Contest Post by paulnovak
Freelance writer and entrepreneur.
paulnovak normally writes at Writingfourmylife.com and tweets at @writing4mylife
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My blog represents little more than a way for me to expand my horizons and touch on only a small part of the world that is available to all of us online. Most of my freelance writing involves solidifying and manifesting specific subject matter for others which really isn’t personally satisfying. My blog however allows me to run with my own thoughts from time to time and perhaps share some of what I learn as I continue to progress and develop my own creative focus. If I get a job inquiry then great, but really I just want the enjoyment. This doesn’t mean however that I don’t care if no one ever notices my blog.
One of the most challenging aspects of blogging is creating content that inspires action. While some of us may be concerned with prodding visitors into visiting sponsors and affiliates or buying something, and others could care less, just about every blogger wants comments. No matter who you are, if no one ever comments, it isn’t too long before you find yourself wondering if the effort is worth it.
If you look at the majority of opinions on the subject of blog comments and how to generate them, you’ll notice that there are a pretty standard set of suggestions floating around. Most will tell you to try working with controversial subjects or to make sure you respond when people leave a comment and little more. That’s generally ok and common sense advice, but the truth is that it is pretty generic and rarely very effective.
What you are trying to do is sell something. That something is your content. The currency is notice. And like any other sales, the best way to make a sale is to put your merchandise in front of people who are interested in buying it.
One of the most effective and proven methods for sending traffic to your blog is to comment on other blogs, which is also one of the usual recommendations given by the knowledgeable. However, just commenting and having a poster profile with a link to your blog is not enough. In order to really generate traffic and encourage comments you have to spend some time first putting together a cohesive plan of attack.
Be On Top of Your Content
First and foremost, have your content nailed down. Make sure it is well written and easily digested. Avoid fluff and make sure that you know something about your subject and have a defensible position you can build on. That will come in handy later if you are working with controversial subjects. Don’t just post something because you think it’ll incite someone to action, post about something that incites YOU to action and give it some detail.
Choose Your Targets
Next, pick and choose carefully where you comment. You’re looking to generate comments on your blog here and the best places to find them are other blogs that get a lot of comments themselves. You’re not just looking for volume though. You want to target blogs or posts that deal with content related to your own even if only peripherally. Remember, you are targeting an audience and you want it to be the RIGHT audience. Sending visitors from a blog about hiking to your blog on politics is not going to do anything but increase your visitor bounce rate. One of my most visited and commented on posts was one about the recent changes made to the U.S. space program. With one comment to a popular ex astronaut’s blog post on the same subject I generated a weeklong surge in quality traffic and several interesting comments.
Comments Come From Everywhere
Don’t confine your comments to blogs. Most newspapers and magazines allow comments on their articles and stories. Several consistently generate hundreds upon hundreds of comments and are fertile ground for comment hunters. More than one blogger has found themselves with some unexpected success after a few comments to an online magazine or news outlet. While you may be thinking this is obvious, you’d be surprised how many bloggers never think to frequent newspaper forums and magazines and fill out a profile.
Keep Them Interested
Don’t be afraid to ask more of your visitors. Chances are, if they are interested enough to comment, they are willing to expand on what they’ve added. When replying to comments on your blog ask questions, look for ways to elicit more information, prod them into support of their own positions. When you simply say thanks and leave your reply at that, you are in essence saying your subject has nothing else to offer.
Never EVER Spam
One of the best ways to keep traffic and comments from flowing in is to spam other blogs. Never post short little “Love your site” comments. Put the same care and consideration into your comments as you would on your own blog posts. Add to the discussion and give other visitors something to chew on that’ll make them want to know more about you. Don’t bother with commenting to 20 different blogs. Commenting on 3 quality blogs with quality comments will negate the need to engage in quantity commenting and generate far more traffic than comments to 20 obscure blogs. Plus, it will keep you from appearing desperate even if you are.
