You need to know how to do successful blog commenting if you are going to build a great blogging business.
In this article, I’m going to give you my favorite blog commenting tips that are guaranteed to make you a top blogger.
But first, understand that the reason blog commenting is so important is that it’s one of the best ways to get your blog noticed.
And after all, isn’t that the first step in building your blogging business?
Okay.
Now, let’s talk about how to do successful blog commenting.
First of all, commenting on a blog post is part of being a blogger.
You need to understand that your comment is a reflection of YOU.
It also defines your brand, and reflects your company (even if you’re a company of one)!
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Keep in mind that many people read the comment section.
So, when you’re commenting on blog posts, make sure to be clear to others that you have read the article and have a good comprehension of it.
If not, be honest.
There are many times when I go to a highly technical blog post, myself, and have to read it twice before something sticks in my head.
I’ll leave an honest comment and tell the author that I thank them for explaining this, and yes, it took me two times to read it through because of my non-techie brain.
But what I got out of it is ______(fill in the blank).
Now, you’ll hear me say, over and over again… that comments are the backbone of your blog.
If you want to have a healthy comment section, you must first go over to other blogs specifically in your niche, and leave a good comment.
That will lay the foundation for having people who read your comment, to visit your own blog.
Successful Blog Commenting Do’s and Don’ts.
Now I’ll give you some key blog commenting do’s and don’ts.
But first, before you even start your commenting campaign, you need to get a Gravatar.
I have to impress upon you how important a Gravatar is.
22 Gravatar for blog commenting
You don’t want to have a “blank” or non-descipt Gravatar.
If you do, you will likely end up either in the spam box, or simply look non-professional and evasive if you do make it to the comment section.
So be professional.
Look like a successful blogger instead of a newbie or spammer.
Sign up for your own Gravatar before you start commenting on blogs.
Read more… What is Gravatar and Why You Should Start Using it Right Away (WPBeginner)
Use your own photo so people can see who the heck you are.
Another alternative is to use your unique business logo.
Either way, you want to be distinctive and be memorable.
When people see your picture they will know, in a jiffy, not only who you are, but also what you are all about.
Now you’re ready to start commenting like a pro.
Successful Blog Commenting – DO’S
On my previous blog post, Am I Too Old To Start A Business, I received many comments.
In fact, I usually get lots of great comments from my readers.
I’ve been blessed to have some great bloggers engage regularly on my blog.
So, I wanted to post some of their comments here to demonstrate how top bloggers do successful blog commenting.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have space to include everyone, so this is just a sampling.
Visit the article to see all my other great blog commenters, too.
Vishwajeet blogs at Webmartnet
Ryan blogs at Blogging From Paradise
Susan blogs at Susan Velez
Rachel blogs at Rachel and Co
Prosper blogs at Tips On Blogging
Marquita blogs at Emotionally Resilient Living
Lisa blogs at Inspire To Thrive
Janice blogs at Mostly Blogging
Freddy blogs at Internet Marketing Blog
Emenike blogs at Entrepreneur Business Blog
Bren blogs at Virtual Bren
Read the blog post.
If you are skimming, you may miss out on something that you can relate to in that particular article.
Give recognition to the author.
Dear so’n’so, by first name.
This may sound old school, but it is simple courtesy, and people always like to be addressed by name.
In many countries, it is necessary to do this so please thing globally.
Add value to the conversation.
Think about how you may add some value to the blog post itself.
It is such a pleasure for the author to see good input about the subject at hand.
Tell the author how or why you enjoyed this blog post because either you learned something from it, or you just loved his or her writing style.
This can lead to a real conversation, rather than just a simple hit and run “comment.”
I’ll show you what I mean.
This was Kevin Duncan’s reply to my follow-up comment… to his first reply… to my original comment on his blog post… Got that? haha
If you want to follow the full conversation that went on between us, find it on my Blog Comment Thread with Kevin Duncan (opens in a new tab).
