Written on February 28th, 2010 at 01:02 am by Darren Rowse
8 Reasons You Might Not Be Getting Many Comments
A Guest Post by Charlie Gilkey from Productive Flourishing.
No matter how big their blog is, every blogger loves and wants comments. When you’re just starting out, there are few bigger thrills than writing something and having people comment and give you feedback about what you’ve written. Veteran bloggers love comments and also know that the quantity and quality of the comments says a lot about the impact of the particular post in question.
But sometimes you write something that you think is awesome and the comment thread is like a ghost town. To say that this is discouraging is to put it too lightly. Not only does it suck, but it’s enough to make you start thinking that your writing sucks, and it makes it really hard to hit write and hit publish the next time, too.
Here’s the deal, though: just because you’re not getting a lot of comments doesn’t mean that your posts suck. Here are eight reasons why you might not be getting comments – and what you can do about it.
1. Your Posts Are Too Long
While it’s hard to say that long post always get fewer comments – there are a lot of different considerations at play – as a general rule, longer posts set a bigger barrier to commenting. I write a lot of long posts, and I’ve seen this bear out time and time again.
There are two things to keep in mind when you’re writing longer posts: 1) most blog posts are short(er) and 2) your readers are busy. If they’re used to reading 500 word posts on other blogs and then hit your 3,000 word post, they’re might be a bit overwhelmed. It’s not uncommon for them to bookmark your post for reading “when they have time” and move on to the next, shorter post, only to forget to come back and read yours. (For more considerations on blog length, check out Post Length ‚Äì How Long Should a Blog Post Be?)
Some bloggers manage to thrive in the long post format, but you’ve got to understand that you’ll be going against the current if you write in that style. That’s not a bad thing – just understand that you might not get as many comments as if you wrote shorter posts.
Once your post is published, it’s probably best to leave it, though. In the future, see if you can take a long draft of a post and split it into a series or discrete post. Also try varying the tempo of your blog by following a long post with a short post and vice versa.
2. You Haven’t Asked Them to Comment
Sometimes a post just ends and it’s not clear to your readers whether you actually want a response. Because they don’t know whether you want a response or not, they might not comment.
Furthermore, if you don’t answer comments at all or regularly enough, it sends the message that you don’t really value comments. Larger blogs get a pass on this one, since many people understand that bloggers with larger audiences can’t answer every response.
When you conclude a post, ask your readers what they think or end it with a question that makes it clear that you’d like a comment. If you haven’t been responding to comments on your blog, start doing so.
3. They Don’t Know What To Say
Have you ever read a post and were so inspired that you felt that anything you might say wouldn’t do the post service, but at the same time didn’t want to say “Great post!”? Or have you read a post that was so deep or complex that you honestly didn’t know how to respond?
I’m sure you have. Now, why don’t you think that can happen with your own posts?
Before you write off a lack of comments as a sign of your utter brilliance, though, check your post to see if you wrote clearly and simply. Ask if what you wrote was relevant, useful, or interesting to your readers>. And if it is a bit of inspirational awesomeness, consider editing it and including a question or statement that lets people know that you’d appreciate some feedback.
4. They’re Doing What You Told Them To Do
If you give your readers a great tip that requires them to do something to implement it, be prepared for the possibility that they might actually go implement it.
Similarly, if you’re doing a link roll-up and you tell people to go check out the links you’re talking about, there’s a good chance that they might go do that.
I know that this is obvious in hindsight, but it’s easy to forget that our words can influence people into action, and it’s possible to unintentionally steer people away from commenting.
5. They’re Chasing Links On Your Blog
Writing posts that include links to older posts or using plugins that show related posts do have an effect on the number of comments you’ll get. If they click a link that’s midway in your post, they’ll probably read the second post before they comment on the first, and if that second post is linked to others, they might just keep clicking.
It’s for this very reason that you don’t find many links on a sales or landing page, and if you do find them, they eventually lead back to the original page. Marketers know that people will click on the links, and if those links lead away from the original page, that’s probably a lost sale.
While it’s not exactly an exclusive either/or choice, think about the relationship between how long people stay on your blog (due to interlinking) and comments. If you write compelling headlines, there’s a good chance that those related post plugins have an effect on the number of comments you’re getting. Change your linking strategy or consider turning those plugins off a bit if you’d like to see if they’re making a difference.
6. They’re Following Your Social Media Trail
This is very similar to the last two points, but if you’ve given your readers a bunch of different ways to connect with you, then that’s another thing that might keep people from commenting.
Think about how many times you’ve clicked to follow someone on Facebook only to get lost in a chat on Facebook, or how many times you’ve followed someone on Twitter only to get engaged in conversations there. The same thing goes for badges and links that send people to blog networks.