Those are some of my own humble suggestions that I’ve learned the hard way. Of course there is no guarantee of instant success, but I can tell you with complete confidence that these tactics work and work very well. Spend a week trying them. Take note of your site statistics and after a week of commenting to other blogs and outlets in this manner compare your more recent stats with the old ones. Pay special attention to your bounce rate and traffic sources and you’ll see some pretty significant improvements. Even if you’re comment rate doesn’t go through the roof, the improvements in traffic and comment quality alone are worth the relatively small effort it takes to implement a cohesive comment strategy. Like anything else, if you want to experience any success then you have to plan for it and put those plans into action. If you don’t, then you are leaving your chances up to blind luck, and luck has never been a very reliable path to success.
Image credit: caught!
This post was submitted by Paul Novak.
I’ve always found it difficlult to decide just what to blog about and even harder to get anyone to reply. You really have given some sound advice. I’ll definitely try some of your suggestions when I get a chance to update my own blog and will be checking my stats. Thanks again.
Alice Kaulfers´s last blog ..Free Silk Flowers!
Twitter: writing4mylife
21. Jun, 2010 at 12:42 am #
A lot of folks have trouble trying to settle on what to write. I’ve always found that once you get that first sentence down, the rest comes pretty easily. To get that first sentence is the trick and it often helps to spend some time reading what other folks are writing about and see if something inspires you to reply. That inspiration can end up being a post. I appreciate your kind words, thank you.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..ComLuv Contest Entry Is Live! It’s Alive!!!
You Go Alice! You are right on!
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 9:50 pm #
If Alice follows the suggestions the contestants have provided in these great entries, I’m sure she’ll be successful!.
paul novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Paul
This was great, I have never really thought about choosing a target so to speak when I leave a comment but can see how it could be useful. I would love to generate a surge of traffic with a comment.
Belinda
PS good luck in the contest
belinda cunningham´s last blog ..How Do I Get Started With Affiliate Marketing
Twitter: writing4mylife
21. Jun, 2010 at 12:44 am #
Thanks Belinda. Quality over quantity right? I’ve seen your content, and I don’t see you having too much trouble growing your traffic in the future. You’ve got some good solid advice and tips going on over there.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..ComLuv Contest Entry Is Live! It’s Alive!!!
not quite understanding the blogging thing, find it quite boring. think that most people are very opinionated when they are faceless on a computer, for instance on the computer a person will say blue is the best color and tell you why and when someone says that no red is and will give they’re opinion why and a debate will start,But if those people are face to face ,the person would probably say, red is a nice color too. Also think that people say stuff which they do not believe to get noticed.
Twitter: writing4mylife
21. Jun, 2010 at 2:15 pm #
Oh, blogging is anything but boring. I can’t speak for other bloggers, but I sometimes WISH it were boring. That would mean I had it nailed down, knew everything and it was easy. As for the willingness to be opinionated because of anonymity; I think it’s a good thing. Might does not make right, and fear should never be a reason for censoring the truth or honest feelings. If the net allows folks to be forthcoming without fear of reprisal, I consider that a good thing.
Sure some people will say anything to get noticed. But what sets apart the credible from the fly by night is consistency and merit. If you stand by your content and your content is good, there is no reason to be suspected of ulterior motive or dishonest practice.
Appreciate your opinion Diana!
Paul Novak´s last blog ..ComLuv Contest Entry Is Live! It’s Alive!!!
Good stuff Paul. Unfortunately I don’t tweet. But this post offers good advice. I had thought of blogging myself; although I haven’t, and this is a very informative should I opt to one day.
Adding to your response to Diana, I much agree. There are social constructs we live by day to day in order to not kill each other. Hehe…It takes a lot of dancing and tact to get a point across face to face without offending. The internet affords a degree of unrestraint that is very refreshing. The fear of offending someone in person who is too easily offended in the first place stifles expression.
There’s another thing about posts on the internet that is simply awesome.
How many times in real life have you been in a heated debate and the other person throws out a strawman argument, forcing you to reply in exasperation, “I didn’t say that…” They come back with “Yes you did…” and the whole discussion is turned?
The thing about the internet is that two people debating or discussing is in written word. Either can go back and reference the other. There’s also no yelling and to kick it off, No one can interrupt.