If you’d like to read the blog post that I was commenting on, it’s a great resource when developing your blog commenting strategy:
The Ultimate Guide to Writing Comments That Open Doors with Popular Bloggers
(by Kevin J. Duncan on SmartBlogger)
Be appreciative.
You need to show appreciation.
Thank the author for the hard work he or she put into it.
You will be creating a good connection, not only with the author of the blog post, but also with those who read through the comment section.
Remember, many people do.
Read the full article here…
How To Comment On Other Blogs and Become A Better Blogger
(by Harsh Agrawal on Shout Me Loud)
Successful Blog Commenting – DONT’S
Just as important as what you DO when you comment on blogs, is what you avoid doing.
So pay just as careful attention to the “don’ts.”
Don’t comment without a Gravatar.
Remember that gravatar?
If you don’t have one, you can end up in someone’s spam folder.
No one-liners, please!
Don’t embarrass yourself with leaving a one line comment.
Even if it gets through the spam blockers, you are insulting the author’s hard work.
And other readers will see you as lazy, or even worse… as a person only in it for yourself and your own backlinks.
Don’t jump around and leave a trail of one-liners on multiple blogs. Immediately people will see your comment as either a spammer or someone who really doesn’t give a you know what!
Don’t Skip Reading the blog post!
There is no way in hell that you can leave a comment unless you read it through.
If this sounds too complicated, then successful blog commenting may be beyond your reach at this time.
Sorry to be harsh, but I’m here to teach you.
Don’t be a link-dropper.
Never ever dump links in your comments.
You will probably end up in the spam folder.
Worse than that, though, people reading your comment will be turned off.
It is not only an improper place to drop links, it’s a self-centered behavior that is easily seen for what it is.
Don’t “rush to publish” your comment.
Would you write a blog post without doing a proofread, spelling or grammar check, and edit?
Of course not.
Build Your Email List …
Yet, even after you publish it, you can go back and edit it, then update the publication.
Comments can’t be edited.
Once you hit the “send” button, you will never be able to edit or change anything.
Think of your comment as published content.
In fact, that’s exactly what it is.
It’s great to leave a high-value comment, but make sure you read it through before you hit the submit button.
You may want to edit it.
So do it while you can.
Proofread and edit your comment before publishing it.
Don’t just talk… engage.
Don’t just start babbling.
Remember, you have to address the author of the blog post.
Start with “Hi” and call them by name.
Don’t forget: There will usually be a CTA (Call to Action) at the end of the post.
Make sure you are on point and stick to the question the author wants you to answer.
That’s sincere engagement, not just spouting off on whatever you feel like talking about.
Never bash!
If you disagree, that is fine.
But do it in a way where you are showing respect to the author.
“I understand what you are saying, and here’s another thing I’d like to add.”
-or even-
“Sorry, I disagree with your point. I understand what you are saying, but I have a different opinion.”
Don’t “chase backlinks.”
If you are thinking that blog commenting is all about building “backlinks” to your blog, then think carefully.
Blog commenting is the very best way to get high quality backlinks, for sure.
People will read your lovely comment, be impressed by it and therefore will probably come and visit you.
Read the full article here…
How To Comment On Other Blogs and Become A Better Blogger
(by Harsh Agrawal on Shout Me Loud)
How to do Successful Blog Commenting
If you keep in mind the do’s and don’ts I’ve outlined, then you will be able to use blog commenting to become a top blogger.
Blog commenting is the “backbone” of blogging.”
For one thing, because comments are valuable.
They are like bloggers’ currency.
The more you have, the more successful you will be.
But there’s another reason.
In this day and age, people don’t just visit blogs for information.
There’s already too much information for people to handle.
And there’s practically no new information you can add to the conversation.
But engagement is a different story.
People visit blogs for engagement far more than information.
And the search engines rank your content, not because it’s great information.
But because other people visit your blog and engage with you.
That engagement level is largely marked by the amount of commenting activity you attract.
Don’t you want to benefit from this kind of social activity?
You can if you stick to the simple guidelines I’ve given you here.
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So, tell me.
Do you struggle to get your blog noticed?
Have you been able to build deep engagement with your blog?
