Stephanie of Metropolitan Mama is babysitting my blog today while I’m living it up at the beach. Please make her feel at home! Steph, there’s Coke in the fridge. Help yourself!
If you’re like me, you probably read dozens hundreds of blogs every week. You smile. You nod. You laugh out loud. You might even cry. You marvel at how some people can be so funny and intelligent and kind. But do you comment?
I am of the opinion that it is not only very nice to leave comments when you are so moved, but that – in the long run – leaving comments also benefits YOU. Especially if you have a blog, business, or website of your own that you’d like to promote. If you leave insightful, thoughtful comments, the author of the blog WILL notice. Even the extra popular bloggers who seem like they’re probably dining on caviar and crab legs, while their nannies watch their perfectly manicured children. Yes, even them and, for the record, they’re doing the same thing you are – eating macaroni and cheese, cleaning up baby spit-up, and singing “Hush-Bye-Baby” for the 90th time trying to get their toddler to go down for a nap.
Here’s how to make blog comments that will get you noticed:
1. Say something directly relevant to the post and more than two words. “Good job” and “Cute baby” are nice (and better than nothing…), but more thoughtful comments are what will really get noticed. Make an observation. Explain why the post made you tear up. Give a little background.
2. Point out a helpful resource. For example, if the blogger is lamenting the fact that she can’t decide what to make for dinner, point out your new favorite recipe website or a cookbook that you particularly enjoy.
3. If the blogger is running a contest or promoting a particular company, say something that will be valuable to the company. I.E. why would you or wouldn’t you buy that product, what features make you excited about the product, what would make it even better, etc. You better bet your bottom dollar that the companies are reading those blog posts, and they’ll be even more likely to sponsor giveaways again in the future if they think women are tuned in to the post. Plus, they might just take your advice… you never know.
4. If the blogger is running a contest or promoting a product AND you decide to make a purchase as a result, say so in the comments! And when you do make the purchase, it doesn’t hurt to say, “I found out about this product through so-and-so’s blog.” If the blogger finds out, they will LOVE you.
5. Most importantly, LEAVE A COMMENT. If you pass on by, you’ll miss the chance to promote yourself, to make a connection, and – possibly – to make a friend.
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Stephanie, as usual very insightful. I totally agree about posting on other blogs and if you write the post, show the effort to make it count! Wow it is strange posting for you on a differnt blog! I may have to grab you for my vacation this summer….got time in third week of August?
http://lifeislikechampagne.blogspot.com/
Very good points! I’ll confess that I’m bad at giving the comments but I do love to get them. At the moment, my blog is only open to invited readers and so I miss having lots and lots of comments. Thanks for sharing! dcrmom picked a good summer sub!
I do find that leaving comments drives traffic to my blog — so I usually make a point of saying something. I also find that you can solicit comments by asking a question or asking for people’s opinions.
I find that if I am able to leave something humorous behind that is both relevant to the subject and also brings a chuckle, I’m more apt to receive visits.
I mean, heck, if I can get Pioneer Woman to visit my blog, I’m a rock star commenter, right?!?!
I just had to leave a comment on a really great post about comments! I will take your advice and work even harder on leaving comments!
Thanks for filling in for Jo-Lynne!
Great tips!
Okay, now I will proceed to take your advice. I actually had thought about what type of comments I should leave before. Even though some of this is common sense, it is good to be reminded of it.
Also, I LOVE long comments with opinions or advice or recipes in it! SOmetimes these people apologize for the long comment, but I don’t see the need to!
Thanks for the advice. I just started a blog last week and so I found this post very helpful. I am one for reading people’s blogs and never commenting but after reading this I will certainly leave a comment. Thanks again.
That’s great advice. I see how many hits I get everyday and most don’t leave comments. I only have about 5 or 6 regular comments. I think I’ll add a link to this post today.
All very wonderful tips…well-taken!
Agree 100% that even the subtlest of inclusions that the reader has gained something from the post beyond a reflexive “Cute Baby!” means a lot!
Great Post! I really like that you said if you make an insightful comment even if the blogger is getting tons of comments they will notice. I think a lot of times I do not comment for fear of them not caring or not noticing! Plus I wouldn’t want to interrupt their caviar and crab legs.
