Table of contents for Blog comments
Most visitors won’t stick around for long at a blog that just talks at them. People want to be involved in a conversation, so get people involved in your blog. They want to feel that their thoughts matter just as much as yours do.
- Ask a question at the end of your posts. Ask if people feel the same way, have more suggestions in the area or what’s working for them. Once you have people interested, you can even admit that you don’t know everything—or even anything—about the topic in question. Ask for help.
- Remove barriers to commenting. How many times have you read a great blog post, got all excited about the comment you were going to add, got to the end and found this:
I don’t think I’m the only one who will either a.) turn away disappointed or b.) go through the stupid sign up process, give away all my personal information and then have forgotten what I was going to say.As a blogger, you should try to make it easy for readers to join the conversation. If you really want people to say something, don’t force them to sign in or leave your site or do long division (simple addition or typing a word as a spam catcher is okay, though). - Respond to comments to keep the conversation going. Again, don’t just talk at your readers, talk with them. In my own experience, I’ve received more comments when I respond to comments on my blog as well as commenting on others’ blogs.You certainly don’t have to respond to every random spammer or troll who happens by your blog. But it’s always nice to show your appreciation for commenters. It’s especially important (not to mention only polite!) to respond to commenters who ask questions.
- Write about something interesting and universal. As obvious as this sounds, it’s important not to just write about yourself and your family. Of course, your life will be the main source for your blog, but take your posts to the next level by appealing to something that applies to more than just you and your spouse. For example, don’t just say “I had Kix for breakfast,” say, “I had Kix for breakfast. What’s your favorite cereal or breakfast food?” You could even end a post about your kids with “What’s the cutest things your kids have done this week?” or “Did your kids do this at this age?”
By making it clear that you pay attention to what people say on your blog and that you value their input, you’re subtly encouraging others to add their 2¢ to the conversation. You show that you’re interested in what others have to say on the topic. By seeing that you are willing to continue the conversation in the comments or via email, your visitors will form an individual relationship with you. That is the strongest reason why people will continue to comment on your blog.
Another bonus: you might get more post ideas from that conversation with your readers!
Adapted from my free guide to increasing your blog’s stickiness, “Get Your Visitors to Stick!“