What has been your experience with using blog commenting to build your business?
Leave me a comment below and give me your thoughts.
Then, please, share this article on social sites, so others can also learn how to do successful blog commenting 🙂
-Donna
Twitter: blogtrovert
November 13, 2018 at 10:20 pm #
Getting blog comments can be so encouraging and it takes an enticing post to get comments. I know how it feels when I get a non Spammy comment on my blog post. I do love dropping comments on posts especially when I find it super helpful. I implemented gravatar way before I knew about the importance of gravatar on profiles, today I’m glad I did because I’ve left quite a handful of comments over the years.
Twitter: dannyguillermo
August 27, 2018 at 8:05 pm #
I get 2 or 3 word comments and you can tell that the commenter only stopped by to leave a comment and most likely didn’t even read the post. I hate that!
It is kind of funny to me that you can write a full length post on something like commenting but as I read your post I found it brilliant. There is an art and an etiquette to it.
Great post and I love that you pointed out the DON”Ts
Twitter: TechMatas
April 17, 2018 at 12:30 pm #
Hello Ma’am Donna, Thank you for this post.
Blog commenting is a great way to motivate a blogger as well as connect other like minded people in your network. Though we need to be weary of bots and spammers.
Thank you again for sharing.
Fellow Blogger
Twitter: thankgodoguche5
March 28, 2018 at 11:19 am #
Hi Donna,
I saw this post on Emmanuel Emmenike’s Facebook Account. I scan it and I told myself I will be coming to read it again. Actually, I already had an account with gravatar.
When I commented on someone’s post yesterday I discovered my picture did not appear. I had to go figure it out. I want to add more tips to your post from my discovery.
local Gravatar is another option, in case the usual Gravatar does not work, you may use the local Gravatar.
This is how it works!
Step 1.
Log in to your dashboard and install ”wp user Avatar” and activate it.
Step 2.
On your dashboard scroll down, before the ”collapse menu button” you will see the ”wp user avatar” click on It. Click on the ”Disable Gravatar and use the local gravatar” Option then save the changes.
Step 3.
Go to user, next click on profile option and upload your picture. Please don’t forget to save your changes.
If after using the usual Gravatar your pictures do not appear when you comment, switching to the local gravatar may help.
Thank you, Donna.
The post was so helpful.
Twitter: bloggerspassion
March 28, 2018 at 4:11 am #
Hey Donna,
This is another wonderful post as usual. Blog commenting is indeed one of the very first means to get your blog noticed as a new blogger like you rightly pointed out.
However, most people usually use blog commenting as just a link building strategy, forgetting that it can actually give you a big traffic boost while waiting for the search engines to discover your website. I agreed with the point about setting up a Gravatar of yourself before starting your blog commenting campaign.
Here’s the point, whenever I see a comment on my blog without the commenter’s picture, even if the comment is genuine and real, I often find it very difficult to believe such comment is not from a spammer.
It is, therefore, very important to first of all create account with Gravatar before commenting on any blog. Apart from creating the account, it’s also good to use your real face to make everything legitimately.
Finally, blog commenting when done well will not only boost your blog traffic, giving you lots of exposure, but it’ll also help you to build some solid and long lasting relationships with other famous bloggers in your industry.
As always, thanks for sharing Donna.
Twitter: sbcader
March 26, 2018 at 3:28 pm #
Hi Donna. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this article. I agree with all the fine pointers you gave. I have found when reading other peoples comments, that a lot of people do just what you are saying not to do. Especially the “great post” by people who are just wanting to get a few clicks back to their site. Also, the point you made about proof reading your comments before hitting the submit button was spot on. Thank you for all the great advice.
Twitter: thismoneylife
March 20, 2018 at 10:39 pm #
Hi Donna,
A lot of great advice here.
One other thing blog commenting does for you is it gets you “out and about”. You end up reading a lot. And from this you can get ideas for your own posts. You can see what is popular and what is working for other bloggers.
I’m in the early stages of blogging. Something I will say to anyone who is in the beginning stages and is looking to gather comments from others… don’t be afraid to delete comments.