Karen — you got PW to comment? What was your comment???
These are good points, but how about a list of “don’ts” also? Like, don’t say “I just wrote about this on my blog,” or, if you must say that, how do you say that without sounding like a cross between a Realtor and a Mary Kay consultant?
Great points! I definitely see a traffic increase on my blog when I’ve been leaving comments elsewhere. And I have a hard time coming up with creative comments sometimes – so this advice is very handy.
Question – what do you do when someone leaves a comment that BEGS for a response, but there’s no email so no way to respond except through your own comments (which they may never read) or comment on their blog (in which case your response is totally off subject with their blog)?
OK, is there any way to read this and NOT comment?? LOL.
I often do feel like comments on “big” blogs go unnoticed sometimes but I leave one big or not if it moves me. Thanks for filling in!
Thanks so much for this! It was well written and oh so informative! I had just opened all of the blogs in my reader and I am going to be sure to leave atleast 4 sentence comments. Thanks again this was so helpful!
I am terrible about leaving comments. I get brain freeze and become afraid my comment will sound dumb. I promise to try harder.
What a great post! I have only recently begun leaving comments. I got into the habit of simply reading the posts off of my Google Reader and calling it a day but thankfully my mindset was changed a couple of weeks ago. I know how great it is a to get a comment or two and we all give of ourselves to post on our blogs regularly. It is nice to know someone cares every once in a while. Great post!
Thanks for the tips! I’m always looking for a better way to write/comment on others’ blogs!
leaving comments is sometimes also the beginning of great friendships.
I had something witty and clever to say that would totally impress all readers far and wide…but then I saw that Karen got Pioneer Woman to comment and I totally lost it.
Sorry. Maybe next time.
Oh p.s., I never thought of commenting that I bought the review item, great tip!
Stephanie, it’s great to see you over here. I totally agree with your post. As a mom owned business , I would love to get feedback from other moms on how to improve my business. Also, I know leaving comments on blogs has brought business my way. Great Post!!
Amen! I am fairly new to the blogging world- but as I am trying to make my blog grown- it is nice to see a reminder of the easiest way- and often most neglected.
Oh- and I am also in awe of the PW comment listed above!
Great tips. How is that for a blah comment.
But seriously, I would leave more if I didn’t do most of my reading while holding a baby. Is that a poor excuse?
Of course I can’t not comment.
I love the idea of a guest blogger – do you do that often?
Great post, Steph! I love comments and I LOVE responding to comments- so be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you’d like me to email back, everyone! Because I probably will, and talk your ear off! : )
Steph
Yes, exactly! Leave your email address, too, so the blogger can respond. Steph, this was a great post and one that I think will inspire tons of sweet, shy lurkers everywhere to step up and say what they are right now just THINKING. Everyone’s thoughts are valuable.
And many of the really BIG bloggers I read have said on numerous occasions that leaving funny, relevant and/or clever comments was the number one way they’ve grown their own readership. DANG! Is it really that easy? (Slaps forehead.)
(Hmm.. was that funny or clever enough to get me any new visitors at MY blog? Let’s see! Hee hee hee.)
What a helpful post! Aren’t you nice to share this information?
Thanks!
I was glad to read this article, it really makes sense. I will follow your advice.
I am still fairly new to blogging, but I heard this advice early on and have really tried to follow it. I almost always leave a comment if I stop by – though they aren’t always the most intellectual or insightful.
And people do respond! Even from some of the bigger blogs. Sometimes people have found my blog through a comment and never would have otherwise.
I think that the more people hear this advice – the better! I love reading comments!!
I find it interesting that I can write an entire post about one topic but make a sideline comment about some random trivia and the random thing garners most of the comments! It cracks me up every time.
Leaving comments on other sites has worked for me. I have a few new readers because I am fairly diligent about responding, even if it’s just to say I was there. Comments keep the dialog going beyond the post. They are a conversation unto themselves. I know I shouldn’t write for the validation of others, but it’s nice to know the effort we put into our sites is appreciated.
