Comments are like currency in the blog world. Or maybe they are the calling card of the blog world. They let you know that you’ve had a visitor and in return you let someone else know you stopped in. Plus, who doesnt love to get a sweet comment from a friend? I know I do.
So who wouldn’t want more comments? They may not be the reason we blog, but they sure are a nice reminder that someone out there is reading. And cares enough to take the time to say ‘hello!’
There are a few things that we can do to get more comments. Simple things that make a huge difference.
1. Remove word verification
Word verification is a tool that is suppose to deter spammers from commenting. In reality it deters everyone from commenting.
This is what word verification looks like. Im sure everyone has seen it. Its not fun.. I cant ever make out the words half the time and it always tells me to try again. Which frustrates me and makes not want to comment anymore. Not that Im upset with the blogger or the post, just that silly word verification.
Its pretty simple to remove. Just go to settings (from your dashboard) and click ‘No’ to remove word verification. Then save. (When I went to do this mine said ‘yes’.. go figure!)
A few more notes on the comment section.
– I prefer embedded comments because if people are ‘No-Reply’ bloggers then you can respond to them right under their original comment. Plus its a lot cleaner looking.
– I allow anyone to comment as well. I have never had a negative comment and if I do get one it is easy to delete. I do get a few spam comments but they are no biggie.
– I dont have comment moderation which means when you comment on my site it immediately posts and I dont have to approve it.
2. Comment as often as possible
I have a rule that if I take the time to read through someone’s post then I have to comment. (Even if I just say ‘cute!’.. which I tend to do because thats what I think when Im reading the post.) I feel that it lets the person know I was there. Its like my calling card. And they are more likely to come back to my site and comment.
Sometimes bloggers dont comment back or they take awhile to respond. Dont let this stop you commenting; people are busy. But if you continue to comment and you never get a response, feel free to email the blogger and introduce yourself. Ive done it. Its not creepy if your genuine.
3. Link Parties
Link parties are a great way to not only get more comments on your posts but to make new friends. General rule of thumb is to comment on at least two other posts at the link party. Its just common courtesy. Plus it lets others know that you stopped by and they in turn.. comment on your site. (Ill go into link parties more soon.)
4. Write posts that matter
When you write something that you truly care about and it reflects in your post, people will notice. Trust me, anyone can throw together a blog post and get a few comments. But the posts that make a difference in someones life will result in more comments. (Even if it is a great recipe, or a new hairstyle.) Im not saying write posts with other people in mind; write posts that you are proud of and show your true self.
(Last night before I went to bed I thought of two more points about comments. Yes.. I think about blogging in my sleep.)
5. Make yourself easy to find
When you comment and dont leave a link to your site you are less likely to get a comment back. Even though we can click on the name and attempt to track them through their blogger profile, not everyone has it set up to show their personal site. And then you can never find that person and return the comment. The most common way to make yourself easy to find is by:
a. Putting your URL in your name (like you see above – Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com) -or-
b. Posting your URL at the end of your comment
(You can also make your sites URL clickable with html coding.. super easy to do and saves time finding you.)
6. Make Genuine Friends
The first few readers that you have to your blog are most likely your real life friends and family. They read your site and encourage you in real life, but if they are not bloggers they may not know anything about commenting. Which is fine, I dont blog only for comments (even I love love love them!). The bloggy world is a huge community of people just like you and me that are trying to share their stories. Find someone that you connect with and encourage each other through comments and emails. I truly have met some of the greatest people through blogging and I am happy to call them my friends.
Hey y'all!I'm Kelley. I'm a recipe making, picture taking, coffee drinking momma to 4 crazy kiddos. Join me as I share our family favorite dinners and my copycat coffee drinks too!
Latest posts by Kelley (see all)
- Maple Cinnamon Latte - February 21, 2024
- White Chocolate Mousse - February 16, 2024
- Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos - October 30, 2023
Dr Sonia S V says
So well written. Loved it!
Renonda says
I detest word verification. I double checked and mine was on (sorry to those who commented on my blog!). I have actually given up when trying to leave comments because I couldn't figure out the letters and refreshing just didn't give me better ones. Thanks for the post.
Cheryl says
Thanks for sharing this good info, I also thought I didn't have word certification on and lobamd behold ibdos. If you have not looked yourself, do it now readers!
Dani says
great advice!
Liz says
Good advice! Also, I LOVE the new banner!!
Tygre Caley says
Awesome advice! I'll be updating those settings later 😉
Vanessa says
Good tips! I love the new reply option that Blogger recently added to comments, but last time I checked it wasn't working correctly with bloggers that have a custom template. I'll have to check on that again.
Tygre Caley says
Awesome advice! I'll be updating those settings later 😉
Alyssa says
Thanks for the great advice!!
Business.Blueprints.Brides says
Great Tips! I too, love a comment…it makes me feel like my writing is not going into some black hole…
Michaela says
What a great post! Thanks for taking the time to share it! Can you send me the link for the blog conference in Dallas?
Claire says
Great advice, Kelley! And I know that everything that you say about commenting is absolutely genuine because you have been my most consistent commenter since I started my blog last month. I appreciate your feedback and letting me know that someone is reading!
Thank you so much!
Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com
Alicia Seeley says
Well put!!! Great advice for a newbie blogger to blogland!!! 😉
Amanda says
Great advice! 🙂
Michelle Paige says
Whenever I turn off my word verification I get no less than 10 spam comments a day. I feel like I can't keep up with them. I wish there was a better way to stop the spam!
Jessica says
OK, I'm asking; how do you html code a link to your site in a comment?
Don't forget no-reply commenters, so frustrating to not be able to answer a question!
Holly says
Hi! Just found you through the EGG HUNT– what fun! I participated too and was just thrilled to be included. I appreciate your post here about comments…so I am commenting to let you know! I am new to blogging and comments absolutely make my day. Hope you'll stop by to see me at http://www.abakershouse.com
Holly
SerenaB says
Awesomeness! You solved my word verification problem! Thanks so much! Great post!
--Amie-- says
So glad you posted this! I have truly noticed that since I have regularly been commenting on blogs, I myself have been getting regular commenters! =)
Salena says
LOVE THIS!!! Thanks for sending it to me, I shall pass this on. 🙂
Lori says
Great Post, Kelley! My biggest disappointment and frustration….”noreply-comment”!! Most people don't even realize that their emails cannot be replied to…. I keep trying to hunt them down… 🙂
Bronwyn says
Awesome advice! Thanks! I'm removing the word verification from my comments now.
4you-withlove says
This is excellent advice!
Marilyn
4you-withlove.blogspot.com
with love and chevrons says
Hey Kelley!!! Great Blog post!!! Thank you for the tips!! : )
Emily says
Oh man, I'm so guilty of reading and not commenting :(. I'm sorry to say, I do this to you all the time. Sometimes because I read your posts via email (and, hey, only a select few get email priority, so that's something, right??)…and, sometimes I come over and read, think great thoughts and then leave without commenting. I'm the worst at that! SO sorry! I'll try to do better…
Great post, though!! Or, in your words “cute!” 😉