I get the one-liners such as:
Nice post. Keep it up.
Such a good article. Thanks.
For a second I thought “well, it’s a comment. It’s better than nothing.”
But, then like you mentioned, I put a lot of work into the post and that kind of comment is disrespectful.
So, it’s a delete from me I’m afraid.
Twitter: msellithorpe
March 19, 2018 at 12:20 pm #
Hi Donna,
How appropriate for me finding this post. I just had to “trash can” two fairly good comments because of no gravatar and I even emailed them to inquire about no profile picture; received no answer. So their comments were trashed.
There are quite a few things a blogger should and shouldn’t do and for the life of me I can’t figure out why they put a valuable comment and no picture.
Sure wish there was some way to get this post out to every single person who comes near any blogs at all; whether to read, comment or just look around.
Oh well. We know better and I agree I do let some in with no Gravatar if I know them but that only goes for a few times.
I’m going to share this a lot today.
Thanks again, Donna for your great posts.
Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..Affiliate Marketing vs Network Marketing Even for Writers
Hi Monna,
I find that most of the time a good blogger would have no gravatar because they weren’t taught to do so. Others (most of them) are spammers and we have to watch out for that one.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..One Blogger’s Shortcut Past the Dreaded Learning Curve
Hi Ash,
When it comes down to it all getting to know others is my main objective. There are back links, internal links, SEO and all that, but the most important thing is to get to know others. Connecting with people (like you) all over the planet always amazes me. Making good friends with people we would never in our dreams thought we could meet due to geographical locations, is magical.
I know that there is a higher purpose to all this, and as we connect with others we learn so much more than business stuff. The real fun is to get closer to those we engage with and have discussions, get on a live chat and connect as human beings.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: fetchprofits
March 19, 2018 at 7:19 am #
Hey Donna,
Remeber I mentioned once about we learning things all the time from everyone around us?
It wasn’t until you mentioned the Gravatar thing that I remembered that a photo update was long due. So, I didn’t dare write a comment here until I go and fix that up first. So, I did.
I know I have a long way to go with doing comments the right way. I am past the stage for backlinks and quicklinks or whatever fancy goals people have for their blogs and websites. I never had any. I don’t think I ever will.
It’s just that I love hanging out here and thanks to your blog (and the comments here) that I am also getting a chance to meet other bloggers.
I am at a stage in life now where I really want to connect with others like you who’ve obviously worked so hard to get where you are. I want to share, learn, discuss, and be passionate about not only what I write (or learn) but also about what others write about what they learn.
This might not be for everyone but I think the greatest strategy in the entire world (whether we comment, tweet at each other, start talking on Facebook Messenger, or call, or meet) is that we take the time and put in the effort to “really get to know” someone.
We might not be successful all the time, but it’s an endeavor that’s worthy, right?
Ash
Ash recently posted..Kinsta Review: Managed WordPress Hosting On Google Cloud
Hi Jan,
You are not complaining at all! It’s weird how people email you instead of commenting. Have you gone to their blogs and commented? Do they have a blog? Just wondering.
Maybe you can join a blogging group whereby people are accountable to comment on each other’s blog posts. If you ever want to I know a good one.
I know how it can be frustrating. I get emails telling me they are loyal readers of my blog but never comment. Strange…
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: janverhoeff
March 15, 2018 at 11:48 pm #
Hey Donna!
This comments are important point is maybe my new pet peeve. I’ve been blogging for nearly two decades now, and I have a big list of readers – who EMAIL me their responses. For the life of me, I can’t get enough actual comments on my blog posts to stir up a good conversation. But I’m truly excited about your post here. I plan to share it, in a blog post, on my own blog, and see if I can’t increase comments via proxy!
I’ve even shared the concepts of commenting in blog posts, and still, my commenters more often share one liners, or a few short words, rather than actually leaving a worthwhile addition to the discussion. And now… I sound like I’m complaining, which isn’t the case at all. Just speaking out my desire for more living comments and discussions on the blog posts!