Twitter: bizchickblogs
21. Jun, 2010 at 9:00 pm #
Hey Paul – First, good luck with the contest! Second, I agree with all of these. The gem is the posting on newspapers. My favorite? LA Times. They have a blog category about commenting, LOL. Not about commenting, per se, but it’s written to entice comments. It’s a great place to generate back links.
Don’t all go out and do it at once, now.
Tia – BizChickBlogs´s last blog ..How to Engage Readers: Answer the So What and the Now What
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 4:38 am #
Thanks Hobie. Yeah, even when things devolve into flames and all that joyousness, you still get to say your piece. Don’t forget that a lot places allow edits. Ever been in a heavy argument and put together that devestating reply, only to post and find that all of a sudden it makes no sense? Hate when that happens;)
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 4:43 am #
Kind of like now when my comment goes to the wrong thread eh? Sorry Tia. Just did an update on my blog and it pretty well destroyed everything so I’m less than sharp at the moment after 3 hours of work.
Thanks for the kind words. I’m subscribed to the LA Times as well. Haven’t visited them in some time though. Did some heavy research years ago and they were invaluable.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Twitter: PrecillaSedney
21. Jun, 2010 at 9:03 pm #
Hi Paul, great post.
Since recently I’ve been trying to really look at who my visitors are and target me posts to there needs. It’s still a little tricky though because I’ve got multiple topics. But I’m getting to see the results.
I would strongly advice every blogger to do research about their readers. With your information, you can create posts that will intrigue your readers and encourage them to comment.
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 4:47 am #
Thanks Precilla.
Don’t forget about keywords in your post titles. Really makes a difference. Did a small post on them the other day you might like. http://writingfourmylife.com/blog/2010/06/11/wooden-widgets-exceptional-widgets-and-fantasmaorgasmic-widgets/
Your’e right about researching your audience. Although I tend to prefer to just go with what I am interested in or inspired by and let it fly, it does help to try gearing your writing to your readers as well. Whenever I find that a post is getting hit like crazy, it’s hard to restrain myself from beating the subject to death!
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Thanks for these tips. I am one of those silly bloggers that never thought about the magazines and newspapers. I will have to look into that to increase my exposure. Thanks for sharing your insights with us
jmpruitt75´s last blog ..Get Comments That SAY Something!
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 5:30 pm #
Nothing silly about it man. We hear over and over “post to other blogs, post to other blogs, post to other blogs”, so we tend to forget that a lot of the media giants have incorporated the blog style platform into their outlets.
Newspaper and magazine forums however tend to be a little trickier because they usually have tight rules about links and what is precieved as advertising. In those cases I try to use allowed signature lines in my profile or at least some text that can be C&P’d into a browser to get the url out there. Most of the time there is no problem if you establish yourself as a member in good standing.
Good luck!
I am fairly new to the blogging world, and appreciate your advice! I seriously need to work on my commenting habits. I love to read, and am more inclined to join a site and read the blog than to comment. I also enjoy reading about a variety of subjects, and therefore, have a very difficult time sticking to blogs in my niche (whatever my niche may be). Maybe it’s ADD!
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 5:37 pm #
Youre welcome Angie. Finding a niche’ can be pretty difficult all right. It can get downright impossible to make work if you get too specific. Try to be as broad as possible and don’t be afraid to go off topic periodically. Painting yourself into a corner with too much focus and worry about keeping to that focus can really slow your blog down.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Twitter: ewealths
22. Jun, 2010 at 5:52 am #
I have decided to blog and comment on make money online blogs and that decision also entails taking action, I have to comment on at least 14 blogs everyday to come up with 100 backlink every week, isn’t easy but taking your tips into consideration is going to help me to be more focused and much more determined to it, thanks
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 5:39 pm #
Good luck to you. You’ve chosen one tough arena! If it were me, I’d look at what I had to sell and find blogs that were related to the product in some way and not frequent other blogs dedicated to making the sales as well.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Twitter: ewealths
23. Jun, 2010 at 4:12 am #
Thanks, but I thought getting involve with other blogger would make them probable visit mine and we can all help build a build a community, isn’t?
