Engagement is what truly defines a blog as successful or not successful. That said, there is a lot bloggers can do to encourage comments. What causes you to comment on a blog?
Suggestions:
- Blog is written on an interesting concept
- A personal story is shared
- Additional questions are asked of commenters
- Opposing viewpoints with blogger
LinkedIn responses:
When commenting on a blog, article or video it is usually to add to the educational contribution of the author. To add a perspective to their writing, to confirm their viewpoint or to include my own experience to the mix of comments.
There have been a few instances where I have disagreed with the author or another person that commented, however, this is rare.
A reason that many people, marketers for example, will comment is to add their company information like website address in the comments; for Search Engine Optimization reasons.
I do not agree with this technique because it ruins the real reason for comments – to share experiences or perspectives. But that strategy is effective in driving traffic to one’s site.
Also, it can be very important for brand management. For example, if someone blogs about a company, perhaps their dissatisfaction with the quality or service of a company – it is important that the company have folks monitoring the internet to ensure that brand-bashing for the sake of it does not go unnoticed. A compelling argument can be created in the comment of a blog or article that defends the company or their brand.
Knowing that a company monitors their brand online is sometimes a good deterrent, but also can influence others that read the blog/article and the comments before posting their own. If I see that a company rep has posted that their product has undergone changes that addressed the issues being complained about, then I may feel less likely to post my complaints OR my complaints may become mitigated by the new information.
Engaging in blog comments can be used for many purposes. They are an important facet to the entire social networking trend and should be taken seriously by customers, marketers, corporations.
For visibility
For back links
Because I am interested to build a relationship with that blogger
Because the article moved me
Because the article angered me
It seems people are more likely to comment if others do. I’d love to know how you start the ball rolling. That said when the subject is sufficiently engaging they seem to emerge.
I often comment if there is a) something I can add to the debate either for or against and b) if the comments before me are NOT just the usual stream of brain dead drivel.
I don’t just pitch up with a congratulatory or indeed derogatory comment however much I may feel the urge. It seems to add nothing useful.
I comment if I can answer a question that is being asked in a blog and or if I have something to help support the bloggers point of view. Sometimes if the blogger has wrong information I will correct them in a comment. There are many reasons to comment or not to comment is a good question to read a blog to think about as you go along.
View the complete list of responses on LinkedIn.
Why do you comment? What inspires you to share your thoughts with others online?
