Written on February 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 am by Darren Rowse
7 Ways to Turn a Blog Post Upside Down and Get More Comments
In the early days of a new blog it can be frustrating to put a lot of time and energy into the writing of posts only to find that it seems as though no one is listening. While you feel you’ve said something worthy of some discussion the comments section of your post resembles a ghost town with tumbleweed blowing around.
I’ve previously written a post with 10 techniques to get more comments on your blog (one of the most commented upon posts I’ve ever written) so I won’t go over all of that again – however I wanted to share one simple technique that I’ve always found to be effective at getting readers interacting. It is obvious and very basic – but so many bloggers don’t do it.
The technique is simply to turn a post upside down and make the comments the primary focus of the post rather than what you have to say.
Here are a number of ways of doing this with some links to examples of where I’ve done it:
- Start a Debate – pick a more controversial topic or one that you think people will have strong opinions about – state the case for two sides of the arguement and let your readers go at it. Eg: Video on a DSLR – Would You Use It? and Full or Partial RSS Feeds?
- Ask for Advice – state a problem that you or a reader has and ask for help, solutions and advice. I do these regularly on DPS and call them ‘community workshops. The latest was ‘How Would You Photograph a Funeral?‘ and How to Photograph Grandma – a DPS Community Workshop.
- Ask for Tips – choose a topic that your readers might know something about and ask them for practical tips. You might then compile the tips (or the best of them) into another post. Eg: How to Photograph Kids – Leave Your Tips Here.
- Ask for Examples – give readers an invitation to submit links to examples of a topic you’re writing about. Example: What Was Your Most Popular Post in 2007.
- Ask for Experiences – ask a question about what your readers have ‘done’ or ‘experienced’. Eg: MicroStock Photography – Share Your Experience
- Give Opportunity for Self Promotion – give readers an opportunity to show themselves (or their blog, or their work) off. I did this on DPS over the weekend in a post ‘What is Your Favorite Landscape Location’ which asked readers to tell where they liked to shoot landscapes and invited them to submit links to their work.
- Run a Poll – many bloggers just put polls in their sidebars and don’t post about them. If you announce a new poll and ask readers to expand upon their vote in comments you can often generate some great discussion. It will also increase the number of responses to the poll. For example – see my recent post – ‘Have you Ever Guest Posted on Someone Else’s Blog?‘
Do feel free to add to the list in comments!
Tags: Writing Content
59 Responses to “7 Ways to Turn a Blog Post Upside Down and Get More Comments” - Add Yours
TH
February 3rd, 2009 12:15 am
The idea of turning the post upside down and making comments the meat is an interesting idea. I suppose it’s what made blogs like post secret wildly popular, but it’s something that most bloggers (myself included) don’t think about. Thanks!
Jacob
February 3rd, 2009 12:30 am
That does work esp with topics on politics. If one is running out of questions to ask on blog, they can simply head over to Yahoo Answers and search for their main site keyword.
Michael Duvinak
February 3rd, 2009 12:41 am
Starting a debate is a great idea. Picking a side of the debate that isn’t popular with the general public is a way to expand on this. Might get some hate comments, but it’ll draw out spirited opinions.
Tumblemoose
February 3rd, 2009 12:53 am
I’ve employed most of these techniques at one time or another and they do work.
For a new blog – don’t worry too much if the comments aren’t there. Remember that a far greater number of readers come by without commenting.
Cheers
George
zeeshan
February 3rd, 2009 12:59 am
great great great post, both your posts on comments. I have noticed that people start commenting on my post when i don’t expect any comments, and when i expect them , they don’t comment. Its like when you want to share something, share a part of it, and leave other part un disclosed, and let the your visitors share the next part, or wait for them to comment and than share the rest.
Puspanjali
February 3rd, 2009 1:01 am
Such simple steps yet so powerful.
The best part is you explain the tips with the relevant blog posts on your blog.Even a novice will be able to incorporate these tips in his posts.Thanks Darren.
Mr Javo
February 3rd, 2009 1:01 am
Basically to gain comments in your articles it is important to call to action. That 7 points you mention Darren always work, no matter if your blog is old or new, people will react.
Other thing I do with great results is converting the title of the post in a direct question. For example:
- How do you find niche markets?
- It is important to be a guru to start giving tips?
- X topic: Myth or True?