If you’d prefer more comments than social media connections, consider placing your social media links further down the page or only keeping the ones where you’re active.
While you’re at it, it’s probably a good time to declutter your sidebar.
7. It’s Hard For Them To Comment
I ran into this one the other day. I wanted to reply to a friend’s blog that was hosted on Blogger and found myself frustrated that I couldn’t just leave a comment like I can on other websites. It gave me five or six different options – none of which I use – and, ten minutes later, I finally went with the “best fit” option just so that I could comment. If she weren’t my friend, I probably would’ve given up.
Some of the other comment implementations like Disqus can also set a barrier to comment. I’ve often bailed on those, too, because I didn’t remember my OpenID and didn’t feel like figuring it out. (Luckily, they’ve improved substantially over the last year.)
The harder your readers have to work to comment, the less likely that they’ll do it. Think long and hard about all the comment plugins you might want to implement – and remember that sometimes the best solution is the simplest one.
8. You’re Posting At The Wrong Time
If you post when all your readers are asleep, then the soonest they’ll comment is the next day, but then your post is in with a bunch of others in an RSS feed. Likewise, if you post after the time that your email subscribers get their daily email, the soonest many of them will read what post is the next day when they get that hit.
Figure out when your readers are active and try to publish when they’re reading posts. This takes a bit of homework and observation on your part, but it makes a huge difference in terms of the number of comments you’ll get on your post.
There’s More To Comments Than Content
What you may have noticed is that the first five of these points have to do with the content of your individual posts and the last three don’t have anything to do with your posts. It’s hard to say what would have the biggest effect since each of our blogs are different, so take a look at your post and blog from your reader’s point of view, pick one that you’d like to tweak, and see if it has any effect. (By far the easiest place to start is by changing your comment plugin/solution, though.)
As you can see, there are a lot of different reasons that people might not be leaving comments on your blog, and many of them have nothing to do with you or your posts being unworthy. Keep writing and testing what works – that’s the only way you can become a better writer and grow your blog.
About the Author: Charlie Gilkey writes about meaningful action, creativity, and entrepreneurship at Productive Flourishing. Follow him on Twitter to get bite-sized slices of mojo.
138 Responses to “8 Reasons You Might Not Be Getting Many Comments” - Add Yours
kenwooi
February 28th, 2010 1:46 am
i love comments =)
Louis Pagan
February 28th, 2010 1:47 am
I closely identify with the first and the last pointers, that is”You’re posting at the wrong time” and “You posts are too long.”
As this is true, there are exceptions like if you are a hugely popular blog then these may not apply.
Preston D Lee
February 28th, 2010 1:49 am
I think the most effective one I have seen results from on my blog is simply ASKING. At the end of each article, I ask for my reader’s opinions. This has dramatically increased the number of comments per post on my blog and they continue to grow.
Thanks for sharing.
Natalie
February 28th, 2010 1:50 am
Good tips, thank you!
I find that I cannot comment on any blogger site with embedded comments & it drives me nuts! .
I like to leave comments when I can, but if it is too big of a hassle, like you said, I have to be really motivated or I’ll give up and move on.
Karol Gajda
February 28th, 2010 1:50 am
Thanks Charley. I sometimes wonder why posts I think will get a lot of comments don’t, and posts I don’t think will get a lot of comments do. :) Mostly, I’ve found it boils down to #2 (not asking for a response) and #4 (they’re doing what I talked about in the post). A lot of times I will get e-mails instead of comments, which are just as thrilling. :)
Debojyoti
February 28th, 2010 1:51 am
Good post Charlie. But I think your “twitter” link is broken. It leads to the twitter home page instead of your twitter profile.
Tanya
February 28th, 2010 1:53 am
I found this very useful and the author introduced some seemingly obvious caveats and ideas that had not occurred to me! Thanks….love your tweets!
Antti Kokkonen
February 28th, 2010 2:01 am
Good tips Charlie – Ironically I just wrote 3000+ word post about getting more blog comments :) Well anyway, I think the most important takeaways here are asking for comments and making commenting as easy as possible…
Blog comments should not require login (it can be optional) and non-web savvy people might not understand CAPTCHA’s = don’t use them. Also, there should be a link “leave a comment” that takes reader to the comment form, especially if there’s ads, related reads, etc between the post and the form. Combining easy commenting with open ended posts and questions at the end, and you’ll be much more likely to get comments.
With that said, I was quite surprised that there were no questions at the end of this post, why is that?