I do love the emails, but I would rather most of them commented on the blog posts so their blogs would be shared with other readers. I know they’re missing out on some hefty traffic by not commenting on my blog posts.
However, I had to tell you how excited I am by your post of dos and don’ts here. So many great ideas. I love them. It’s so good to find other bloggers with similar views on blogger traffic generation and conversational development.
Thanks for sharing your amazing comments post!
Jan Verhoeff recently posted..Writing Content for SEO that People Want to READ!
Twitter: enstinemuki
March 15, 2018 at 3:29 am #
Hey Donna,
Good to be here again reading your post on something I really like.
I want to be more active now in blogging after my recent Cryptocurrency certification. For long now, I’m missing the beauty of commenting, meeting new people and of course pulling traffic.
I have done two things with the hope this will revitalize my blog commenting energy:
1) My blog commenting and engagement plugin (MyCommentAuthors) has been updated and refreshed
2) I re-enabled commentLuv Premium on my blog.
But I’m not quite comfortable with the second point because the plugin has not been updated for over 2 years. No one knows where Andy is gone to. The last time I spoke with him, he was really not in good health. Just praying the worst hasn’t happened to him. I hope dearly that he comes back soon.
Again, I feel so comfortable on your blog right now and thanks for helping up with clean tips on this activity that’s so effective in community building.
I’m back home 😉
Enstine Muki recently posted..Bloggers make money ~ 15 Foolproof ways to make money blogging!
Hi Enstine,
It is so great to have you back again. I know it had to take you some time for your certification of crypto currency. This is why I gear people towards you when they ask me “what is that crypto currency thing?” I say contact Enstine! You really have done such a great job with that.
Although it took you away from blogging commenting, we are all still here and happy to see you back.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: ChrisDeeWaard
March 15, 2018 at 2:18 am #
Hi Donna,
Great post.
Have a good one.
Chris……
Just kidding, We’ve all been there when it comes to the useless one-liners for comments. I use to approve them, but not anymore.
I’ve come a long way not to noticed a link dropper when a comment is waiting for approval.
I wrote a post on my Facebook Page about a comment I received, picture included, because it was a first for me in more than one way.
Of course, it was the usual, “Thank you yadda yadda yadda” First no-no, as you have mentioned.
After that, the stupidity started.
The next line was to inform me that this person had started his/her own software business. Nothing remotely related to the post or blogging tips in general. Another no-no, also mentioned in this post.
Third, The person had the nerve to put my name as the comment author. That was a first for me. Idiot didn’t even spell my last name correctly, and it was right there to see.
That’s one that I hardly see people mention in blog commenting posts…
Don’t use the blog post’s author’s name when leaving a comment.
And of course, the last thing in this weird adventure, dropping a link leading back to a free trial of some software his business makes.
Oh, almost forgot, no gravatar, like so many I see.
I know my mug isn’t the greatest, but, at least, people know what I look like when they see it.
Thanks for sharing all this great blog commenting knowledge of yours with those who can truly benefit from it.
Until the next time…..
Have a good one….Chris
Chris DeeWaard recently posted..How to Develop the Pro Blogger Mindset
Hi Chris,
That’s the first time I ever heard that! What a nut lol.
Of course the link went back to a free trial which probably was another scam he he he.
Thanks so much for sharing this story with us. These spammers are getting more cleaver every day.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: nomig70
March 14, 2018 at 7:11 am #
Commenting on a blog post does not mean typing phrases like ‘ thanks for the article, its helpful’, but one must add some value to the existing article or post by adding some valuable and informative feedback.
BTW, you have explained it very well. Plus 1 from my side.
Hi Norman,
Hey where’s your gravatar lol???
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. It is nice to know I’m a plus 1 from your side.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Become A Distraction Free Blogger
Twitter: marquitaherald
March 14, 2018 at 5:30 am #
What a lovely surprise Donna! Thank you so much for including me in your collection of blog commenters. I always enjoy your posts and have learned so much from you over the years. And speaking of that, your tips on commenting are spot on and I’m sure they will help guide your readers to help them be successful connecting with other bloggers. As always, thank you for the inspiration!
