Bloggy Basics: 8 Ways to Increase Comments

I love comments.  To me, they are sort of a reward for all the hard work involved in blogging.  I love reading what people have to say and interacting.  I have learned a lot through comments as well!

So, do you want more comments?  I can help!  Since I have been applying these 8 Tips, the number and quality of comments have been steadily increasing. Before, I would average 3 comments per week. Now I get many many more!

1. Ask a Question.  This is by far the best way I have found to get comments.  Ask a question in your post.  I like to put my question, in bold, at the very end of the post.  
2. Tell Readers to Comment.  With the internet, you need to be very clear about what you are saying and what you want.  Tell your readers you want them to comment.  Many times, that is all the push they need!  Try combining these first two tips in something like, "What are your thoughts about the information in this post?  Let me know in the comments!"
3. Call Out "Lurkers."  A Lurker is someone who comes to read your posts but who doesn't comment.  Lurkers are great - they read and appreciate your hard work. They keep coming back. They may not have much to say. They may be shy. They may not think you'd care about what they say.  Ask a simple question (favorite season, favorite color, just say hello) and ask for EVERYONE who is reading to take a moment to comment.
4. Make it Easy to Comment.  I say this a LOT.  Consider turning off the word verification. Many times, I will take the time to write a comment and then have trouble with the verification. Sometimes I have clicked away too soon and my comment wasn't saved because I simply didn't SEE the word verification.  Make sure readers can find your comment form. 
5. Weed Out Spam.  Word verification does help limit spam.  So does comment moderation. Many platforms (Blogger included) now have anti-spam features beyond moderation and verification.  Make sure you at least read over comments (if you don't moderate) and delete spam comments.  Spam comments can actually lower your rank in google and other website grading programs.  Spam can also kill discussions going on in the comments or cause others to not comment.
6. Comment on Other Blogs.  Do unto others....  If you want more comments, try LEAVING more comments!  Make them relevant to the content of the post. Leave thoughtful comments. Try joining a community like SITS that encourages comments on each other's blogs!
7. Write on a Hot Topic. Nothing spurs comments more than a well-written post on a hot topic.  Choose something that fits within the content of your blog, but consider an alternative view on the topic.  Don't go against your beliefs. Be authentic. Spur on debate.
8. Respond to comments.  Show your readers that you care and took the time to read their comments.  I love using IntenseDebate for this. I get comments directly in my email and can reply from there. Readers can be alerted via email to replies to their comments if they choose.  Disqus offers similar features.

So, have you commented on a blog before?  On THIS blog?  Comment today!  Let me know you are here!  What would you like to learn about blogging?  What is your favorite thing about blogging?  Let me know in the comments!




Read more from the Bloggy Basics series which started on my other blog here:

• Explanation of Bloggy Basics
• Networking
• Create Your Own Blog Button in 5 Steps
• Growing Readership in 5 Steps 
• HTML Code: CENTER

This post is linked up in Works for Me Wednesday, because DIY blog design works for me!