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 4:35 am #
Possibly. But I would think they’d be more interested in making sales than building a community of marketers. It’s hard to generate leads and attract buyers when you’re in a room full of sellers.
I have no knowledge of your experience, goals, or skills, so I can only go on what I have experienced myself. In my opinion, and that is all it is, an opinion, the best approach is to use your blog as a platform for your pitch and then network among established arenas that may carry interest in your product.
paul novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Twitter: torontodentist1
22. Jun, 2010 at 4:49 pm #
The blogging I’ve done so far has been strategic. Trying to speak to a little corner of the universe that’s been neglected amongst all the self-promoting hype that is my industry.
Being a business, I’m not above squeezing in a little self-promoting hype of my own. Keyword being little… Contribution first, promotion a distant second.
Dr Joe´s last blog ..Dental Sins and Dentists to Avoid – Pain Exploiters II
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 5:47 pm #
Awesome post title Doc! “Pain Exploiters”. That is just brilliant.
If there is one area that can benefit from better communication and personal connection it’s dentistry. Harder to be terrified if you have some rapport with the guy that’s coming at you with the drill.
Promoting isn’t a bad thing. It’s the false advertising that stinks. Long as no one is being beaten over the head with spam or hit with sales pitches when they’d rather relax promotion shouldn’t be a problem for anyone. How else is anyone going to know about you, if you don’t tell em?
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
I thought this was an excellent set of tips, especially true about commenting on 3 quality blogs with thoughtful comments rather than on 20 with cheese. I am fairly new to blogging, or at least am fairly new to the more serious sides of blogging-statistics, tracking comments, bounces, unique visitors, etc… Any good recommendations on how to do as you suggested in the final paragraph? What do you use to track these things?
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jun, 2010 at 7:54 pm #
Thanks Jaime, glad you like em.
For tracking, I think some of the best tools are available when you have a domain hosted on a quality server that uses C-Panel. http://docs.cpanel.net/twiki/bin/view/AllDocumentation/CpanelDocs/
C-panel stats are well detailed and tell you everything from bounce rates, to referrers, to which pages are drawing the most traffic. Plus there are tons of tools available with it that can address just about whatever you need.
Google analytics are practically a must for any real SEO work and traffic assessment and should be used as well. Google has a whole host of tools available that can help you determine keywords to use in your posts, visitor profiles and bounce rates, as well as a lot of good tutorials that’ll help you to understand all the ins and outs better. http://www.google.com/analytics/
I’d register an account with Google and check out their Webmaster tools. The majority of what you need is there and its free. Great, I sound like a shill for Google now;)But for the novice and the moderately skilled, you just can’t beat Googles tools and information.
Some hosted blogging platforms like Blogger are pretty limited in a lot of ways so I generally recommend folks avoid them if they are wanting to do anything beyond blogging purely for fun.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
“First and foremost, have your content nailed down. Make sure it is well written and easily digested.”
Niiiice work Paul. You did just that,- your article was to the point and very digestible. Good luck in the contest. We are one of the sponsors and wish we could be vying for win.
Colleen Lane´s last blog ..Full Disclosure
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 3:32 pm #
Thanks Colleen. I tend to get long winded and need to remember to use larger fonts, so to have you note that it’s easily absorbed means a lot to me.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Great post – I find my biggest problem is that facebook cannibalizes many of the comments people would otherwise leave on my blog. If I post a link to my blog post on facebook, most of my friends comment within Facebook instead of actually going to the blog to comment – it’s super annoying! I’ve seen plugins to try to import facebook comments into WordPress, but that kinds of seems like cheating – what are your htoughts on this?
Nick´s last blog ..The First Three WordPress Plugins You Should Install
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 3:56 pm #
I understand completely! The competition among social platforms is pretty intense as it is without having to deal with the unintentional misdirection of visitors and comments that often occurs. A lot of folks use Facebook or Myspace and links posted there tend to be regarded as asides to the main content. Those two are their main hangouts so to speak, so all their interaction is confined to there.
In the case of Facebook and other social media outlets (Which I’m not a big fan of when it comes to promotion)I would suggest thinking of them as a part of your traffic “funnel” and treating them accordingly.
