One skill in blogging that is forgotten or ignored is the skill of commenting. Making a comment that is eye catching, insightful, and engaging will help you build your community. Yes even going onto a blog that is not your own you can work on your community. Comments are a place that you can get interaction with others and create a following on your social media profiles, blog and more.
To create the perfect comment you need 5 tools. These 5 tools can help you become an expert commenter!
Picture
Not the most important part of your comment but still can make or break a connection with the author or other readers. If you don’t have a good photo or an eye catching photo you may be looked over as a nameless, faceless visitor.
If you use the same photo as with your other media, you may find that others start recognizing you. If they recognize you they will be more inclined to interact with you. You may get even more interaction from an author if you make a point to always comment on their most current post. If you are using the same photo for comments that will make sure they recognize your comments right away.
To make sure your photo will show up on your comments and make it easily updated make sure and have a gravatar account. When you update your social media photos make sure you update gravatar also.
URL
You always, always want to enter your URL correctly on your comments. But remember your URL is there for more than just getting people to hope over to your site. This is a place people can check out your expertise on the subject you are talking about and to give you credibility!
If you make a really good comment but don’t leave a link why they should listen to you on the subject? You could just be another online troll or just spam. If you are commenting on a post in your niche and if you are really looking for interaction then you need to prove your expertise.
Input (Answer Their Question)
If the blogger you are reading is a good blogger then they have finished their article with a question or a major conversation starter. Make a point and answer their question or to get into their conversation. They are looking for a way to interact with you. With this question or point they have given you the quickest and easiest way to start a conversation.
Now if the blogger didn’t leave off with a question you still want to give your input. If you are leaving a comment this is the most important step in leaving a good comment. What was it about their article that caught your eye and made you want to comment?
Insight
The next step is one that digs deeper than just giving input, give the writer your insight into their post. Share an experience or suggestion with them that shows your experiences with the subject. You want to share something that adds to their post. This could be a quick story, a tip, or maybe a point that they missed
If they missed a point in their post that you think is important don’t wave it in their face as a mistake. Come at it as you want to help or expand what they were already talking about.
Question
One of the largest missed opportunities in making a comment is to ask a question. If you are wanting to truly interact with the writer or other readers then finish your comment with a question. One reason people love comments or commenting is they really are looking to get involved in a conversation. Asking a question will encourage others to comment right back at you.
When you ask a question you need to either make sure you subscribe to the comments or check back so that you can see the answer to your question and hopefully you can continue the conversation.
Time to Try it!
So what are you waiting for, go out and start commenting! Try using these 5 tools and see how they work for you. I promise you will be surprised at the difference good comments can make in your interactions on other blogs, your follows, and on your own blog!
Do you have a system for your comments? Have you ever gotten into a great conversation via comments before?
Pepper, these are very helpful tips! I am admittedly a poor commenter, as I tend to be a lurker hiding in the shadows. But, I can see how commenting is a act of generosity towards others and an easy way to be a blessing. I am going to use these tips to be a helpful and gracious blog reader. Thank you!
Thanks Joy! Yes commenting really can be a blessing to other bloggers. There are so many good writers out there that feel like they are talking to themselves. If we leave one comment it could brighten their day but also encourage them to keep going!
Pepper ~
These are excellent suggestions. As a long time blogger and one who has started getting more spam comments than I can handle your tips are right on the mark. I’m to the point where if you just comment and restate my post I’m not going to publish it. If you just say great post… not getting published.
The purpose of comments on my site is to create a community ~ not just have a comment count, so the comments that are irrelevant, or not useful just aren’t going to make the cut anymore.
I’ve noticed lately a lot of bloggers aren’t publishing comments that don’t have a real image. So it’s even more important to make sure you grab a gravatar account and get it set up.
I love the idea of asking a question at the end of my comment. I think if the blogger is really interested in creating conversations on their blog it’s important to have a way to subscribe to comments to people can see when others reply. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure I have comment subscription up on my blog yet lol. Better get on it.
Yes I’m a huge believer in community over numbers, I actually got so frustrated with people who just inflate their numbers by if you follow me I will follow you that I stopped seeking good communities to join.
I was hesitant to join your facebook group because of this, but then realized no I need to get out and socialize with other bloggers again. And so far I’m very excited to get to know you and the other bloggers more!
Good tips Pepper. I think it is key to share a good comment that responds to the topic being discussed. Too many marketers and business owners still are trying to ‘sell’ within their comments and that is a big no, no.
Another tip I would like to add, replying on others comments. Leave your comment but also reply to those that brought up good points and you want to recognize them for that. This is another way to show your ‘social’ presence and others will see you as leader or expert in your niche or market.
If you are going to spend time reading the posts, then spend the time to leave a good comment — oh, and be sure to ‘share’ on the social sites as well.
Pepper,
I love your take on commenting. The Gravatar is so important to me. I actually have asked my readers twice now to have one. As of March 15th if you don;t have a Gravatar or a really good comment, I will delete the comment. I like to know who I am talking to. OMG! Can you imagine if Gravatar went under? What would we do?
I do need to disagree a bit about the link. Not everyone has a blog or a form of public site but still want to comment. Maybe they are just looking at recipes or designs and want to compliment the writer. I see what you are writing about commenting in your niche, yes, definitely leave your URL.
I never disagree so I thought I would try it out on you, lol. Hope you don’t mind. Come on over to my blog and wreak havoc, 😉
Oh! One more thing. Asked a question in the comments not too long ago and the author made a whole post about the answer and mentioned me. It was awesome!
Have a great weekend.
~Allie
Right on target! People who leave ‘nice post’ kinds of comments most likely just don’t know any better (so really need this article). Leaving thoughtful comments is a gift to the author.
One network I belong to also suggests to include key words in the comment, that it boosts google juice. Do you suppose that’s true?
Great blogger insight into these ‘tools of an expert commenter’. 🙂
I agree with everything you shared in this post. Insights and questions are very important when commenting to blogs.
Simple replies tends to be treated as spam so that adds more to the need for insightful comments. This will promote a better conversation on the comments.
I always try to be more than usual “thanks” “that’s a great post” etc.There is no need for such replies. Comments are an opportunity for conversation, to exchange thoughts different points of view and personal stories.