Marquita Herald recently posted..Warning: Easily Distracted by Shiny Objects
Hi Marquita,
How can I ever forget you my friend. You and I have been “blogging buddies” for so many years that I consider you a friend.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: MosClement
March 14, 2018 at 5:16 am #
Hi Donna,
Your article is right on time and remarkably amazing. Blog commenting is a great way to not only build relationships, but also to establish yourself as an authority in your niche market. The problem with many bloggers is the inability to leave meaningful comments on blog posts.
For example, if you take the time to read my article, you will definitely know where to fill in, make a recommendation, or highlight some important points that I missed in your comments. This will help drive traffic back to your site. So it is a win win thing.
I also like to use the first name of the author or blog owner, that’s courtesy.
Thanks for sharing Donna.
Hi Moss,
It is important to be courteous to others by addressing them by name or at least Maam! Just blurting through a comment does show a lack of respect ethically.
Indeed, blog commenting does establish yourself as an authority in your niche market and it’s so much fun to make new friends.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: ryanbiddulph
March 14, 2018 at 3:28 am #
Hi Donna,
Thanks so much for the shout out.
The one getting me all the time: ‘nice post.’ You and Harsh underscore what we established bloggers face every day. 5, 10, 20 or 100 “nice post” comments in the spam queue, all of which I trash. Why not be genuine? Why not use names, make points shared in the post and be a friend, to become a friend? Think through why you comment and if you are honest, you want to make a connection. Be authentic, make the connection.
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..3 Secret Blogger Outreach Tips
Hi Ryan,
Making honest connections is wha it’s all about. If a person is a blogger, then they are connected to other bloggers and that’s how we all grow together.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: vishwa328
March 14, 2018 at 3:21 am #
Hello Donna,
First of all, I would like to thank for mentioning me in your blog post. Blog commenting is a great way to drive traffic and connect with fellow bloggers. Its create a bond between bloggers and readers which eventually converts into trust and friendship. I started blog commenting when I started my blogging career. I really love to drop comments on relevant blogs. Again thanks a lot for this.
Have a Great Day 🙂
Vishwajeet
Vishwajeet Kumar recently posted..5 Digital Marketing Skills You’ll Need In 2017 To Make The Right Impact!
Hi Vishwajeet,
I always see you on my blog and when I do a FB live you are there too.
Blog commenting sure does create a bond between bloggers and eventually does turn into friendships.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: maria_tayler
March 14, 2018 at 2:39 am #
Hi Donna..
I’m absolutely agree with your DOs and DON’Ts, Blog comments is one of the greatest way to build strong and genuine connection, also with the blog comments you can learn a lot more things which we can’t find on anywhere because everyone has their own opinions and experiences. As you share Donna, you are not techie…LOL, the comments on your posts are so amazing as your articles, I enjoy to read Lisa’s, Ryan’s comments also yours. I’m also read post twice some times trice, when i understand each and everything then i start writing comments. I think it’s a good thing.
Thanks for sharing such important stuff. 🙂
Regards
Maria
Hi Maria,
It sure is a good thing when we sometimes have to read a blog post twice to understand something. It’s a great way to learn something new. Even when I’m on a techie blog and know I won’t apply the stuff myself, at least I have the knowledge to explain to someone what needs to be done.
Each blog post I go to I do take time to read it.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: lorrainereguly
March 14, 2018 at 12:58 am #
Great post. 🙂
Except for the spelling of “don’ts.”
It should be “don’ts.”
And do’s should not have an apostrophe. DOs and DON’Ts would be the best way to write these words. Perhaps you can update the post, Donna. 😉
As an editor, I had to speak up! After all, Wording Well is not just my business. It’s what I DO. 🙂
Lorraine Reguly recently posted..How to Succeed Even When You Feel Like Giving Up
Hi Lorraine,
I did some research online first and you are correct! But in my findings the way I spelled it was good for the web. It was an article from “Grammar Girl” by Mignon Fogarty. If you write books the spelling you have given is correct. If you write for he web, spell it the way I did. Go figure!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: corirams
March 13, 2018 at 3:43 pm #
Hi Donna,
For me, this post was a wake up call because I’ve slacked on commenting lately. And I should know better because – like you said, it’s part of being a blogger and after reading that line, I realized that I need to step up my game.