Of course at the end of these articles you need to make a question (again) asking for feedbacks…. This way the article will be like a conversation between you and your readers and it will be pretty interactive, generating a good discussion there…
That always works to me
Elliot
February 3rd, 2009 1:01 am
This is just the kind of advice I was looking for, im always trying to get more comments at my blog, and not just the “you suck”, and “I’ve seen better blogs in a swamp”, oh no, I’m looking to get real good ones!, its so lonely over at my blog, its like speed dating for recluses!.:)
roman
February 3rd, 2009 1:02 am
Those are great tips. Just as long as you keep the focus on the content and not on inciting comments.
Very Evolved
February 3rd, 2009 1:14 am
Humans are really social animals – from the most trivial gossip to collaborations that build a civilization, it’s all about connecting with others.
Every single one of the points you’ve mentioned Darren involve one simple thing:
Just asking.
People love to be involved, it’s in our genes. On a forum it’s taken for granted that you should comment – that’s where all the content comes from. But on a blog, well it’s more like someone’s home.
Invite readers in for a chat and it’s as simple as that.
Patrick
Nick Stamoulis
February 3rd, 2009 1:21 am
The power of just asking sometimes works wonders. if you leave it in the readers hands often times they will respond.
helmiasyraf.com
February 3rd, 2009 1:24 am
I think the best way to encourage comment is to have plugins or widget that let us put comment section or place for our readers to argue our points at the side of the content.
Therefore, our readers can leave their arguments or thoughts while the still within their attention/concentration span and interested on our writing.
If other than that, probably we can create a blank post that let our reader leave their comments, thoughts, opinions and let the debate spark first.
Then, after that, the blogger himself create proper content out of the previous ‘blank’ post. Therefore, our readers will know that their voice is being heard and then, they will still give comments on the second-proper-content post.
But I think, this method will only effective for those blog that has a big group of supporter like you Darren (n_n).
What do you think, Darren?
Matt @ PRBristol
February 3rd, 2009 1:37 am
Great tip – I find that an edge / controversial blog gets great feed back.
If you want comments you can always ask!
What do you think?
Writer Dad
February 3rd, 2009 1:43 am
This absolutely works. Every time I’ve attempted this, with any of the above suggestions, I’ve had comments in the double digits before lunch time.
SEO Tips
February 3rd, 2009 1:43 am
The primary way I get people to comment on my blog is through asking for their experiences or opinions at the end of each article however I do hope to try asking for people’s tips and own advice soon too.
Scott Williams
February 3rd, 2009 1:51 am
I used the “Start a debate” approach today on my blog by asking the question: “Should Pastors Drink Alcohol In Public?” http://bigisthenewsmall.com/?p=1010
Gennaro
February 3rd, 2009 2:05 am
“One gives nothing so freely as advice.” ~La Rochefoucauld
No doubt that asking for the opinion of your readers will bring in a slew of comments. A controversial post will do the same though that may or may not be a good idea based on your niche and loyal readers. There is a fine line between being provocative and driving your readers away.
tammy
February 3rd, 2009 2:13 am
I have used some of those same techniques on the bulletin boards of my site; and they were very useful in getting people’s attention and responses.
However, as the internet has changed and I’m late jumping on the blogging band wagon, it seems that hardly anyone (and I’m getting about 1500 visitors per day) is posting in the bulletin boards forum…..so in order to keep up with the times, the way people are using the internet and keep my google ranking up – Im just recently getting into this and appreciate all the great info coming from Darren.
JanSimpson
February 3rd, 2009 2:25 am
Nice post, albeit the debate blog – you need to warn your readers that debating is not like a debate class in college – it can and will turn ugly. Very hurtful words can be said – they need to prepare themselves and not take it personally no matter the attack. The person is normally angry and is just lashing out at the post.
Also, watch for stalkers.
Good job
JanSimpson
Marc Rohde
February 3rd, 2009 2:59 am
How many daily readers do you need to make these tips stick? It seems that this you would need a recurring following to compel readers to engage in debate and discussion.
Tiggy
February 3rd, 2009 3:24 am
You’d need enough readers that want to take time to comment to make this work!
Jessica @ThriveYourTribe
February 3rd, 2009 3:46 am
What a great way to look at it–turning the post upside down. One of my favorites is to ask my readers for their favorite something, like a book on a specific topic. I can really see where making your readers’ participation the whole point of the post would result in a most delightful (and valuable) conversation!
Shane Hudson
February 3rd, 2009 3:51 am
I started off getting about 15 comments daily. This has now drastically gone down (it has been 1 month and a day since I started this blog). I have been trying to start debates and ask questions in every post, but it seems if you do not have a few loyal commenters then no one else will follow.
