A Blog without Comments is like a City without its People. An empty city is no better than a Barren Land.
I do not know how much importance you give to the Number of Comments you receive on your blog, but for me they are very ,very important. I have been blogging for almost 3 years and by my experience I can tell you that your blog cannot live without comments (unless of course you have a Spam Blog). I do not want to speak about the value of comments here. Those who know the value will surely love to hear what I have to say; the rest of you can come back later after you realize the true value of comments.
Let us come directly to the main point: How Do You Invite Readers to Comment on Your Blog? Oh! wait I have to clarify one thing here. You (those who have a keen eye) must have wondered why I wrote “Invite” and not “Get“. Well it is not rocket science. I wrote “Invite” because that is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to Invite people to comment. I will discuss here two things.
- How to Attract Readers from Other Blogs to Comment on Your Blog.
- How to Encourage Your Own Readers Comment on Your Blog.
Our first job is to collect more Readers for our blog. You already might have a good number of Readers, but adding a few more targeted Readers will add 5 stars to your blog. So here is how we do it.
How to Attract Readers from Other Blogs to Comment on Your Blog?
- First of all you need to find the “Other Blogs“. The Blogs which you are going to find must follow a few guidelines. Number one is that they should be blogs related to your own, i.e., in the same niche as yours. Number two these blogs should already have strong traffic and number three they should have many comments.
- Now your work is to comment on these blogs regularly. I know the task of commenting is not easy, but you have to do it. I would say choose no more than 20 blogs to comment in regularly. You may also alternate between blogs if you wish to cover more blogs.
- Post useful comments. Use a nice Avatar and always look confident in your comments. If you need more tips, read my post How to Market your Blog with Comments.
The aim of the above steps is to show off your virtues, capabilities and knowledge to Readers of other blogs. After they are attracted, the next step is to make them comment.
How to Make Your Own Readers Comment on Your Blog?
- Greet and Treat your Readers well with good content on your Blog. You have heard content is king. There is no better way to get more comments then by providing good content.
- Provide an easy to understand Comment Form. Commentators seem to love comment forms which are simple to use. Provide the ability for commentators to use Gravatars to brand their comments.
- After every post, inspire people to comment by asking questions and asking for their opinions. Also tell them that if they would like clarification they are free to ask.
- Install Comment Luv and Keyword Luv plug-ins on your blog. Also mention this just before the comment form so that readers get inspired to comment.
- Make comment author links on your blog Do Follow and also install a Top Commentators plugin.
- Offer monthly Top Commentator Contests (if you can afford it).
I hope now you know how you can get more comments on your blog. Many of you have previously heard the points I have made here, but have you applied them yet? I hope you enjoyed reading this post.
If you have any questions feel free to ask. Also if you have any good ideas in your mind which can assist other bloggers to increase the comments on their blogs you are most welcome to share them in the comments here.
image credits: invitation
EasyAzon Plugin
Twitter: benwaynet
says:
Nice post, I’ve been struggling to get comments. My page views have been increasing month over month. But not my comments. I think I’m going to drop Disqus and go back to the standard wordpress comemnts and add comment luv to see if that increases comments
By the way I’d love to have you guest post on http://www.benway.net
later,jb
benwaynet recently posted..Send you data center to the clouds
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Going back to Standard WordPress Comments will be good. I see many people praise services like Disqus but I simply do not like it. Whenever I see Disqus my urge to comment on the blog dies even if it provides the best quality content.
I will advice to follow as many tips I have given possible if you want to get comments on your blog. If you need any personal help, then just send me a tweet.
About the guest posting – I will try my best to find time to guest post on your blog. I am a student so am kind of busy.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: GrowMap
says:
The very best strategy for attracting comments is to install CommentLuv and visit and regularly comment in other CommentLuv blogs. Be sure to register your blog at ComLuv.
Read my post about How CommentLuv Grows Businesses and Blogs and my comprehensive post about our DoFollow CommentLuv KeywordLuv Community featured in CommentLuv in this reply.
Gail recently posted..DoFollow CommentLuv KeywordLuv Community
Twitter: PrecillaSedney
says:
I think I will also go back to the standard WordPress comment box. I really want to try keywordluv out, and see what it will do.
sweetbee recently posted..How to Invite Readers to Comment on Your Blog?