I think leaving a thoughtful comment is just common courtesy and reading the whole blog post, well that’s just giving respect to the blogger who spent Lord knows how many hours putting a valuable blog post together.
Blog commenting can definitely be good for business. Most recently, I landed a new client after she read a comment I left on a blog post she read. Another reason why I should step it up. 🙂
Thanks for putting this blog post together. You have some great advice for bloggers here!
Hope you’re keeping warm!
Cori
Cori Ramos recently posted..10 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your WordPress Website
Hi Cori,
Indeed…step it up girl. I know you are busy with other things this time of year, but make some room for commenting.
There is the proof of the pudding: when someone seen your comment and contacted you. It works so well! This is one of the ways we
can grow our business.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: imblog101
March 13, 2018 at 3:06 pm #
Hey Donna!
Blog commenting has been one of the best ways for me to network with other bloggers and build real friendships in the blogosphere.
This also helps you gain more exposure and some targeted traffic. But, as you are talking about it here, you have to do it in a smart way and follow the right steps.
One thing that is important to note, and I want to mention this because I often get comments where people are linking to a blog post, is that you want to link to your homepage. Linking to a blog post is pretty much telling me you just want a backlink. And, as you said here, don’t chase the backlink!
I’d highly recommend blog commenting to every new blogger. It really is an amazing way to connect and build your bloggers network fast.
Thank you so much for mentioning me here, Donna! I really appreciate that!
Best regards! 😀
Freddy G. Cabrera recently posted..The 3 Most Important Keys To Successful Blogging (You Will Fail Without These 3 Blogging Keys!)
Hi Freddy,
Commenting does help build a good network quickly. We do get more exposure and even some opt-ins and targeted traffic.
Indeed we have to do it the “smart” way all the time.
I like what you have added here to like to the blog itself, not the blog post. Depends on the blogger I think.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: ravishingravism
March 13, 2018 at 2:01 pm #
Hi Donna,
Commenting is an art. It is the work of patience and appreciation. A person should comment only when he feels that there is something in the content that he must talk about. Commenting is helping only when it is healthy. You are right that a person should not just comment for the sake of backlinks. Comment must add some value to the content and talk how relevant things are.
Gravater is definitely must when commenting as a professional or genuine person.
Thanks for sharing.
Gaurav Kumar recently posted..Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: Launching Tomorrow Exclusively on Amazon: Time, Features, and price
Hi Gaurav,
You are so correct because commenting IS an art! We have to have patience and appreciate the time and effort it took the blogger to create the post. If we have something to add we have to say it (in a nice way of course).
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: ebusinessroom
March 13, 2018 at 12:53 pm #
Great piece, Donna.
Glad to see that you also talked about those chasing after backlink from the comments section. It makes me sick. Most times, I just tick their comments as spam.
From their comments you will know that they didn’t read the post at all. That’s why you will see comments like, “Nice info, Thanks for sharing, I love this. We were just discussing about this last time… ” and all other bullshits.
It’s spammy and annoying.
Using blog commenting, I have been able to build great relationships with other bloggers in my niche. I learnt this first from Ryan Biddulph. He’s so great at blog commenting.
Keep the great work going and thanks for the mention.
Emenike
Emenike Emmanuel recently posted..Why Your Guest Posts Are Not Converting and How to Fix It
Hi Emenike,
Oh those two words and without even a gravatar. Like I would let them in lol. They do make me sick too because they are in it for their own purpose and that is a good backlink.
Ryan is so great with his message of commenting. He has done it himself and loves to share it with others so they won’t make a mistake.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: Lisapatb
March 13, 2018 at 12:48 pm #
Hi Donna, I love your point about addressing someone by their name. Whenever I see a comment with Madam or calling me by another name, it goes right into the spam que to be deleted.
