Photo by Tamelyn Feinstein
Comments – bloggers lust after them. They make our day, and many times, it's what we use to measure the "success" of a post.
But they can be hard to get, can't they?
This may sound obvious, but a post won't generate a lot of comments unless it's a comment-worthy post. And a blog that doesn't publish a ton of comment-worthy posts tends to hear the crickets in the audience more than they'd like.
Does this sound like something you struggle with? Here's a few ideas to maybe generate more comments from your readers:
1. Respond to the comments you do get. Even if you just get one or two, reply to every single one in the beginning. This will show readers you want to interact, and it'll be more of an incentive to them.
2. Go to your commenter's blogs, and leave comments there. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. They'll appreciate it, and will probably be more likely to comment on your blog again. This might start a blogging relationship, which could lead to a wider audience, and therefore – more comments.
3. Answer their questions in a post. Many times this acts as double-duty, because it also generates another post idea for you. Everyone loves to see their name in writing, and it's icing on the cake if it's linked back to their blog. It's also good practice to ask them via e-mail first if they'd mind youranswering their question in a post.
4. Be humble in your post. If you sound like you know everything about everything, people aren't as motivated to comment. They might be afraid of a snarky response from you, or they might just not want to waste their time conversing with someone high-and-mighty. Don't be afraid to share mistakes, weaknesses, or uncertainty. Don't be afraid of the words "I don't know."
Photo by Rick Audet
5. Ask questions, especially in the end. I end almost all my posts on Simple Mom with a question posed to the readers. Many times, answering that question is specifically what the comments are about.
6. Assume (in a light-hearted way) that you will get comments. Follow up your ending question with a phrase like, "I look forward to reading your answers in the comments section below," or "I'll see you in the comments section." It's like inviting your readers to a discussion.
7. Make it easy to comment. When a blog has a million hoops to jump through in order for my comment to register, I lose motivation to bother posting. Make your comment form clear and simple, and if it's possible, have the option for a reader to select their info to be remembered. And if you have a blog with blogger, please enable non-blogger readers to comment without having to register for a blogger account.
8. Use Wordpress plug-ins. If you have a Wordpress.org blog, there are a few plug-ins that encourage more comments. Comment Luv allows commenters to leave a link to their last post on their blog, and Comment Relish automatically generates a thank you e-mail (that you write) to first-time commenters. Easy Gravatars publishes commenters' photos (if they've set them up with Gravatar), which helps establish a more personal feel.
9. Be a bit open-ended. Don't write absolutely everything you can on your post's topic. Let your readers pick up in the comments section – they can add ideas, stories of their personal experience, or maybe an opposing opinion.
10. Write about things people want to comment on. Look at your past posts, and find the posts that have generated the most comments. What do they have in common? If you see a common thread, pull on it, and replicate. It might generate more comments again.
Now it's your turn – what has worked for you? What hasn't worked? Do you care about getting comments? If so, it's important not to just lay back and hope for comments – you need to write in a way that encourages conversation.
And with that in mind… I'll see you in the comments section!
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"Toblerone" is an American mom living overseas with two kids 3 and under, and she writes about life hacks for home managers at Simple Mom. She is also the editor for the Digital Bliss channel here at Blissfully Domestic. Her latest favorite online app is the Remember The Milk addon for Gmail.
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Thank you very much for this helpful info. I am a brand spankin new blogger and need all the help I can get. So far there has been just one comment on my blog from someone other than a family member. I need to remember to blog about things others would be interested in. Hope you have a great day! terry
@Terry – You're welcome! You know, it's also good to consider the idea of whether you even want/need comments outside your family. If your blog is for you and your family only, then there's no need to "do" anything different. But if you're hoping to get more out in the blogosphere, then yes, these may help. But please don't think your blog isn't a success yet – it very well may be, depending on your definition of its success.
I think one of the most important things you mentioned is commenting on the blogs of people who comment on yours. It just grows. They come back and comment again, and then readers are more likely to comment when they see others jumping in.
I'm always impressed when I see the big bloggers still take the time to visit my blog. It's work and time, but it's good for all of us.
I love getting comments, and because of this, I try to be a good commenter. Commenting on other people's blogs hasn't gotten me a lot of comments yet, but it has definitely generated traffic. The other tips are great too, including ending posts with a question. I want to do that, but the nature of my blog makes that a little tough. I tend to feature products, so I'd hate to ask "how would you use this" on every post. LOL. Any suggestions?
Hi. Thanks for your tips! There is something I have been wondering: What is the best way to respond to a comment? Reply by email, post a comment under their comment on my post, or comment on their blog? I haven't been very good at responding to comments lately, and I'd like to do better. Thanks again!
Glad this is generating some of your interest!
@Jennae – Your right, it is hard to have a conversational blog that features products. If you're willing, maybe you can ask readers if they actually like the product, if it's something they could actually benefit from? You're running the risk of them saying 'no', but that may be a good thing. Those can be good conversations, and you get feedback on what types of products to showcase. I'd imagine you'd want your blog to be useful to your readers. That'll keep them returning.
@Jo – I'd say it depends on the situation. All of what you suggested are good ways to respond. If they ask a question that requires a slightly more personal answer, maybe e-mail is good. Sometimes just being in your own comment section is good, so that your other readers can read the answer, and see that you haven't just ignored your reader's question. And yes, the person's comment section is a good place, too.
Honestly, I live for comments. I get excited to see the wisdom and great advice that usually comes from the comments. I also comment massively on any blog that I find interesting!
Need to add those plugins to my site. That's one thing I don't always have time to do- is work on the admin part.
Thanks for the helpful post.
Definitely the posts where I open up and am vulnerable garner the most comments.
Fun article, thanks!
Great ideas! I definitely don't comment enough so I'm off to get started on this exercise!