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
I have just started using KeywordLuv on my blog. I wanted to use it before but my old theme was not compatible.
But it surely will help. I have seen many good blogs with Keyword Luv. They get good amount of Comments.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: PrecillaSedney
says:
I have also seen many blogs who use keywordluv. I hope I will be satisfied with the results.
And I hope you will be 2.
sweetbee recently posted..How to Invite Readers to Comment on Your Blog?
Twitter: kikolani
says:
Commenting systems (like Disqus) that prompt people to register every time likely get on some commenters nerves. I finally registered for that one, and stay signed in now to avoid the hassle, but I remember before that I used to skip commenting because it just felt like one extra thing to do, to confirm I wasn’t a registered user, that I didn’t want to be, and then whether or not I wanted to subscribe to comments.
JS Kit is the only one that really bothers me now, and sometimes Intense Debate. Anything that forces you to put in an OpenID I just leave, because those have worked 1 out of 10 times.
Kristi recently posted..Strengthen Your Article Marketing With CommentLuv Links
Twitter: ditesco
says:
Solid advices Deepak. I have basically used every single tactic you have mentioned here. The most effective so far for me has been since I have installed comluv on my blog and when I “made” it easier for commenters to make comments. Avoid those captcha codes and having to register to comment, they really are a tick off.
DiTesco recently posted..Top SEO Plugins For WordPress
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Thanks DiTesco.
Having captcha and making readers to resister to comment surely drive away the commentators. It is best to avoid these. Thats a good suggestion from your side to avoid these.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Great tips Deepak…especially about incentives for comments. I’m seriously looking into that angle. I hate captcha codes and having to register to comment, they suck as well as rub a lot of potential commenters away.
leonco recently posted..How to Invite Readers to Comment on Your Blog?
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
I am glad you find something useful. Do tell us what type of incentives you are planning.
And after you have tried it I will love to hear your results.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: roezer
says:
Having to login to comment is the worst you spend 10 minutes reading and thinking about an Article then you find that you have to register this is also a problem I have with Disqus sometimes my browser will not remember my disqus password then I have to reset it taking me away from the Article and making me forget what I was going to say.I use a simple captcha that uses only block caps and numbers it’s enough to fight off most spam and not annoy your visitors.
roezer recently posted..How to Fix Error 107 (net::ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR): Unknown error in Chrome.
Twitter: lambdakennels1
says:
Good post. I hate comment forms that do all but ask for a blood sample before posting my comment. They may cut down on spam, but I do not comment on them either.
stephaniesuesansmith recently posted..Multiflora Rose in Bloom
Twitter: BlazingMinds
says:
It annoys me when they use captcha codes that take so many attempts to try and read, by the 3rd time I just give up!
BlazingMinds recently posted..How To Remove Possible Spammers From Your Twitter Followers
Twitter: torontodentist1
says:
Solid post Deepak.
I have one idea to add. If there’s a market leader in your field with a high-ranking blog, consider adding your comments to the older posts. The value of a link from a well-ranked page is much higher.
Dr. Joe recently posted..Dental Sins and Dentists to Avoid – Pain Exploiters II
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Nice idea. I would surely try it out. Thanks Joe.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: BlazingMinds
says:
I always find that if a reader sees that the poster responds to comments made, it make them feel that it’s worth while actually making a comment in the first place.
BlazingMinds recently posted..2?? A New Dimension in Music! A Crossover of Electronica and Pop Rock
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Oops! thats a important point. How did I forget it. Thanks for reminding it.
Its not just readers but the commentators who feel at home and feel the worthiness. Inspires others to comment too.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: mizzezmellymel
says:
I’m new to blogging so I enjoy any insight. I generate some traffic, but lack the comments that I’m looking for. Thanks for some great pointers.
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
The aim of my post is to help bloggers who are not getting comments. Follow my tips and you will surely get comments.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
Hi Deepak,
I enjoyed reading your tips as they are an excellent reminder of what bloggers need to do to stay connected with others and grow. When I started blogging over a year ago, I followed the recommendations above; life got hectic and I abandoned ship.
