As a writer, do you remember the first ever comment to your blog? In all probability it was a friend or colleague you discussed the post with, and you savored it. Or, it even could have been the reader in you posting a comment. (Some of us have done that too. You know, just a pat on the back, I-believe-in-myself routine!) Well, no matter how that first comment reached your first blog post, the feeling is certainly great. As time goes by and your blog takes off, that first comment gives way to many more and over time, you begin to rate the success of your blog posts based on the number of comments they receive.
However, if you feel your blog isn’t really a comments magnet, what do you do? Here are a 7 tips, strong ones too, that will help you solve this dilemma and aid your blog in drawing in as many comments as possible.
Make the blog your own, with pride: Readers love it when a blogger proudly owns up to his work. Putting up your smiling, friendly looking picture on the blog gives your work a face and lets readers know whom they are dealing with. The ‘About Me’ section is an important one too. Use your words carefully here, try to connect with the audience you expect to read the blog and avoid biased views, at least right away!
Write for others, not just for yourself: The content direction of a blog is a great influence on the reader’s level of involvement. If the tone of your blog suggests you are only rambling, readers will leave you to your thoughts, even if they enjoy them. If you write ‘for’ them, they will recognize the gesture and show their appreciation. Eventually, the content of your blog will encourage readers to leave comments. The other factors are only catalysts.
Never ignore the negative comments, ever: Pay attention to every comment, especially the negative ones. Successful bloggers jump headlong into a negative situation, offer a solution, set things right and then bring in the reader again to share how it helped. These stories make a blog look alive and few other blogging strategies make this connection – where a story gone wrong is set right, all through honest acknowledgment. Readers of your blogs are also readers of your comments, and such situations encourage them to get in, knowing you are involved.
Challenge a few notions and jolt your readers into a debate: This is a great way to initiate an interesting discussion. You have to do this right though, or else there are chances it just might backfire. Throw the challenge in a friendly tone though, without sounding too pompous or arrogant, because that is sure to be a turn-off and we all know how one wrong turn could spoil a blog’s image forever.
Make leaving comments easy, and remember the thank-you notes: I know how important captchas and equations are to keep those dreadful spammers at bay. Yet, make the process as easy as possible. More importantly, make sure you thank the commenter enough once the comment is submitted. Even if you cannot offer rewards, at least make sure you convey enough gratitude. This will encourage repeats.
Comment on other blogs, and the favor will be returned: Reaching out to other bloggers is a great way of inviting them over to check out your work. It also gives you the opportunity to leave your blog URL in their comments section!
End your blogs with a question: People come in to read your work, so it is your responsibility to initiate a discussion. A question at the end of the blog, or a line (like the one below!) inviting readers to share their thoughts or experiences is a great way of enticing them into leaving comments.
So, how do you encourage your readers to comment on your blog posts? Do you have a special trick that always works? It would be great if you could add more tips below!
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