So my plan is to stun them all.
Kayla
February 3rd, 2009 4:06 am
I’ve noticed a big turnaround in just asking for comments, in anyway. You’ve noted a few specifically, even some that I haven’t tried yet. Posting a poll is a great idea…I do the cliche poll-in-the-sidebar feature. I think posting my next poll will be my next venture.
LoneWolf
February 3rd, 2009 4:32 am
I’ve tried this but I did it too early in my blog’s history so I don’t have enough traffic to make it work 8=(
I did get one comment on the post but nothing further. I need to generate more traffic before I try this again, but I will because I think it is a good idea.
Mickie Kennedy
February 3rd, 2009 4:39 am
Another good idea: Top Ten lists. Commenters love to argue about the choices Top Ten lists; often, you don’t even need to provide any of your own commentary, just the list itself. When you ask them to provide their own counter Top Ten lists, or to point which of your choices they disagree with, you’ll generate even more comments.
Justin Wright
February 3rd, 2009 4:45 am
I think asking questions is the best way to get people to leave comments. It lets the reader know you want them to do something. Plus it creates a good amount of conversation between the readers, which is the best part of all.
Jensen | CS-Weekly
February 3rd, 2009 4:49 am
Thanks for this summary of how to generate comments. I know some of them, but the others are new to me.
Luca
February 3rd, 2009 6:15 am
i use some of those tips on the other blog (2gemelle.blogspot.com) and… they worked! ;D
redwall_hp
February 3rd, 2009 6:20 am
You mean like this? http://i39.tinypic.com/20ubqk3.jpg
Very Evolved
February 3rd, 2009 7:02 am
@ redwall_hp – Funniest comment I’ve ever seen on this site!
You’re more than welcome to come and poke fun in my corner of the web anytime!
Corey Freeman
February 3rd, 2009 7:05 am
Personally, I like asking questions and seeing all of the responses from my readers. Some of the things they post are really interesting.
Juan Bielsa
February 3rd, 2009 7:13 am
In my experience you can get a lot of comments talking about other people’s work and linking to their blogs or websites. In short: annihilate your ego, don’t talk of yourself or your work (who cares about that?) .
You can write a wonderful post, but maybe nothing happens, you can write a poem to the infinite, but still nothing happens. But you begin to raise to the infinite other people’s egos and blogs, and you certainly get a lot of comments.
Juan Bielsa
Jonathan
February 3rd, 2009 9:32 am
I definitely want to do the controversy thing
Jonathan
February 3rd, 2009 9:33 am
Though, I write about a controversy topic every time I write: Jesus!
Carla
February 3rd, 2009 10:13 am
I think the main point is to actually engage the readers. I try to post questions I want answered in bold, but I know I can do a better job.
Max Answer Analyst Video
February 3rd, 2009 10:43 am
Another great tip to all you bloggers out there.
Read this blog. Great post by the way.
I love it when a post gets my thoughts going.
Max
GossipSecretaries
February 3rd, 2009 12:54 pm
Darren:
Your opening paragraph sums up brilliantly what we are experiencing on our site as new bloggers. It seems that current visitors are jsut comfortable dropping in to read the posts, but are not interacting through the comments section. It is a bit frustrating because if there is no feedback then you are not sure how your posts or content are being received.
We will continue to work at it and hopefully our readers will begin to interact some more.
I liked the suggestion of turning your poll results into a post. That seems like a great way to connect with the readers of the blog.
Danielsmonde
February 3rd, 2009 1:11 pm
Very interesting post. I will try some of these techniques on my own blog. thanks
Get Paid To Blog
February 3rd, 2009 1:19 pm
Inspiring tips. Maybe later I would implement your tips on my blog. I am sure your tips works well. Well, maybe if your tips shortened in three words will be “Communicate with readers”
Mike Flip
February 3rd, 2009 1:54 pm
Great and informative post. I do believe that the controversial posts work the best to inspire readers to comment, since I have seen the greatest results by doing so. But, sometimes that can be difficult to do when your blog topic doesn’t call for that. Once again, great post.
Kevin in Manila
February 3rd, 2009 6:40 pm
Good ideas. I have a blog about love/relationship issues (kuyakevin.com). One of the most popular segments is called “Learning the Hard Way,” In which readers share their stories/experiences.
