Taking the time to write a comment after reading a blog article sometimes seems like more trouble than it’s worth, but after nearly a year of experimenting with what works and what doesn’t in social media, I’ve come to the conclusion that comment writing is one of the most undervalued activities one can engage in on-line.
Comments work in several ways, and produce both expected and unexpected results.
- Provides Feedback – A well-written comment provides valuable and appreciated feedback to the author of the article.
- Encourages Author to Clarify – Comments often result in a response that further clarifies the author’s position on an issue. It allows readers a chance to present a viewpoint that differs from that of the author.
- Gets Others Involved – Your comment may spark an interesting (and entertaining) dialog between the author and other readers. It’s not uncommon for this “conversation” to be even more interesting and engaging than the original article.
- Provides a Way to Get to Know the Author – Comments often lead to a dialog and that is a great way of “getting to know” the author, which can come in handy further down the road.
- Gives You a Chance to Promote Yourself – Comments are a great place to leave links to something relevant that you may be working on. This is not the place for blatant self-promotion, but if your links are helpful and relevant, they are usually appreciated.
- May Lead to More Followers and Fans – If you include your Twitter handle or Facebook page, a well-written comment often leads to followers or fans. And these are people who already share some of your interests, and are usually more involved and engaged than the average social media participant.
- Improves Your Presence in Search – Your comments will also frequently rank surprisingly well in a Google-search of your name or for one or more of the terms you write about.
So go ahead — give it a try. Resolve not to keep your comments to yourself in 2010.
Good post. Sometimes the comments are the only way we know someone is actually reading our blog.
I read that only of small percentage of readers make comments on blogs. I like making comments. I try to make sure they are intelligent, on subject, and not offensive. Also, try not to “hog” the comments, if people need my opinions they will ask. By the way, I am a “hobby blogger”, just do it & Twitter for fun
Thanks for the comment. You are right — most people rarely comment on blogs. It is in the comment section of blogs where I have been introduced to some of the most engaging individuals on the web. I appreciate you taking the time, and I will look for your posts on Twitter.
Excellent post Chris. I was just discussing the importance of comments yesterday with my friends Dean and Derek from the DIY network. You guys need to meet.
Comments like this are great, Chris. I appreciate the compliment and knowledge that you took the time to read the post. In addition, I’m now going to take a few minutes and learn about Dean and Derek and the DIY network.
These are all dead on, but you’ve left off one important, albeit simple, reason to leave comments: they make the blogger’s day! My wife maintains a craft blog (http://knotsewcrafty.typepad.com/) and I can see the delight she takes in getting comments, however brief. That little encouragement keeps the blog going, and gives her not only the buzz of connection and self-esteem, but it also focuses her on her “audience.” That is, knowing the voice of her readers helps focus her own voice.
Thanks for the post!
Thanks, Chris. Very true. Always appreciate your comments.