Find Out What Readers Want
If you aren't receiving blog comments it could be because your blog is very new and needs time to gain readership, or it could be that you are doing something wrong. Use your comment boxes to teach you which of your blog posts work and which ones don't.
Back in my empty comment box days I remember posting videos and finally receiving a couple of comments, it was a miracle! Well actually it was the fact that people like videos and they are easy to comment on. But I learned that videos are something readers enjoy, and I still post videos every week.
Be a Comment Box Investigator
Take a look at the bloggers posts that are doing well and learn from them. What kind of blog posts are getting the highest responses, and which ones are left unnoticed? How are successful bloggers interacting with their guests?
Be Your Own Best Friend
Be the first one to comment on your own post. This may sound pathetic but it actually works. When I first heard of this I thought it was nuts, but I gave it a try, and it helped. By being the first to comment you are breaking the ice and visitors are more likely to join in. An abandoned blog isn't so appealing to visitors. So if you're willing to take a risk, leave a comment and you might just get the comment ball rolling.
Make Commenting Easy
Have you ever wanted to leave a comment on a blog and after searching though multiple blog posts you couldn't find even one thing to say? It's happened to me, and I was amazed that the topics these bloggers chose to write about were so difficult to respond to. If you're looking to gain comments then make it easy for readers to do so. Post interesting or funny articles, videos, or pictures. Don't make your posts so complicated that you are the only one who can can understand them.
Simple Is Better
Keep your writing simple. Did you know that newspaper articles are written based on a grade seven reading level? You may be so busy trying to impress people with your fancy writing skills that you are actually intimidating potential readers. Remember to make your blog posts an easy reading experience.
Don't Barricade Your Blog
The easier you make it for others to comment, the more comments you'll receive. You may want to consider taking off word verification so it's faster for people to comment, and make sure that your settings are set so anyone can leave a comment and not only registered users.
You can give your readers a little more freedom in commenting and use comment moderation or anti spam programs to deal with spammers. To see how easy it is to comment on your own blog, sign out and come back as a visitor attempting to leave a comment. You may be surprised at how difficult it is for others to comment on your blog because of your settings.
Why Trading Comments Doesn't Work
Unlike trading links (which does work), trading comments is not a good way to gain readers. Whenever someone asks me to trade blog comments the first thing I think is "Wow, they must be desperate." The second thing I think is, "What? Do they think I'm desperate?" I don't enjoy leaving comments because I have to. I tried trading comments one time, felt stupid, and I've never returned to that blog again.
By asking for comments a blogger is giving the impression that they have a low quality blog with very little readers. This might not be the case at all, you may have the best blog in the world. But people might wonder why you need comments so desperately and assume that you aren't doing well.
Play It Cool
If your goal is to become a successful blogger then you've got to act like one. Have you ever heard the expression "fake it 'til you make it?" Instead of asking for comments create content that your readers will want to comment on. Behaving in a confident way is a great way to attract readers.
Don't Turn Your Blog Into a Jerry Springer Show
Remember to be friendly. I've seen bloggers who are rude, who ignore, or who even attack their own visitors. If you disagree strongly with a reader or find something they've said offensive perhaps it's better not to publish their comment. Or publish the comment but remain positive in your response. Many people will disagree with me on this one because controversy does attract readers, and blogging is about expressing opinions. But at what cost?
Drama definitely sells but if you get a reputation for fighting with your blog visitors you might not be attracting the type of readers that will fill your days with joy, and quality readers might decide it's just too risky to comment. Even if you have a controversial blog, you can still choose to handle visitors comments with grace. Make your visitors feel relaxed and at home and they will be more likely to comment, and also to return!
But They're Still Not Coming
You've got to get yourself noticed or you won't have the chance to gain readers. You may want to do something dramatic to get noticed. I started out with a cut pet photo contest that I advertised on Craigslist (and everywhere else I could think of). For those who are shy this is the hardest part about blogging. But it's a must! The more you practice blog promotion and socializing with other bloggers the easier it will get. Read more on how to increase your blog traffic.
Be an Avid Blog Reader and Comment Leaver!
Be a social butterfly! Or at least let other bloggers know you exist! With a bit of effort you will soon be getting those comment boxes filled!
All written material by Christy Zutautas is licensed.
