Recently I sent a friend a link to a blog post that I thought she would enjoy. The next day she let me know that she liked the post and that she had left a comment. She added that she was thrilled to see that her comment included a link back to her website.
I thought this was common knowledge, but since it isn’t, I decided to share some reasons why you should seize the opportunity to comment on blog posts whenever possible.
1. Improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Whenever I come across an interesting blog post, I make an effort to post a thoughtful comment. The vast majority of blogs will include a link back to your site or blog, and the more links you have pointing to your site, the better for SEO. Google likes incoming links, especially from high-traffic sites that are related to what you do.
For example, if you are a dog trainer, it would be wise for you to comment on blogs about dog training. Each comment you add with a link back to your site can improve your relevance with Google (and with the other search engines as well).
2. Increased Community Visibility
A friend of mine has a six-figure niche publishing business. I asked how he built such a loyal following in his field and he said a big part of his strategy was to get involved in online forums and blogs. He began commenting on posts and engaging in the conversation. This is key.
A good comment goes beyond “Great post, thanks for sharing.” Instead it adds to the conversation. For example, if you read a post with dog training tips, your comment can suggest a few additional tips not covered in the post. When you do this on a regular basis, you will inevitably start to build recognition in the community in which you engage.
3. Increased Blogger Visibility
Comments are moderated by humans for most blogs. That means that before your comment is added to the site, someone must decide to approve it. When you consistently participate in the conversation and add value, the blog owner or moderator is going to notice. They may even link back to your site, visit your blog or want to learn more about what you do. Who knows, you may even find a way to collaborate on something if you hit it off at the virtual cocktail party.
Side note: I believe that socializing online is not much different than socializing in person. Some of my most valued alliance partners and clients are people I’ve met virtually.
4. Targeted Website Traffic
Smart comments go beyond improving SEO and catching the eye of the blog host, they can also prompt other blog readers to click your link and check out what you’re all about. That’s right, you can generate targeted traffic one click at a time with a simple, smart blog comment.
5. Good Karma
Call me crazy, but I believe in generating good karma. When you post a positive comment on a blog, it can only equate to increased positive comments coming your way. I avoid writing negative comments or reviews. That doesn’t mean that I won’t occasionally challenge someone (that can be fun!), but generally speaking, I believe in spreading only positivity around. The world has enough complainers.
And by the way, I moderate my own blog and delete more comments than I approve. A good percentage of the comments that come in don’t say much beyond “Thanks for the post.” Others begin by giving a thoughtful response and then weave in some sort of sales pitch at the end. Sorry folks, these don’t make it. Blog comments should avoid being self-serving.
Perhaps if we had a relationship because you frequently posted interesting comments, then I would be willing to let the occasional sales pitch sneak in. See how this works? Cyber relationships can be built one comment at a time. So the next time you come across an interesting blog post, take a moment to craft a thoughtful response. Make this a habit and you’re sure to reap the rewards.
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March 9th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Stephanie,
This is such an excellent post and another example of why I am proud to follow you on Twitter and re-tweet your stuff. You are always willing to give and give.
The hardest part is time management and deciding how much is enough and still be genuine. But as you say one comment, one relationship at a time!
Best
March 9th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Thanks for a great post (yeah, yeah, I know. Trite, but true). I didn’t know that the website links counted in google search–the things we learn from following a link on Twitter!
March 9th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Commenting on blog posts also gives you the chance to build relationships with bloggers. I have built several new friendships with brilliant bloggers through the comments section. And like the Godfather taught us, you can never have enough friends.
Keep up the great posts Stephanie!
March 9th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Stephanie,
Thanks for the great post. Yes, I know you said that sentence by it’s self doesn’t make a good comment so I’ll add more to it. You make some important points on ways to build readers for your own blog.