Fazreen
February 28th, 2010 2:03 am
asking people a question at the end of the post is a good way to encourage people to comment. plus a content itself must be attractive enough to drive people to comment section
Chung Bey Luen
February 28th, 2010 2:04 am
Another reason is your blog content does not add any value to your readers.
Adib
February 28th, 2010 2:07 am
Pretty good points. The best reason why people don’t comment on my blog is because of the following things.
1) Some posts are not so relevant to them
2) My regular readers have been too busy to come online.
Single Guy Money
February 28th, 2010 2:11 am
Good post and great point about posting times. I’m still trying to figure out the best days/times to post a new article. Right now, I am posting them first thing in the morning but I am thinking about posting later in the afternoon. What do you think is the best time to post?
Cathy Green
February 28th, 2010 2:12 am
I recall reading somewhere that less than 1% of those who visit sites actually post. I liken it to sitting in a classroom. Very few will ever speak up, even when they know the answer.
Free Classifieds Blog
February 28th, 2010 2:14 am
Great post but I still don’t know how to handle the no 5 (chasing links). While too many links in a blog post may be distracting, no links in all most all post in a blog shows arrogance in the part of the blogger, unless s(he) has great authority in a subject and an well known and accomplished thought leader.
Web is a hypertext medium. Most of the time what the blogger is saying has already been said before, albeit in different context or with a different angle. This premise is true for many extremely popular blogs.
Shannon O | Confessions of a Loving Wife
February 28th, 2010 2:18 am
I’ve noticed a trend on my blog that, some of my most read posts are also the least commented on and was frusterated as to why.
This post gives me some answers, thank you!
Young
February 28th, 2010 2:25 am
9. You do not comment on others’ blogs. I think this should be the NO.1 reason.
Алексей
February 28th, 2010 2:26 am
… read with interest .Thanks Charlie!
Lakita (PFJourney)
February 28th, 2010 2:30 am
I don’t get a lot of comments on my link roundups (nor do I expect to). Because the call to action isn’t to comment, buy, subscribe etc….but to go visit other sites that published awesome content recently.
Thanks for demonstrating that reasons for not getting comments aren’t all bad!
Kita
Robert Salceda Dot Com
February 28th, 2010 2:37 am
Very informative Charlie !
Thanks for sharing
Regards,
Robert Salceda
S.Smith
February 28th, 2010 2:47 am
I rarely comment through the discus thing. I don’t like the way it follows me around.
Actually, I almost always avoid commenting anywhere except on blogs like this one that have slots for name, mail, and website… and it’s important to me that there’s all three.
Mobil3gen
February 28th, 2010 3:04 am
What about an instructional blog post, how does one obtain comments from these pieces (besides asking if it was helpful), not that my blog does this on a regular basis…just curious.
Kevin M.
February 28th, 2010 3:17 am
Great points here! The one that I most identified with was “7. It’s Hard For Them To Comment.” It frustrates me to no end when I go to a blog and it’s a chore to comment. I will comment if it is a friend’s blog but otherwise I won’t. I try to make commenting really easy on my blog for this reason.
mathan
February 28th, 2010 3:20 am
Even the post are Too long in problogger Darren receiving many comments.
Thanks charlie for sharing……
TheYoungLib
February 28th, 2010 3:21 am
I came accross a liberal blog last night, that was on the first page of google and seemed it have a lot of good content. It is currently not considered one of the top liberal blogs, ie. dailykos, the american, huffington and so on. But I figured being on the first page of google would atleast solicit a good amount of activity, but no one was commenting on any of this guys posts. After reading this, I realized that he was not asking any of his readers to participate or for their input. Just does to show, you can be on the first page of google but forgeting to do something simple can really stiffle your blogs growth.
Sudeep
February 28th, 2010 4:01 am
Hey Dareen ,
What I do not understand is even after asking the response at some my post is really bad.. what else should I do just wait and observe..
Jeshmal4u
February 28th, 2010 4:08 am
Thanks for sharing this Charlie.. Links given to other sites must be in new tab.. otherwise they will follow the link & dont leave comments……
Tomasz Kowalczyk
February 28th, 2010 4:13 am
++ for @Young – if you comment on other blogs you gain additional PVs and more people recognizes you, especially when commenting on sites related to yours [for example you are writing about programing in some language and comment on other blogs that have posts about it].
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker
February 28th, 2010 4:16 am
Just yesterday on my blog, I decided to start a new series of post on the topic of fear rather than writing one very, very long post. I do an occasional long post but I have learned to use a series of shorter posts to my advantage. Thanks for the advice.
