Blog Post Comments: What Good are they Anyway?

Blog post comments have taken a beating of late, or at least I have seen the subject coming up more often. Usually, the discussion or comment revolves around either the chore of writing them or the effort taken to get them.

It’s a Valid Bitch(s):

They do take effort to write or receive and, at times, their value is not immediately apparent. But they are worth a great deal!

Blog post comments most useful (and immediate) effect is to leave a link to your website on noteworthy blogs. I say noteworthy because if the blog is crap (or so far removed from the purpose of your blog as to make the two blogs unrelated) chances are that will also be the value of your comment…crap.

Quality of the blog is not the only thing important. You need to be systematic about commenting on other sites. It should become a daily ritual of reading and commenting. Before you know it you’ll be well informed and well connected.

Keep in mind that developing connections through commenting takes time.

4 Things to Remember:

• Comment on blogs that have a similar message or topic as yours.
• Make your comments meaningful. They should add value to the blog you are commenting on as well as yours.
• Try to establish a rhythm and post to a certain number of blogs (5) everyday.
• Have patience: Like Rome, you blog’s popularity will not be built overnight.

OK. I Get That but When Do I Get Comments?!

Perspective is a funny thing. If your deepest challenge in life has been having the barista get your Frappe Cappuccino made correctly, then all of life is a challenge. But if you struggled to get readers on your blog  for 8 years and then only managed 100 or so, challenge takes on a whole new definition.

True story! Chris Brogan struggled for years before he was well known enough to be able to expect many comments on his blog. The moral of this story is that you must be concerned with your message, not the number of comments you collect.

Remember that your blog is about communicating. Each post should convey new meaning and literally make the reader jump to comment and express themselves.

3 Things to Remember:

• Be about your message not your comment count.
• Write posts that make people think and want to comment.
• As best as is possible, reply to each comment.

Are There Other Values to Blog Post Comments?

Oh my, yes! Up till now I was speaking pretty much about just a person and a blog (whatever the message). But what if you are actively running a business?

Blog post comments can be a marvelous marketing tool!

By finding related blogs with niches similar to yours, you can increase your traffic by leaving quality blog post comments. This in turn may drive other blogs/writers to your site where they will leave equally incisive comments. This can lead to developing professional relationships, increasing your standing in your professional community, and increase traffic to your website.

Jason Falls, a much more insightful person than myself, published a post about commenting as a marketing strategy. Also, and not to be out done, you can find a post by Rand Fishkin (Rand is a freakishly gifted and intelligent demigod of SEO-read him) on commenting and marketing as well.

Take-aways About Blog Post Comments:

• Remember your message should be your first priority
• Write posts and comments that make people go “Hmmm…”
• Establish a rhythm or pattern to your commenting
• Keep your perspective; have patience
• Always give better than you get

Most of all, have fun! This blog is you and you have something to say!