Commenting on blog posts can be a bit of a minefield.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but sometimes, I find it really hard. When I first started blogging, I thought it would be one of those things that got a lot easier – it did get easier, but I still sometimes struggle with it.
In the beginning, I often found myself asking:
1. Will The Blogger Think “Who Are You and Why Are You Commenting Here”?
No. Trust me on this, they really won’t.
If bloggers don’t want comments, they will turn off the feature allowing them. I can only speak for myself (but I really think the vast majority of bloggers will agree with this point) but getting comments on a post is a lovely feeling – it means readers want to engage with us!
2. Is It Weird If I Keep Commenting On Different Posts On The Same Blog?
Again, no.
I have quite a few people who comment regularly on my posts and I love it. Obviously it’s good to know people are returning, and repeat comments show this, but also, it’s a great way of meeting readers and building up a relationship with them.
3. I Disagree with The Points Made. Should I Still Comment?
Yes.
The world would be a boring place if everyone agreed with each other and all saw the world the exact same way. It shows that you have thought about what has been said and I love seeing my readers opinions on the topics I am talking about.
However, if you can’t disagree in a non offensive way, then I would say don’t comment. There is a huge difference between saying “I disagree with this point because XYZ” than, for example, “what a load of crap you don’t know what you are talking about”. See the difference?
With that in mind, here are my top tips for how and why to comment on blog posts.
How To Comment On Blog Posts
1. Comment in your own voice.
If you write with humour, leave a funny comment, if you use slang in your writing, use some slang in your comment (I would avoid swearing though unless you know the blogger well enough to know they would be ok with it, or the post itself has swearing in it).
2. Be real. Be honest.
As mentioned above, if you disagree with points made in the post, you can still comment – be honest! No one wants to read a comment that feels fake. Don’t gush about how right the blogger is if you have recently written a post saying the exact opposite – there’s a chance people may have read your post and will now be wondering about your honesty.
There’s nothing wrong with saying that the post was well written, or gave you food for thought, you can always find a positive spin for the comment if you really don’t feel comfortable disagreeing.
If you have joined a linky (more on those later in the month) it may be that the host requires you to comment on a certain post, for example, the one linked up directly before yours. This can be awkward if the post is something you wouldn’t normally want to read. Go in with an open mind – you might enjoy the post! When it’s time to comment, again be honest. Something along the lines of “This isn’t something I would normally be into, but I enjoyed learning a little more about it” is fine.
3. Show that you have read the post.
This is by far the most important element when commenting.
“Great post” is fine to start or end a comment, but build on it. Alone, this sounds like you couldn’t be bothered to read the post.
Pick out a point or two to mention from the post. For example, for this post you could say something like “I swear on my blog all the time, but never swear when commenting.” It shows the blogger that you have actually read the post, and adds something to the conversation.
4. Add to the discussion
Try to make sure your comment add something to the discussion – try to steer clear of generic comments.
There are a few ways to do this:
– If the blogger has left a lead to be discussed in the comments, answer the question.
– Expand on a point from the original post.
– Share an experience you’ve had that relates to the post.
– Ask a question about something in the post you would like to know more about.
Why You Should Comment on Blog Posts
1. To share the blogger love.
2. To get you noticed/build your SEO.
Bonus Section – Managing Comments on Your Blog
Comments are great. It does get easier to find something to say the more you do it.
For me, the biggest hurdle was always that the blogger wouldn't care what I thought. Since starting blogging, I know I genuinely do care what my readers think, and I'm sure most bloggers feel the same. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
showing that you actually read the post is the most important to me. Sometimes I will read a comment, and just shake my head. I appreciate the effort, but would appreciate the read even more. I will say, however, that I read many more posts than I comment on. I think that there are times I honestly don't have much to contribute and don't want to come across as commenting just for the sake of doing so
Yes, I know what you mean – I can't understand why people comment when they haven't read the post – they add nothing to the conversation and I think there's very little change of the blogger visiting them back.
Me too – sometimes it is hard to say something that doesn't sound generic even though you enjoyed the post.
Hi Debbie, sometimes I read blog posts and they are really great but I get to the end and want to leave a comment and am not really sure what to say other than great post, I really enjoyed it. I like it where other people leave a bit of their life story in their comments – that's a personal thing, part of the reason I started blogging was to connect with people in a similar situation to me. I sometimes ask for advice in my posts and have received some really long and thoughtful comments back. I really appreciate these. Thanks for your post Debbie.
I know what you mean, sometimes there just isn't a lot to say except great post! I do think it's ok to say that once in while with a blogger you read regularly as they know you and know you do read the posts.
Reading through the comments on your own blog is fab – a great way to connect with people and to see that they really do care 🙂
Great points, I am pretty rubbish at leaving comments, not doing just what comment I leave – like great post/points 🙂 lol here I go doing it again! I also tend to comment on the same people's blogs. I guess its just because I gravitate to them on the linkys I do. I am going to try and pick others too now, so I can spread the bloggerlove! Thank you xx #Thelist
I often struggle knowing what to write in comments too. I find it easier with bloggers I have a bit of rapport with, because then I know I can leave a jokey comment and they won't take it the wrong way or anything.
I have a few I actively look for in the linkys as well, because I know i'll enjoy the post. I do that and then I try to chose one new one.
You are so right. Bloggers love comments, it's validation I guess. It helps so much to building relationships and a community around your blog. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
I agree – I love reading and responding to my comments, it's a fantastic way to start building a relationship with readers. Thank you and thanks for hosting 🙂 x
Ok so I need to leave a really good comment here 😉
Seriously, I completely agree with this. Bloggers love comments! I read and try to reply to every single one, although not alway possible but it is important to me that people know I have read their comment when they’v taken the time. I also love it when people disagree with me-not because I like arguing but because I love hearing people’s opinions and it might just sway mine in the opposite direction. Really fab post!
Stepping in for Hannah this week and thanking you for linking up to #thelist x
I love that too! I can't understand why some bloggers want everyone to agree with them. I love a discussion (a civilized discussion, not an argument) about two sides to an opinion, and it does often give me a new perspective I hadn't considered. Thank you 🙂
I forgot Hannah was away, thanks for stepping in 🙂
Fab post Debbie, I love commenting, sometimes I really struggle with what to say so I've now employed the tactic if I can't leave a meaningful comment that I'd want to read I won't leave a comment at all. Sometimes I comment on FB, sometimes on twitter, sometimes on the blog. A bit of everywhere really!! Thanks for linking with us on #blogstorm x
Sometimes it's really hard to know what to put in a comment, even if you genuinely loved the post! I do often tweet rather than comment if I want the blogger to know I loved the post but don't have much else to say. Thanks for hosting 🙂
As a blogger I find it really hard to write non-fake sounding comments when joining in with linkys that say that you must comment on the post directly before yours. Thanfully, as ever, you’ve given me a few ideas for my next linky. 😊
Glad to have helped 🙂 It can be hard when you have no way to relate to the post!