It would be nice if even half the people who stopped by last week for WFMW had left a comment. For a newbie like me to have 60+ people respond on a non contest day would be awesome! We know you’re out there lurkers!
Thanks for the great post. We all need that reminder to take a moment and make that comment. I always feel better when people comment – I know that they are actually noticing what I am blogging about.
Thank you for the post. It made me think about those times when I did just leave “great post” or “enjoyed your post today” for a comment. You are right. We do appreciate a thoughtful comment that lets us know that someone is really reading what we say. So, thanks for the great post, I enjoyed it.
I’m leaving a comment! This is my first time to your blog aand I think I might be hooked. Why is it that some blogs suck me in after just one read? Maybe it’s because it’s witty, relavent & easy to read? Thanks for the comment tips. I’m always up for more readers linking to my blog! =)
I’d leave a comment, but I’m busy with this crab leg. Pass the clarified butter please. . .
Good job.
HAHA, just kidding! This is actually really good information to have. Because now I will be leaving dynamite comments and expecting some SERIOUS increase on my blog. And if it doesn’t happen, I’m HOLDING YOU ACCOUNTABLE. Kidding again. I hope I don’t actually have to say that but I’m afraid someone will take me seriously the one time I don’t say it.
Very good points that I try to live by. I also try to respond to every comment — you know, say something back to the commenter so that they feel welcomed to come back.
I totally agree. ‘Nice post’ is nice to read, but it’s so much better when someone tells you what they loved, or how their life is the same or different, or how they solved that problem.
Although I love any comment that comes my way, just knowing that someone read my post means a lot.
I totally agree. ‘Nice post’ is nice to read, but it’s so much better when someone tells you what they loved, or how their life is the same or different, or how they solved that problem.
Although I love any comment that comes my way, just knowing that someone read my post means a lot.
I totally agree. ‘Nice post’ is nice to read, but it’s so much better when someone tells you what they loved, or how their life is the same or different, or how they solved that problem.
Although I love any comment that comes my way, just knowing that someone read my post means a lot.
I totally agree. ‘Nice post’ is nice to read, but it’s so much better when someone tells you what they loved, or how their life is the same or different, or how they solved that problem.
Although I love any comment that comes my way, just knowing that someone read my post means a lot.
I totally agree. ‘Nice post’ is nice to read, but it’s so much better when someone tells you what they loved, or how their life is the same or different, or how they solved that problem.
Although I love any comment that comes my way, just knowing that someone read my post means a lot.
I am pretty bad about commenting because I don’t feel like I have much to say and it seems silly to comment just for the sake of commenting. I read another post about commenting recently and have tried to do better and it has increased traffic on my blog…it hasn’t however increased commenters on my blog! I guess I’m just destined to be a one comment wonder!
What a great post! So true, too.
I try to make a point of commenting on all of the blogs that I read and find inspire me in *any* way. Whether it makes me angry, laugh out loud, ponder something philosophical, or simply visit another blog, I like to let the author know. I’m not the type of person that always has the “right thing to say” in response to a post, but I try to let the author know that I *actually* read their post.
Stephanie, I can tell that you follow your own advice! The comments I have received from you on my blog are always thoughful!
One thing that I like to try to do when commenting is ask any question that may have popped into my head while perusing the blog. If the picture is of a gorgeous beach, I always wonder “where is that?” so I ask! It feels great to get asked questions, so I figure it’s great for them and me when I ask!
Stephanie ~ you have always been one of my favorite bloggers, and I am constantly impressed by your thoughtful comments, and especially the fact that you respond directly to me via email. You’ve always been courteous and respectful regarding my opinions, even if they might be different than yours. And I appreciate that.
You’ve made some great points here. Well done!
I struggle with leaving “good” comments. Sometimes there just isn’t much to say… but I do my best.
And I’m very self-conscious leaving this comment. (What if it’s not good?)
Great tips. I think comments are so vital to this thing we have goin’ on here… mommy bloggin’. I mean I have gotten some great info/advice from my comments and I have found new blogs to read by clicking on commentors on other blogs, etc. Comments rock! : )
VERY helpful! Thank you for the tips
Funny, but I was actually wondering while reading your post–how many comments this post would get
NOw that IM staying home and preparing for foster parenting… ive been reading blogs like no bodies business 
funn
Fantastic suggestions! I try to comment but now my comments will be more meaningful! Thanks!