Harsh Athalye
February 28th, 2010 4:23 am
Some good points there, Charlie. I believe if a post is more like a conversation, that could naturally invite comments. For example, in a recent post, Darren asked readers what is wrong with blogging? I think occasional writing of these kind of posts, can bring good number of comments. Also, number of comments depends on topic of the blog. Controversies, debates, criticizing posts tends to get more comments. Involving readers into the conversation is important and they should feel part of the discussion.
Susan @ SGCC
February 28th, 2010 4:33 am
I’ve noticed a direct relationship between receiving comments on my blog and making comments on other blogs. When most readers leave you comments, they expect you to reciprocate in kind. Unfortunately, that often takes several hours each day, especially in the food blog community, where the posts tend to be longer and more involved. For those like me, with jobs, families, various freelance writing obligations, and blogging responsibilities, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up with my own blog, much less comment on hundreds more, be on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Something has to give!
I value every comment I get, and I do keep up with hundreds of blogs through my reader, but my commenting comes in spurts according to my schedule. I definitely notice a difference in the number of comments I get when I’ve been leaving lots on other blogs.
Charlie
February 28th, 2010 4:35 am
@Preston: I agree – when it’s used in moderation. If used too much, your readers may stop commenting because they’re become blind to the call to action. Thank for commenting!
@Debojyoti: Thanks for letting me know – I probably gave the wrong link. D’oh!
@Antt: Nice for catching that it didn’t end with a question; I’m horrible at asking for comments, myself. We all have our blind spots. ;p
@Young: It should definitely be on the list, but whether it should be No. 1 is debatable. ;p
@Harsh: You’re absolutely right about the conversation, but, as with any conversation, sometime people don’t know whether they should respond or not. And good addition about the fact that some content inherently generates more comments.
Jason
February 28th, 2010 4:39 am
Good ideas, but what if some content takes more time to actually express. Sometimes the storyline itself just is more involved. Take my post from yesterday: “Please stand by…optimizing” where I talk about a weekly schedule for keeping your photography equipment and computers current. That can’t be covered in anywhere near 500 words. I did a word count check, and it came in at 1002 words. I think that was pretty concise.
I guess it really is an inexact science, but would be nice to have more concise answers sometimes! LOL
Adrienne
February 28th, 2010 4:40 am
I’m not concern with comments right now even though I’m happy when I do. My last few posts were about contests or savings so I knew they wouldn’t get a lot of comments. So a lot has to do with the type of post.
I use Blogger but didn’t like the commenting system because you can’t reply to someone’s comment so I went with Disqus. I didn’t realize that people didn’t like it.
Julie - Inspired to Write
February 28th, 2010 4:53 am
I think one of my frustrations with my blog is the ease of making comments. I think if you go to individual posts, it is not so difficult, but more challenging from main page. It is something I am working on. I think just asking may be my next step!
Thanks!!
Nick's Traffic Tricks
February 28th, 2010 5:03 am
I am trying to build a community around my blog and found this blog post particularly helpful. Thanks for another great post!
I’m going to now read your post on how to declutter my sidebar.
I re-tweeted this post and stumbled it.
Morgan Drake Eckstein
February 28th, 2010 5:47 am
On this particualr posting, I actually wandered off and read five other posts. I probably would not have returned to comment if it wasn’t for the fact that the post is about not leaving comments, and this is an example of what someone was doing instead of leaving a comment.
Patrick
February 28th, 2010 5:49 am
Also, people don’t comment on blogs the same way they do on social media. if you’ve become accustomed to all your friends on Facebook or Twitter commenting on practically every thought you post, then you’ll be sorely disappointed in their commenting on your blog.
I believe the reason for this is that social media are a like a party or dinner party atmosphere. You’re there with friends and everyone is there to have fun and share. A blog is a bit more like a formal gathering, like a seminar, or a presentation, even a lecture. Your visitors, even your friends, feel more like they’re sitting in an audience. To speak up and comment is like standing in that audience and taking the microphone. People feel more exposed.
Surgery Houston
February 28th, 2010 5:58 am
The last one is similar to the rule you have to follow on ebay. I hadn’t thought about it in blogging terms. On ebay you need to list your item at the right time to get the most eyes looking at it when it is about to end, same concept goes for blogging, makes sense.
Janet Thaeler
February 28th, 2010 6:12 am
I totally looked for the last line asking people for feedback on this post. It wasn’t there! I want to see how you’d end it asking for comments on how to get comments.
I agree that Blogger makes it too hard to comment. It’s so frustrating.
Another thing is people may retweet rather than comment. Which would you rather have? I’m not sure but is it tough to get both? Once they’re on Twitter do they return? Probably not.
