How to Write Killer Blog Comments
Good content is king.
The more useful, relevant and unique it is, the more likely it will connect with its intended audience.
So why don’t people keep this in mind when commenting on blogs?
I’ve been generating decent traffic from this lately, and it’s mainly because I’ve revised my commenting strategy.
I used to reply with a quick comment like “Great post, thanks.” That may be cordial, but it’s not very unique or noticeable.
So of course my comments got lumped in with all the other “Great post” variations.
Now I take a little time to craft my comment and the results are paying off. Here are some tips to help you become a more effective blog commentor.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Disagree
When I’m scanning comments on other blogs, I always find myself reading comments from people who disagree. Why? …
Because their comment stands out among all the “Great post!” comments.
Disagreeing doesn’t have to be rude or disrespectful. There is a tactful way to do it. Simply state that you disagree and more importantly explain why.
This is your time to shine and potentially prove you are a credible source. This may also engage other readers and the author.
Back up your reasons with facts and useful information. Saying you disagree just for the sake of disagreeing is pretty pointless.
2. Make ‘em Laugh
Lighten up and inject some humor where appropriate. You’ll be surprised how this will make people look twice at your comment.
Most blog comments are serious. Make yours stand out with some light-hearted fun.
3. Create a Powerful Opening Line
Just like writing content for your blog or website, you want to get people’s attention. Consider that opening line to be your comment’s headline.
Most people scan, so if they their eye happens to catch your witty opening line, you’ve just increased the chance they’ll read your comment instead of skimming to the next.
4. Add Another Item to the List
I often look for blog posts where the author mentions an ordered list of items - for example, “5 Ways to Build Traffic.” In your comment, why not suggest a 6th way, and if #6 has worked for you, briefly explain how.
Obviously people reading this post are interested in ways to build traffic, so naturally they’ll find your addition relevant and hopefully useful.
5. Impress The Author
Nothing impresses Webmasters more when blog commentors show they are familiar with their work. When it’s relevant, refer back to previous content the author has written and tie it into your comment.
Sometimes this puts you on the author’s radar. Perhaps they’ll even visit your site. It never hurts to seek out a few brownie points… especially if the author has a large audience. They may decide to feature your site in one of their posts.
I always look twice at someone who makes a well thought out comment, especially if it’s clear they’ve been reading my work.
Who doesn’t need their ego stroked once and a while, right? ;)
6. Look for Highly Relevant Posts
Use the blog’s search function to find posts that match up well with the theme of your site and comment on them.
Say you have a blog about fantasy football and you are reading a sports blog. Do a search for “fantasy football” and look for posts that will allow you to show off your knowledge and expertise.
7. Use the Name of Your Site Instead of Your Name
When you fill out a comment form, most blogs will link your name to your site’s URL. Instead of using your name, use a catchy, keyword-focused name that may encourage people to click on your site.
I have to be honest. I’ve never done this, but may try this in the future. I added this strategy to the list because I was reading a comment on my own blog, and I actually clicked the person’s link because their title caught my attention.
8) Keep It Short and Simple
No one wants to read a novel. While it’s important to add something of substance, you also don’t want to get ignored because you wrote too much. More is not necessarily better.
Make your key points quickly, and do so without a lot of fluff and fillers.
9) Comment on Other Comments
If you can spark a meaningful conversation with another commentor, this can also draw some attention to your site. Not only will this increase your visibility, but you get a chance to show off your knowledge.
10) ???
I’ll leave #10 to you. Have you done anything useful I did not mention? What were the results?
(Hint: This is where you put Tip #4 into action.) :)
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Arial took my comment, so now I’m stuck with doing #9.
I just started commenting on blogs to drive traffic to my homeschool blog and will keep the above tips in mind.
I’m always amazed how you come up with great content. I don’t comment on blogs ’cause I never really thought much about them bringing in traffic but this has inspired me and I see how this could work if you really worked it.
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My #10 - You can use special characters to have your post stand out in a sea of post.
My #11 - Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try something and see if it works.
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#10 - Sometimes authors can make mistakes, correct them and if there’s nothing to correct try to keep them up to date with the latest procedings (especially useful if the blog post is about a news event).
#11 - Write an outrageous theory and back it up with logics (but keep it short, it’s still just a comment).
#12 - Use different links when commenting on different posts, for example, this post is about backlinks so if you have an article about backlinks then use that URL instead.
This is quite the interesting article. I have never really thought of the comments left on a post as a marketing strategy. Although I do on occasion leave comments on a good article that I have read, I always viewed it more as a means of communication with the author, rather than with other visitors.
Thanks for opening my eyes.
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Here’s my #10 tip… Try to be the first person to comment so your comment gets viewed more often! LOL Great advice as usual, Lisa.