Great tips – thanks!
Hi – a good post – thanks! I don't currently get that many comments on my site, so good to see some tips..
Although I also blog about what I want to as well rather than blogging about things that people may comment more on. It's what my whole blog is about to me.
But some comments would be good..
Will pop in again soon!
Thanks for the tips. I have a blogger blog and immediately went to check my settings. I have if open to anyone. Was glad for the info and wanted to make sure all peeps could comment. Since I have it open to anyone, I just don't understand why I dont' seem to get comments from certain people. I know you say to try and comment back to people who comment on your blog. I really try to do this. I am curious about the "big blog mommas". I comment on MANY blogs including ones that belong to some higher traffic sites. I know they can't comment back to everyone, but I NEVER get comments back from them. So, what is the deal? I am faithful to participate in their blog carnivals and comment on almost every post they have. Maybe I am hormonal today, but I just wanted to express my frustration as a "small fish" in the big blog pond. Hey big fish, show some of us small fish a little comment Love, as well. So, Simplemom, do you have any tips for this situation? I appreciate all your good ideas. I enjoy your posts on DB magazine!
Okay, hope I didn't sound too whiney! Just wondering about it, all.
Great 10 ideas that you have listed. I'm sure if I am able to implement most of your ideas I will get a better readership and more interactivity with my readers.
Great list! I also try to use the Chris Brogan method of leaving something out of your post – write an "imperfect" post so there is something for readers to contribute. (Goes with your #9)
@Lisa – It's a good question, and one I don't take lightly. FYI, I just hopped over to your blog, and I think you're doing pretty well, comment-wise! I think there was only one post on your front page w/o a comment, and you've got quite a few on there! I saw 9 comments, 12 comments, 14 comments. Not too shabby, in my opinion.
I think it's important to ask the question I talked about back in my first post about blogging here at BD – what's your blog about? If it's mostly about you and your family – and it's completely and totally fine if it is – then make the space for you, and don't worry too much about the comment number.
But if you're hoping to generate some money, or be the go-to resource for something specific, then you need to write for your readers, and not for you. Be in it for them, seek out ways to improve their life, and write about it. Present material your readers want, and their comments should hopefully follow.
So, I guess what I'm saying is – decide on your blog's purpose, and if you write for you, then the comments are just gravy.
I love your blog and this post! Some great ideas i will think about when posting.
Comments have been on the light side, but the traffic is still there. i do my best to respond personally on their blog or email. if all else fails, i respond in my own comment section.
the posts with the most comments – the giveaways for sure!!
Thanks again!
Great article. Had to add it to my del.ic.ious. I so agree about letting non-bloggers post comments. That drives me nuts!
I'm all about comments. I'm a major commenter– partly because if I was talking to the person, I'd have a response, and partly because I know how good it feels to get a comment.
Also, an exciting milestone for me is getting comments from people I don't personally know who are reading my blog! Now that makes me feel special!
Hello! I think we all love to receive comments, let's face it, it makes us feel special. I do get fed up with people who never reply to a comment, it seems very selfish…especially if you're not big fry as opposed to small fry on the blogging scene! Great points you've made here, thank you.
Thanks for the tips. It's funny how true it is that we bloggers love comments and yet how "embarrassed" we can be to admit it. (at least that's the case for me!)
Good thoughts, everyone!
I think it's important to remember to do what you can, and move on. We can't control our readers, other bloggers, the blogs we comment on. Comments aren't the end all, be all, and they're not the only yardstick for measuring a good blog. I know it FEELS that way sometimes.
These are some awesome suggestions! It's just nice to know that we aren't just writing to ourselves sometimes
Great suggestions. I try not to get too hung up on numbers of comments or who comments because I think we can lose our confidence and get stressed out over things we cannot control. Some blogs get tons of comments and others not so much, but it doesn't mean as much as some might think.
My blog gets a fair amount of traffic but the percentage of people actually commenting on each post is comparatively pretty small. Yet, my daily traffic remains high each day. I just assume some people appreciate my posts but don't feel the need to comment, or they read in a reader and it is extra effort to make a comment so they just read and move on. Other times, like this week, I might get over 90 comments on a post because I was inviting people to share their opinion. People love to share if you ask them the right kinds of questions!
I love the connection I can make when people comment, and do my best to return visits at least within the week, but you are so right, you cannot use the number of comments as a yardstick to measure your worth. Some people like to connect and some don't. It takes awhile to find the ones who do.
Great work, thanks for putting this post together!
Melissa
Thanks for the very helpful advise.
Great tips, I found your blog by accident, and I plan on reading as much as I can tonight!
Wow, this is a really handy list of tips you've put together (and btw, I love the image used).
This was a great post! I stopped while reading to use one of your suggestions…went back and added the "looking forward to hearing from you…" idea.
Do you think it's okay to actually talk with your readers about the intention of your blog, and asking for their opinion?
I began as a blog to share my illustrations and rhymes. I need to sell my art…but then I shared a story about my Mother who has Alzheimers, and found that everyone was suddenly interested in her. They have sent her cards and become very much her friend over the past months. They've been amazing.
But selling my illustrations allows me to be with her at the hospice. If I spend too much time focusing on her, I don't sell illustrations. I'm not building my sales the way that I need to build them.
Do I dare discuss this with my readers?
What is appropriate? Defining the purpose of your blog is important and I totally agree with that. But how do you step back and regroup?
This was a fabulous post. Thank you very much.
love it – as soon as I saw your title I thought…I bet one of her suggestions is 'ask a question' as you always do that – duh – not sure why it took this long to sink in! Thanks!
I appreciate the info. As a new blogger, I have only gotten comments on something I responded to on another blog. I'll definitely use your tips to up my game!
Thank you so much! Your blogging articles are the best and so useful!