For a person like me, getting people to comment on my articles is no easy task considering I tend to have a taste for more than one topic and not everyone is interested in every topic I like. Spending hours writing an article, doing my research, creating links, posting images and spell and grammar checking, all so no one notices you articles or are simply not encouraged to comment can make a person reconsider one’s ways of posting articles. One thing I have noticed in the articles I do get large numbers of comments is it takes a combination of things to call peoples attention and get them to comment.
First is the Title
The title needs to be catchy, and also hit people in a way that catches their interest. Usually a title that insinuates contradiction in the topic will quickly grab those who have opposing opinions of this particular topic and getting them to read and then comment on the topic. This in turn will also call those who may agree with the title to see if someone who commented may have had a difference of opinion giving them a chance to want to defend their agreement with the title. This before they even read the article itself.
Details and Links
Second is writing the point of the title, the topic, with details and links showing why you picked the title. Making the story seem like it may or may not be true at the same time can get people to think about the topic and not only agree or disagree with it but also give an opinion of their own on this particular topic. This will hopefully start a debate where difference of opinions will clash and others will be drawn into the discussion to back up those they agree with. In turn links to more proof or proof to the contrary may be posted allowing the readers to get more information and either reconsider their current stance or completely dismiss the new evidence by either providing proof against it or simply repeating their stance. This can create a domino effect where more people will may consider throwing in their 2 cents.
Ask people to give their Opinion
Third is to ask people to give their opinion on the topic or to the contrary at the end of your article. This will more likely get people to comment as oppose to to simply reading it as another article on a page of a newspaper. Instead it will engage them, dare them to post their opinions, intrigue them want to see what others think of their opinions.
Fourth but not least is to provide images related to the topic and if possible maybe even a poll. Adding the proper images to the article will make it my interesting as not only are you catching their mind with your words but you are giving them an image to relate to these words and you know what they say about pictures. Poll can also get people talking as they see in real time how many agree or disagree with the topic and then process to see why thru the comment section drawing them in to the debate.
This is how I believe one can encourage people to comment on your articles simple because it’s what can gets me to do it and how I have seen people comment and many times respond back to my comments.
Twitter: Bloggertalk
says:
Good tips! I too write about a variety of subjects and you think a post on boobies would get more comments than it did. Oh well! I must try harder.
Rose´s recent blog post ..Novelty Gift Ideas for Men
Twitter: lambdakennels1
says:
Images really help a blog post. I take my own pictures for most of my posts. If you do, right click download blockers will keep the image from transmitting to stumble! and other sharing sites. Found that out the hard way.
stephaniesuesansmith´s recent blog post ..ComLuv-FamousBloggers Contest Benefits Garden Bloggers
Twitter: kikolani
says:
Asking opinions at the end is a call to action, which is what leads to many more comments. If your article is great and just ends without some form of question, it definitely leads to less comments.
This article, for example, would do good by asking at the end… what do you consider the top way to encourage comments for your articles?
Kristi´s recent blog post ..Article Marketing Promotion with Blog Commenting
Twitter: CharlesCS
says:
You make a great point Kristi. When I submitted this to the contest, which i just found out was published, I had not seen the articles that mentioned putting questions at the end of an article to entice people to want to comment not only on what you write but also on how they would do it if it was their article.
I have adapted this concept on my articles and amazingly I got some comments on one of them.
chuckusa´s recent blog post ..Why I can believe in God and science- a simple explanation
Interesting, the subject about questions at the end is not an easy one. Have tried som variations on the theme, but I will probably need to ask more question before I get it right
kamelryttersken´s recent blog post ..Lar vi oss styre
Darren Rowse on Problogger wrote a post on how using questions is THE number one way to get people talking. Chris Brogan says this too. In fact, most of his posts end in a question, but I’m not fully convinced this is why he gets so many people talking.
To be perfectly honest, the reason I comment on blogs isn’t because people ask. From my experience, both with my own comments and seeing why other people write, here are the top reasons I comment a blog post:
* The blogger has said something I agree or disagree with strongly
* I want to congratulate someone on a new job/baby/engagement/personal success
* Something is hilarious and I want to add my own experience
* Something is so amazing I couldn’t possibly leave the website without letting the blogger know how amazing they are but am too lazy to write an email (There is a fine line. Remember that.)
* There’s some form of list, usually in advice-form, where I have something to contribute
Marian Schembari´s recent blog post ..HELL NO I Won’t Censor My Blog
Twitter: bizchickblogs
says:
I’ve found that people comment when they really agree with you, really disagree, or really just want a back link.
I know that people suggest that a call to action is necessary. Sometimes I use it and sometimes I don’t. I am not convinced that it matters, because it’s typically the blogger-readers who comment and they usually have something to say regardless!
bizchickblogs´s recent blog post ..Eat Pray Love
Twitter: justkissie
says:
As I’m all over the place (a potpourri blogger of some sorts) I feel that people aren’t always excited to read or comment on my blog … that isn’t true. I have found when I’m writing about ANYTHING and I’m moved by what I’m saying, it always go over well. If the topic is interesting to me, there is always another person who finds some kind of interest in it too and they’ll let me know.
When you feel it, we’ll feel it.
Best to you, Chuck!
kissnatl´s recent blog post ..Will Blogging Fade with Rap Music
Twitter: CharlesCS
says:
Thank you kissnatl.
I tend to be passionate about what I write. Considering my previous blog was limited to the members of the site, I’m sure that was a reason why I got so few if any comments on several of my articles there. Hopefully things will be different on my own blog.
Twitter: justkissie
says:
Cool, I understand.
By the way, I’m Kissie – who lives in Atlanta.
kissnatl´s recent blog post ..Will Blogging Fade with Rap Music
Twitter: vagabondroots
says:
I’ve found that on posts where I leave something out (usually by accident) people will be more likely to comment to add to the topic, as well as when it’s something my readers are passionate about and can relate to.
I’ve tried the ‘call to action’ and I’m not really sure it’s made a difference, I’ll keep trying it to see though, every little bit helps!
Catia´s recent blog post ..iPhone Travel Apps
Sometimes writing controversial articles can get you hundreds of comments overnight.But care should be taken that you do not get too much biased with the article or post.Being biased might hurt your blog’s reputation.
Tough I also agree that if you ask for people’s opinion at the end of the article then you are more likely to receive a comment.
Patrick´s recent blog post ..If You are paying for Reverse Phone Lookup Service -Then Why