Don’t ask for responses when you post your link to your wall. Leave that for your blog. Instead of “I wrote xxxxx at my blog, what do you think?”, try “I wrote xxxxx at my blog, you can see the responses I got there and leave one of your own if you don’t agree”.
Encourage participation on your blog by suggesting they they register with your blog whenever you drop the link. Definitely leave a call to action at the end of your posts, just like you did with your comment to me here.
Another thing is to keep your content seperate from your social outlets. Use the social avenue to promote and expose, use the Blog to present and display.
At the moment there is no really easy solution. Your’e competing with the ingrained posting routine of your Facebook visitors and you have to coax them into participating in an environment that is out of their norm. Don’t be shy, you can always ask them outright to comment on the content at your blog instead of your wall as it will help you with your goals. Most of those who join you on Facebook are there because they are interested in you or are friends, so ask them to help you like you would any other friend.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
The line between spam and internet advertising is really blur so you need to make sure you contribute/give back to users first before promote your stuff. Otherwise people will look down to your brand. That’s what I have learned.
magplazza´s last blog ..HelloThemes is offering 80% discount of their club membership + 7 FREE bonus gifts
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 4:02 pm #
Exactly. It’s all about credibility. You have to have good content and make sure it is well constructed. Being consistent and standing by your content will show visitors your integrity, and the quality of the content and its presentation will keep their interest. You have to provide something of value and not play games with it like bait-n-switch.
When your visitors value your opinion and your authority, it becomes easy to promote without spamming.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Couldn’t agree more! I just started my blog less than a month ago but since commenting (proper commenting I mean) I have gotten that love back and now have a few followers hoxh sure beats none! Love it!
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 4:07 pm #
Blogger Karma. For want of a better term that’s what it really is. It’s just like any other form of interaction, show interest and genuine engagement people will respond. Glad your’e enjoying your entry into the bloggin world. Above all else, it should be fun.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
In my opinion, there are two types of blogging, the first being those who blog to just let their feeling out. Whether sharing good news or bad, lots of peoole feel better about writing it down and if it works for them, then great. Then there are those who use blogging to start drama with others, airing there dirty laundry for all to see. I believe that is what gives blogging a bad name. I personally do not take the time to blog, but think it can be a positive form of expression.
Twitter: writing4mylife
23. Jun, 2010 at 4:17 pm #
Ooooph! There’s lots more to it than that Diana, I promise you! Those two represent just a small microcosim of the Blogosphere. There are folks who make their living making sales through blogging, others who enjoy the sense of accomplishment and recognition that comes with breaking a big story, and others who want to establish themselves in a profession or career and use their blog to create exposure and connections.
The purposes behind blogs vary hugely. Take some time to visit several of those linked to here in these comments and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’m not really aware of too much negative perception regarding blogging aside from the spam loaded blogs that tend to use swiped content and shady tactics to draw visitors.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Twitter: lambdakennels1
24. Jun, 2010 at 1:28 pm #
Strategically targeting blogs for comments is good advice, as is commenting on newspapers and magazines. A lot of the magazines are niche sites themselves, so you are talking to people who all ready are interested in your subject. That makes things easier.
stephaniesuesansmith´s last blog ..Multiflora Rose in Bloom
Twitter: writing4mylife
25. Jun, 2010 at 3:49 am #
Thanks Stephanie. Being discerning certainly does make a difference in my experience. It’s like an “Aha!” moment when you practice it and then look at your stats a week later.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Bear With Me
Twitter: kikolani
28. Jun, 2010 at 5:39 pm #
If you’re going to comment on a major site (newspaper, magazine, online news syndicate, etc.) it is almost essential that you fill out your profile. Someone may love your comment and want to learn more about you, and since most of those sites don’t let you drop a link in the comment itself, your profile is your best hope of making a 1st impression.
Kristi´s last blog ..Strengthen Your Article Marketing With CommentLuv Links
Twitter: writing4mylife
29. Jun, 2010 at 3:59 pm #
Absolutely.I have one local paper where several forum members have commented on my blog in PM’s to me although I never mentioned it in the forums and the links on my profile are not clickable.
