just get your comment deleted.
So, what do you want to do? Well, first read the blog. Then make a specific and helpful comment on the information presented. Make sure that comment shows that you did read the blog. Include a discreet link to your blog but don’t be obnoxious about it. Even if you follow these rules, some people will still delete your comments. Make a note of those bloggers who are willing to interact and visit their blogs more often. But remember — if they comment on your blog, you need to return the favor.
tag: blogging, commenting on blogs, growing an audience