I love reading comments 🙂 You can learn so much about your readers from them. You can learn their strengths and weaknesses and areas they may need some help in. I too am appreciative like Brenda mentions because it takes time to read and comment on posts. It can’t be done in a minute or less. (Though sometimes I may try and make a typo – one of your no-no’s!)
I keep telling myself I will publish a post about crazy comments – I do get some very weird ones in the spam file. But no images of who they are. That gravatar is SO important Donna. I want to see who they are!
Some of my top traffic sources can come from others blogs that I comment on, but not all. That’s where the CommentLuv plugin still comes into play. I don’t get traffic from blogs with the Disqus comment system but I do comment on some there too.
Commenting on blogs is like knocking on someone’s door and having a conversation with them. I’ll try not to do that to you today Donna as the wind would probably blow a lot of snow in your house. Stay safe there and thank you for the mention here and the TIPS.
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Hi Lisa,
I don’t mind Madam so much because in other countries it is a sign of respect. Depends on the person. But I think its quite rude to just comment without a Hi (fill in the blank) Although if I read an article and there is no name of the author or blogger, I just say Hi.
That would be a blast doing a post about spam comments. I think it would be fun to read.
Indeed, so many traffic sources come from other blogs we comment on. CommentLuv is a life saver for that. I still get traffic from Disqus comment system. They will go to my Twitter and find me there.
I don’t think you would make it to my door today because we are up to two feet already and expect more. Unless you like to swim in the snow lol.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: prosper_noah
March 13, 2018 at 12:47 pm #
Hi Donna,
Long but so detailed post on blog commenting.
Anyone can do blog commenting, but what really matters is how well you are able to use it
Awesome post once more.
Prosper Noah recently posted..Best Keyword Research Tool for #1 Ranking in 2018
Hi Prosper,
Yep, it is a long one isn’t it? But sometimes I just like to reinforce people that commenting is so important as you well know.
So true that anyone can do a comment, but what matters is how you are able to do it. This makes a great quote!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?
Twitter: Virtual_Bren
March 13, 2018 at 12:33 pm #
Hey Donna!
I’d love to comment on your article but first I have to ask, “Are you snowed in up there?” Yikes! Looks horrible on the news! Just be safe, you and David, and especially those pups!
Alright, the article…..I was going to say you can’t image how much I despise those “one-liners”, however, I know you know. 😉 I’ve gotten to the point of moderating the comments on my website and if it’s a cheesy, no-value comment, I spam it. Why publish it? The person is only wanting to get their name and website on my site, hoping to generate traffic his way! I remember how much I loved CommentLuv. But then I realized that people would just comment to drop a link! So frustrating! I guess we learn as we go on, right?
When someone comments on my blog, I feel honored. I like to think the reader really got something out of my content. I’m excited that this person took the time out of their busy schedule to share their thoughts with me and my readers.When I read a blog post and feel the need to comment, I love reading what the others say. It’s interesting to see what different pieces the commenters pick out of the article.
I know your blog always gets valuable comments and replies from you. Probably one reason why so many like to comment on your blog. You engage them, interact with them, and get to know them. Priceless, my friend.
Ok, I rambled enough so I’ll let you back to your snow and me back to my lunch at my desk 🙁 .
Have a fab week ahead, Donna. Thanks for this post!
B
Bren Pace recently posted..How Can One Simple Image of You, Give You Valuable Recognition?
Hi Bren,
Yes it is snowing like crazy here. I have the kid that shovels us out coming two times today. Just to keep a good path for my pups to go out in the yard. David made a huge circle for them to do their thing near the fence. They do it and come right in. So far so good as long as we have power we are warm.
Oh those one liners….they are set up to go to my spam box. The only time I let it through is if I know the person is new and has to learn.
I know that feeling of feeling honored that someone comes to our blog. They are taking the time out of their day to leave a good comment and get something out of the article.
No way….you didn’t ramble on, but gave a comment with passion and that my friend is priceless!
Thanks so much,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Am I Too Old To Start A Business?