As an aside, when you do post to media outlets, keep in mind the large amount of traffic they deal with and your presence. How they percieve you there is going to carry over to your blog so keep your best face on even if your dealing with a controversial subject.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Monetizing Your Website or Blog- No BS Truth
Twitter: wearentperfect
29. Jun, 2010 at 1:57 pm #
Hi Paul,
This is a meaty article! Lots of good stuff here. The area on commenting is crucial to blogging success, I think. A great way to build networking is to have other people comment together on what has been written.
Like it! Good luck–
Crystal
Twitter: writing4mylife
30. Jun, 2010 at 7:04 pm #
Thank you Crystal. Never had an article referred to as “meaty” before. I like it. Appeals to the caveman in me;) Networking is at its best when people connect on common ground, which as you note is one thing that is so great about blog commenting. You never know who you might end up agreeing with and what else they might be able to share.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Advertising and Promotion- Monetizing your Blog pt2
It’s funny really. I don’t know if Live journal is considered blogging, but I used to write all the time. This actually made me go back and read everything I’ve written since around 2003. It was all about building relationships with new people and it was a great way to get my points across with the people I knew and I see that with blogging in the right places I can communicate more effectively with more people. I can reach a broader audience with a wider range of topics and actually get responses in return. That and more responses would be delightful to say the least and you’ve definitely given some great advice on how to bring all of this around. Bravo and kudos to you.
Twitter: writing4mylife
01. Jul, 2010 at 8:00 pm #
Wow. Thanks Sabrina. If you liked using your journal, you’d probably really enjoy blogging. The great thing with blogging is the freedom of expression and the fact that you decide exactly how you want things to be. While a lot of the social media outlets are fine and even useful, blogging takes everything to a whole different level and lets you connect and share much more effectively than any social page. You should give it a try.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Advertising and Promotion- Monetizing your Blog pt2
Some targets are not as easily nailed down. I set up surveys to find out what makes them tick. Takes a while and some effort, but worth it! Thanks for all the great info.
Twitter: writing4mylife
12. Jul, 2010 at 10:16 pm #
First time I’ve seen a host process used as a user name.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Celebrating the 4′th- Weekly Feature and Work Work Work
Twitter: peteste
13. Jul, 2010 at 12:51 pm #
Paul, that’s really useful advice. I have my blog listed on all of the blog aggregation sites, tweet every time a new post goes up and also digg my posts (my stuff is quality so I feel no guilt whatsoever about doing that!) but I’ve got to admit I only visit one or two other sites in my ‘niche’ and leave comments. Clearly I should spread myself around a bit more if I want to drive some quality traffic to my blog!
Pete
Twitter: writing4mylife
13. Jul, 2010 at 6:16 pm #
Absolutely Pete. Don’t forget, that visiting other blogs in your niche’ helps to keep you up to date with what is trending and what popular as well. Got get em!
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Words ARE NOT Cheap
Well, I don’t think I’d ever start blind. JK, I did. No, those were more for fun and entertainment. My blog is used to share myself with the world, from being a Mommy, to having migraines, to even being SAD. But it’s really used to help promote my book to the world.
That being said, I don’t use any advertising on my site. It’s open, friendly, no google ads or the like. The people who visit can be there for a friendly time or read what they can of my book.
Either way, my blog is fun and I wouldn’t want to change a thing. I am usually visiting other blogs or twittering, which is where my little traffic often comes from.
Melanie´s last blog ..Giveaway-
Twitter: writing4mylife
13. Jul, 2010 at 6:23 pm #
Hi Melanie. How you use your blog is an entirely personal choice. Lots of people never monetize thiers and enjoy the heck out of em. Sounds like you already have a good idea whaere yours is going. Keep up the great work!
paul novak´s last blog ..Words ARE NOT Cheap
Anyone who uses LinkedIn should join the group Bloggers Helping Bloggers. I joined, and when I want to get a good discussion going about my blog posts, I recommend it to this group. It’s not all take, though. I like to check out what other bloggers are writing and add meaningful comments to their blogs.