Recently, I started commenting on other blogs again as a way to reconnect and support fellow bloggers and add to the conversation; feedback has been tepid. I am reconsidering the approach and have decided to focus on building a stronger blogging relationship with bloggers who have supported me and vise versa. I agree that building a focused niche and commenting within that niche is better than leaving random remarks.
I write a weekly blog and have also decided to find/make time to add 2-3 posts a week instead of one. I am also looking at other ways to revamp my blog and enjoy reading tips that can help me with the process.
An important tip I’d like to offer newer bloggers is to exercise patience; be compassionate with yourself and remember that even the top bloggers didn’t have hundreds of comments when they started; it takes time, effort and commitment to the process.
Build on what you know, add Deepak’s tips as needed, enjoy the process, remember to have fun blogging, and trust that your efforts will eventually pay off.
As per the comment form, I agree that the less complicated a form, the easier it will be to leave comments. A complicated form is a hindrance and defeats the purpose of getting reader reactions.
Thanks for the post Deepak and have a restful weekend everyone!
Cheers,
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..On Father’s Day: The Gift of Wisdom
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Hey Eliz thanks for such a nice and positive comment.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Comment Marketing
Twitter: kikolani
says:
One thing that I have seen that was successful in terms of top commenter contests is giving an ad block for a month to the top commenter. It’s essentially free for you (unless you count the fact that it’s one less ad space to sell), but readers can get really into it.
Kristi recently posted..Strengthen Your Article Marketing With CommentLuv Links
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Giving away a AD Space on blog works quite well. I have tried myself in past but these days people have become a little intelligent and more greedy. They want something good.
Anyways the idea you gave works may a times. And more of its free.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Guest Posting Just Became More Profitable
Twitter: AndBreak
says:
I completely agree with you here. It’s essential to present good and unique content which will evidently will make your readers comment on your blog.
I also like to believe that asking questions can help a great deal to get a discussion going. But the best way to ensure a discussion about one topic is to simply create a h2 or h3 discussion headline at the end of the post after which you write about your view and ask others to share theirs.
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Hmm! good idea. I will try it out. Sounds very effective.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: tnsblog
says:
Hey Deepak,
Glad to see you here. Great work bro.
Really Great Post.
I think I’m already following all this except comment contest. Adding commentluv and twitter link are great
ways to increase comments.
Anyways, Thanks for sharing this great Post. Keep up the good work.
~Dev
Dev | Technshare recently posted..Technshare Reloaded
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Hey Dev, you should try out a small comment contest. I visit your blog time to time. I think your readers might love the idea of a comment contest.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Marketing Method – Giveaway Marketing
Twitter: profitmc
says:
Truly simple but powerful tips. I’ve been using most of these tips for some time now. For me the reward system has paid off wonderfully. Using commentluv and top commentators plugin to reward commenters has given me great results.
Chadrack recently posted..Keep on Keeping On – Motion is everything-
Twitter: AgentDeepak
says:
Hey, Chadrack thanks for sharing your experience.
I hope your comment inspires others to follow the easy tips I have provided.
Agent Deepak recently posted..Blog Monetization & Top Commentator Contest
Twitter: prfuller
says:
Hello Deepak
Valuable post but what stands out for me most is to make it easy for your readers to comment.
Thanks Deepak!
Twitter: bruidinstijl
says:
Another good suggestion would be to create attractive comment buttons under the posts on ones blogs main page, which lead browsing readers directly to the comment form. Does anyone know of techniques to put in such a button or link?
Bruid in Stijl recently posted..De trouwjurk van Kim Feenstra
Thanks Agent Deepak. It is not only the tips you have given, but the suggestion (in terms of the power of the mind), that one already knows this but has’t tried. That is the powerful message and ofcourse the tip.
Very dormant on twitter, may be I need to explore it a little more.
Great.
Good luck with the contest
Good and interesting content along with a good commenting system like comluv is the key to getting many comments. If one can’t afford top commentator monthly contest, they can have a section with links to top commentator’s blog (do follow).
Cheolsu recently posted..FB Login
Twitter: dotcomstreet
says:
The discuss commenting system really discourages people from commenting.
That’s why I’ve installed comment love on my blog and its a really awesome plugin. Its the best way to get link love and one of the best commenting systems ever
Ben Thomas recently posted..How many search engines do you need?