However, with so many blogs out there it’s hard to keep up with even the ones in your field of interest. What I have done is use the RSS sign up on the blogs that I’m interested in and try to keep up on Google Reader. Even then it’s hard to find the time to read so many posts. I’m now trying to focus mainly on a few blogs in my niche and occasionally some others.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Excellent tips. I especially appreciate the Good Karma note. I do have an SEO question about links back to your site. I have been hearing and seeing more about “no follow” blocks for comments on blogs and would love to hear your thoughts on that. Clare
March 9th, 2010 at 7:35 am
Thanks for all the insight into leving replies to blogs. I’m new to social media and every tip helps. I feel I need a little more help with blogging etiquette. Have a great day.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Thanks for all of your comments!
Chuck: The time management issue affects us all. You’ll notice that some weeks I post more than others. It’s a balancing act and I choose never to post for the sake of posting–only when I have something to say. Same is true for social media!
Judi: You make a good point about Twitter. This is where I find a lot of blog posts that I wouldn’t otherwise know about.
Janice: Thanks for reminding us all about RSS readers. These tools are essential for keeping up on our favorite blogs!
Louis: I love the Godfather reference! My cyber-friends are some of my best supporters and it’s always fun when you finally get to meet someone in person at an event or conference.
Clare: Yes, the No Follow links are out there. The theory is that if bloggers start blocking links from being followed by Google, it will keep the spammers at bay. I haven’t seen these used as much, though that could certainly change.
Ken: We’re all learning something new daily! Technology is changing so fast. Remember when e-mail was introduced and how resistant most people were to using it? I can’t imagine running my business without it!
Have a great day everyone!
March 9th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Hi Stephanie! I loved that you called the conversation happening in the blog’s comment section a “virtual cocktail party”! What a great way to look at it – you’re right that it’s just about the same experience as chatting face to face. Which is a good reminder, because a lot of times I’m amazed when people write comments that they clearly wouldn’t say in a one to one chat. Right on, Stephanie!
March 9th, 2010 at 10:17 am
I try to write or schedule a blog post for Tuesdays and Sundays. They seem to get the most traffic for people searching for travel and or cruises. There is already #traveltuesday on Twitter and I think the Sunday searches came from football widows.
I also get good traffic with virtual follow along with us cruises when I post live from the cruise ship every day. I just wish I could be more proficient at it. I think balancing business, family, a dog and a six year old plays into that too. Then again you and Chris Brogan do it very efficiently and well!
March 9th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Barbara: I do love the concept of the virtual cocktail party, which puts it all into perspective. You wouldn’t walk into a party and do nothing but talk about yourself, right? You would ask questions, respond to conversation and engage!
Chuck: It sounds like you have a great groove going with your blog. I am grateful for the comparison to Chris Brogan, who I think is a much more disciplined blogger than I am. Of all the things I do, creating content – blogs, books, ebooks, articles, etc. – is my favorite thing to do. But sometimes life gets in the way and I’m not able to generate as much as I’d like. I think that as long as we all post something that matters, vs. posting for the sake of posting, we will find that the loyalty follows.
Thanks for all the great feedback!
March 9th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Thanks to @shellykramer for pointing me to this post (and ur blog).
I especially agree with your “good Karma” point.
So you recommend posting regular comments on the same blogs that are related to your field? I’ve always worried about “bugging” a blogger because I figure that they see that I am linking to my website each time. I guess that as long as I’m contributing to the conversation and not pitching something then I shouldn’t worry about bugging them…is that correct?
March 10th, 2010 at 9:34 am
I am at the early stages of setting up and using an on-line social network which will include blogging. Even though I am over whelmed, I am confident I will be able to navigate these strange waters with help like this. Thank you Stephanie
March 10th, 2010 at 10:11 am
I think you’ve made some great points, sometimes you want traffic so badly, you forget your comment should not be a commercial. Thanks for the reminder.
March 25th, 2010 at 7:00 am
I’m so appreciative of your post, 1 because it’s a wake-up call and 2 because you provide a framework for commenting on blogs that is truthful and genuine. Thank you!
May 31st, 2010 at 5:44 pm
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