Good, funny, insightful or even disagreeing comments are welcome by me. What I don’t need are the “Like your blog, come read mine!” comments.
Say something that makes me want to read your blog.
As a non-blogging commenter, I think your advice is stellar! Being specific in praise earns much goodwill. I like to leave references to other blogs the writer might enjoy. As a non-blogger, it’s without motive or bias.
Plus, I am hilarious. It seems a shame not to share my gift with the world. I’m a giver that way.
That was outstanding advice! I comment on 95% of the ones I visit. I absolutely love comments on my blog, it tells me you are not typing to yourself… hee hee! I just wish I had posted this information on MY blog!
stephanie – as always your posts are fantastic and you do follow you own advice as your comments are fabulous and prolific across the web. when you starting commenting on my blog it actually really encouraged me to not just “lurk” on other’s blogs and being to comment comment comment. if only i could be more “thoughtful” in my comments but sometimes it is tough to think and type while bouncing a 6 month old and entertaining a 2 year old all during a comment post!
I’ve been really bad about leaving comments in the past but recently I have been trying to leave thoughtful comments at the blogs I consistently read. Thanks for the encouragement to keep it up.
I totally agree with you, which is why I’m leaving a comment.
There is an information-related post on my blog that is consistently the most popular, and it NEVER gets any comments. A “thanks for the info” would be nice every now and then…
Thanks for sharing such great advice. I appreciate the thought you put into this post.
I think I already do this — mostly! Sometimes life gets busy and I’d rather leave at least a cheery “Hi” than try to be creative. At least I’m checking in….
I have made several dear, dear friends blogging this year. Wouldn’t trade them for an M&M mountain!
I Love your blog and your great advise! I clicked over from Split Decisionz and I’m so glad I did. I have only been blogging for a few months and didn’t venture too far from my own blog until a week or two ago. I think it was a God thing. I joined a blogroll (CWO)and a Meme (Internet Cafe)and have been leaving comments, meeting people, and getting comments too! It’s good to get out sometimes.
I would like to add one thing though. Always make sure your comments are Sincere. Thanks for posting – I’ll be back!
Terrific info – I try to comment on each blog post that I read (and that is quite a few!), but your tips are invaluable! Thanks!
I agree, leaving a comment on a blog is like participating in a conversation. Unless you ARE the type to just listen and walk away in real life, don’t do it in e-life.
I’m very guilty about not leaving comments because I just don’t know what to say. These are great tips and I am working on doing better.
Now I couldn’t just run off and not leave a comment, could I? Ha.
Anyway, thanks for the reminder about commenting. I try to comment whenever I have something to say, but I really don’t think about it quite often enough.
Cute baby.
Cute baby.
Cute baby.
Cute baby.
Cute baby.
Just kidding, just kidding, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be a smart alec.
Just kidding, just kidding, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be a smart alec.
Just kidding, just kidding, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be a smart alec.
Just kidding, just kidding, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be a smart alec.
Just kidding, just kidding, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be a smart alec.
A very succinct and well-written post!! I think the power of the comment is amazing – I actually just blogged about is as one of the 8 things I’m most passionate about these days! http://mommymeryl.blogspot.com/2008/07/list-of-8.html
I just found your blog & this Awesome post, all thanks to Amy @ Split Decisionz. She suggested reading your post on “Blog comments to get you noticed”, so i came on over. Very helpful information, thank you! What I would like to know is, did it work for me?
Let me know!
Groovewoman:)
I’ve been working on making more comments on the blogs I read regularly, particularly since starting my own blog in a serious way. It’s not as easy as you (the general you, not you specifically) might think to come up with something specific, appropriate, and that helps build your web presence.
Thanks so much for the tips, I’m definitely going to implement at least a couple!
Look at all the great comments! People are taking your advice. I just found your blog this morning when I needed to learn how to make a blog button and it was so helpful I’ve been browsing your other blogs!
Thanks for taking time to help us new to the blogging world!