Steve Nimmons
February 3rd, 2009 8:20 pm
I like the idea of playing ‘Devil’s Advocate’ and keeping things ‘edgy’ with just the right hint of controversy. Without naming the ‘guilty’ it seems the current popular approach to this is declaring a popular / hyped technology to be ‘dead’. This worked wonders!
Cristhian Bedon
February 3rd, 2009 11:14 pm
Building a connection with your readers is the best way to improve a blog. Asking questions or starting “hinting” small debates, help kept the readers intruiged and usefull for/to the blog. Like Steve said, this does work wonders if done.
Geoserv
February 3rd, 2009 11:15 pm
Excellent post and tips, some I do now but others I will need to work on.
Lee, 6 Figure Blogging Strategies
February 3rd, 2009 11:25 pm
This is one of those great methods that bloggers often forget to use.
I tried this once on a blog a bit too soon (before I had any traction), and ended up banging my head against the wall because I got no responses. It was a while before I got up the nerve to try it again :-).
If you have built up a decent flow of traffic, though, this method does work wonders (and usually brings you some new subscribers, too).
Robyn
February 4th, 2009 12:26 am
I especially like the suggestions of asking for advice, tips ,examples, experience. These are reasons I love reading other peoples blogs – the incredible learning experience and sharing of ideas.
Neil Hocking
February 4th, 2009 1:42 am
My idea was to offer a free service for the first or nth commenter. Hasn’t worked but hey, it might tempt me!
Make Money Online Tips
February 4th, 2009 2:18 am
Controversy is king when it comes to make the blog more famous with comments. I have usually tested this and it has shown positive reaction. Just dont agree about apple and see the number of apple fan boys argue, yeeho!
Rahul
February 4th, 2009 3:33 am
The main thing is interacting with your visitors. The above points will help the web master to interact with their visitors and hence turning them to regular viewers and also as their indirect mouth-to-word marketing partners.
BloggingForMoney
February 4th, 2009 10:37 pm
Anything that sparks emotion seems to keep people coming back to make multiple post.
Laurie Stroupe
February 5th, 2009 12:36 am
I’m currently running a giveaway where the comments are the main feature. Although there are other ways to enter, most people are choosing to share ways they make someone feel loved or the way someone makes them feel loved. Obviously, this is a Valentine’s giveaway.
I’d love for your readers to come by and add their comments as well. And don’t forget to read the other comments. Most of them are great!
http://tinyurl.com/d3qyaf
It’s been a huge lesson to me that people want to share what they know.
Thewirds
February 6th, 2009 3:21 am
There are hundred of this kind of article on how to get more comment from your visitor and most of it were telling the same. Anyway Darren you forgot to include, Make a blog contest – its the best tips and most of it are worked 100%
Dave Kozlowski
February 6th, 2009 10:46 am
I couldn’t understand why my page views quadrupled recently, then I noticed alot of new traffic coming from my post to your landscape question! Today was a new record for number of page views on my site, and I can attribute alot of it to that single post on this site!
Zach Conn
February 6th, 2009 2:48 pm
Great post! For a few months now I’ve been working on my first website. It’s a combination of a blog and a series of articles.
It started with my wanting to basically put together a complete set of articles introducing all the math needed to do basic game programming and computer graphics. I frequent a lot of game development forums and do a lot of game programming as a hobby, so I figured this would be a neat way to catalogue my knowledge and help people out at the same time.
The articles are only about a third of the way done. It’s tough writing something almost the length of a small book in your spare time for no compensation!
I also maintain a blog there where I just post about anything interesting and related to games, game development, math, computer graphics, or programming in general.
Unfortunately, I don’t get too many readers. Recently I’ve been really trying to expand this website into something less niche and more mainstream. Well, mainstream is maybe not the right word… I’ve just been trying to get a broader audience.
Thanks again for these tips. I’ll put them to use.
internet business world
February 6th, 2009 2:57 pm
Great tips Darren… To get more comments you need to have a more personal interaction with your reader. Turning a post up side down is really a good idea
FatFighterTV
February 7th, 2009 6:49 am
I am going to try 2 or 3 of these ideas next week – Can’t wait to see how it turns out! Thanks for the new ideas.
Nik Daum
March 25th, 2009 4:30 pm
Great tips as always, ProBlogger. I’ve been lamenting the lack of comments on my blog as I put a lot of effort into it. But who would want to read a personal travel/life blog anyway?
tv izle
April 27th, 2009 9:54 am
impressive post. I will try it thanks.
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