visit4 Simple Steps to Entice Readers to Comment
- November 1st, 2008
One of the best ways to convert website visitors into dedicated RSS subscribers and repeat readers is to create an environment of social interaction. One of the best ways to foster this sense of community is through engaged conversation and commenting. Getting your readership to comment isn’t any easy task, however hear are few tips that might help breaking the ice.
1. Show some Passion – think back on the recent comments you have left on your favorite blogs. My guess is that those articles evoked some emotion, good or bad, and provoked you to give your 2 cents on the topic. Writing articles with passion is the first step to getting people to leave a comment on your blog.
2. A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed- it’s human nature that people like to help others. I bet if you were to think back on a situation where a friend asked you for advice, and you helped them with their question or problem, you felt like a million bucks and a true friend. Don’t be shy to ask your readers for help. Recently I wrote an article about saving money grocery shopping (on my sister site, www.fullglassliving.com) and asked for some further help and advice on tips. A reader left a very impressive, detailed and informative comment on the subject.
3. Ask and You Shall Receive – it absolutely stuns me when I read a good article that is very though provoking, yet when I get to the end of the article, there is no call to action. Simply asking for something is the easiest way to get it. My father used to preach to me that if you don’t ask you’ll never get. Finish your blog post with an opened-ended question such as “These are a few of my personal favorites, what are some of yours?” or even better “I’m pretty sure that I’m 100% right about this “topic” what are you thoughts?”.
4. Worlds Best Commentator- recognizing your top commentators can go a long way towards increasing your readership participation. There is a simple WordPress plugin that can be added to your blog to highlight the top chatters on your site. Making the list is both fun and rewarding for those that are contributing to your posts; those that make the list are prominently featured and benefit from a direct link on your site!
I believe that the final step to getting a good course of conversation going on your blog is to stay on top of readers comments and engage yourself. Don’t over-do it and reply to every comment, but pick and choose, especially the pointed questions or comments at you, the author. I hope that you will find some of these techniques beneficial in getting the chatter flying across your blog; If you think you have some better ideas Please Share them!
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Hi Rachel
Looking good. Getting comments is a challenge. I always try to end my posts with a question and an invitation to participate in the conversation. I also like to ask questions in my comments to continue the conversation. It’s easier said than done sometimes! I like the blogger helping blogger scenario. You subscribe and contribute to me and I’ll return the same!
Hi Rachel,
I think these tips about comments are great. I incorporate quite a few of them and I know they’re the right way to go. I love seeing a comment notification in my email!
I like step #1. It really is the building block for the other steps and in fact it is the foundation for everything related to you blog. By the way, in looking through your posts, YOUR passion comes through. You also have a great style, easy to read. Would you consider a guest post at Tumblemoose?
I look forward to coming back to (not-so) Average Gal.
Cheers
George
I reckon the most important is how well you respond to your readers and interact with them. It goes beyond merely responding to their comment, reciprocal visit should be done at the very least. That’s how relationship is built upon.
Anyway nice article, Rachel.
Yan
Hi Rachel,
These are some great tips! Another great way to entice people to leave comments is to have the CommentLuv plugin so that people who leave a comment will have their latest post title up for others to see.
The no-follow plugin is great aswell, if you adviertise it. Then others bloggers will post comments becasue search engines will follow thier link from your site andindex their stuff faster.
Interacting with your readers is critical. Asking for help is a great idea. It has worked for me, it work well for me in another blog I have. Great advice…….
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