Twitter: writing4mylife
15. Jul, 2010 at 6:02 am #
Here I am a member of Linkedin and never thought to do much with it. Pretty good idea.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Critical Writing- Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Good to see someone note that good comments in the right places can produce a healthy stream of targeted traffic.
Too often, the conversation about commenting devolves into discussions about the relative merit of the nofollow or dofollow links one creates and the path of least resistance to avoiding a spam filter hammer.
If you’re genuinely interested in the content and you’re adding something valuable to the discussion, the traffic flows quite naturally–and it often creates a substantial secondary benefit as those readers become subscribers or “regulars”.
Good luck with the contest, btw.
Carson Brackney´s last blog ..Heads Up… Something Smart to Read about SEO…
Twitter: writing4mylife
15. Jul, 2010 at 7:55 am #
Thanks Carson. You’re absolutely right and that is exactly how it is supposed to work. The idea of community gets lost somewhere in the quest for traffic and followers and too many folks forget what is suppose keep people coming back for more, namely their content.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Critical Writing- Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Twitter: maryannwrites
15. Jul, 2010 at 5:18 pm #
Very helpful article, Paul. Ties in nicely with what I have learned from other sources about how to market on the Internet. It is all about building relationships and that is what we do with leaving comments. I did laugh, however, when you suggested not leaving a comment “I love your site.” What if you really do? LOL
Maryann Miller´s last blog ..Sex Eduction for Kindergartners
Twitter: writing4mylife
16. Jul, 2010 at 2:52 pm #
Thanks Maryann. Marketing is what I had in mind when I wrote this piece. After all, the principal is the same right?
paul novak´s last blog ..Critical Writing- Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Twitter: jepaladino
16. Jul, 2010 at 4:45 am #
OK, Paul, I bit and retweeted, posted to Facebook, etc. I still don’t understand the contest. But I’m a good sport so I hope it helps. Excellent advice about commenting on newspaper and magazine articles. I’ve done that, not to build traffic, but usually to vent. Now I have a new purpose in life!
Jeannette Paladino´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
Twitter: writing4mylife
16. Jul, 2010 at 2:56 pm #
I appreciate the extra effort! My own local paper ran a bit about how they have new moderators. Part of the ccolumn mentioned some stats about newspapers and how much traffic their forums recieve. Have to say, I didn’t really realize the scope of the potential exposure they represented. I do believe I need to spend some time there, and soon!
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Critical Writing- Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Twitter: simplehomeorg
16. Jul, 2010 at 5:07 am #
Like a lot of people on here, it never occurred to me to look at newspapers and online magazines as places to comment. Good luck on the contest!
Melinda´s last blog ..Storm preparation guide – assemble a disaster supplies kit
Twitter: writing4mylife
16. Jul, 2010 at 2:59 pm #
I noticed some time ago, that I rarely recognized any bloggers on the newspaper forums or magazine columns I frequent. Nor do I see them mentioned much anywhere. I suppose they really don’t get much notice. Amazing really when you see how much interaction they have. Thanks for the visit!
Twitter: prfuller
18. Jul, 2010 at 9:24 pm #
Hello Paul
Some of the first places I commented online were forums and online newspapers and magazines.
I have to admit some of the comments may not have been too kind as I was usually responding to the news of the day
Personally I do not believe in luck. What we think of as luck is really just not planning and just letting life happen.
I enjoyed the read, thanks Paul.
Twitter: writing4mylife
19. Jul, 2010 at 1:48 am #
Thanks Peter. My first forays were forums and message boards oh so many years ago. When newspapers and magazines made the transition and began including comment sections with their articles, it was like a new candy store opened up for me. There are a few luck stories around the net. There are a whole lot more SUCCESS stories. And success usually starts with effort.
Well Paul, I sure am glad I stumbled upon your blog. This is a pithy piece with great advice. Thanks! Blog, baby, blog!
Twitter: writing4mylife
22. Jul, 2010 at 6:17 pm #
Thanks Patty. I’m always worried about my long windedness so it means a lot to have a couple folks mention it’s direct qualities.
Paul Novak´s last blog ..Heresy!- Irrelevant Content is Good Content