Thanks for these helpful insights – I struggle most with responding to each comment. It takes time to blog and then to respond. Sometimes I need to get out what I’m thinking and then get done what I have to finish (and get paid to do – my blog isn’t earning a huge income).
Janet
Heather Allard
February 28th, 2010 6:36 am
Charlie,
Great post. Hahaha. But really – this is such great information for the poor blogger wondering why no one’s commenting. Sometimes it comes down to “DUH-simple” reasons they’re not doing so.
I think the most important thing is ASKING your readers to comment – when I remember to do that, I’m completely overwhelmed by the fantastic comments my readers make.
Thanks for the great information. I’ll remember this post the next time a post goes uncommented and I’m feeling dejected. ;D
Heather
Chris Pontine
February 28th, 2010 6:49 am
I just recently had a post that got a couple bites for commenting. It seems sometimes you just need to give it time and play with some different options. I added a little insert at the bottom of my posts asking exactly what they think and I believe this is a big part of it. As well, just like this website, the more loyal readers you start getting the more they want to be involved. I think personally overall I wasn’t asking them to and as well there weren’t any questions to really answer, they just read the article and moved on, boom, that’s it.
Meg
February 28th, 2010 6:49 am
This is very helpful! Thanks for the tips. Might as well a better start for keypoints how to interact with the readers.
Anne Wayman
February 28th, 2010 7:03 am
Capcha and other barriers drive me mad so I don’t have one on my freelance writing blog.
I reply to most comments.
Commenting on others seems to help.
If I ask a question or ask for comments I usually remember to make that request for comments clickable… seems to help.
Randy @ Just Point and Shoot
February 28th, 2010 7:10 am
Comments really are awesome, every time I check my mail and see a comment was posted I fumble over myself to see what was written. I can see now why “Great post” comments are shunned, it’s kind of an empty compliment.
I’m going to keep this stuff in mind next time I post, cause it does make you sad when you don’t get comments for a while. Though I’m sure it’s just because my posts are so awesome :p
Marthe
February 28th, 2010 7:19 am
This is great advice!
I sometimes find that readers comment to posts that I don’t really care about comments on, but when I ask a question that I really want answers to, then no one comments.
I wonder why, however, I might think it’s because I ask questions that are too hard to answer…
Arin
February 28th, 2010 7:29 am
I have some 600 pages of and made content and only about a dozen comments. As for my site, commenting is akin to being strictly RSVP – Its not essential.
Perhaps, by not commenting negatively, and still browsing your site (especially a content site) the “agree” by not commenting.
“No comments is not always No good”
Again, they may think its all crap – that could be a reason.
My comment form’s biggest hurdle is the spam filter, by the way.
Tony
February 28th, 2010 7:34 am
I rarely get comments on either of my blogs. But atleast they are out there. lol
Marisol628
February 28th, 2010 7:44 am
Usually, I refrain from posting a comment because my assumption is that mine will not make any difference to the long list of comments already posted.
Greenlife
February 28th, 2010 7:46 am
I love your tips & tricks!
Comments are a great way to get to know your readers:
- ideal to optimize future posts
- replying comments gets your readres involved, you seem to care about their opinion.
se7en
February 28th, 2010 7:57 am
Also, posting to often… I have a weekly blog routine and sometimes I want to add a couple more posts to the “pot” and my usual commentators fade… Just because I change my posting rhythm doesn’t mean they will change their commenting rhythm. Also personal information grabs readers!!!Most of my posts share information, when I occasionally post something about myself I see comments just come flying to our blog!!!
WebWallpapers
February 28th, 2010 8:23 am
I hate when the posts are really long. I don’t want to waste my day reading a huge article.
Chances are if the article is to long, I won’t read it, therefore I won’t comment either.
Jeff
February 28th, 2010 9:21 am
With many blogs, the comment link is hard to find and with Blogger standard templates, the font is very small, making it even harder. Why is that? Just crazy to me. Several good points in this post.
BlogPiG
February 28th, 2010 9:53 am
Nobody wants to go first, if you’ve got no comments why would anybody want to leave one, it’s like starting a conversation in an empty room.
You can kick start your own comments by setting up a few ‘alternative’ profiles on your blog and writing a few sensible snippets.
Or, if you’re really lazy, just automate the process with comment simulation plugin like CommentPiG. Yes that is a bit of shameless self promotion but it does what is says on the tin, it gets you more comments!
It doesn’t take long before the ‘real’ comments follow. It’s a momentum game.
Ami Palgi
February 28th, 2010 10:59 am
Hi Charlie,
Thanks for those tips, I will be implementing some very soon.
One thing I did find interesting is the fact that whenever my posts are on a more personal level, or have a certain narrative I get much more commenting.
The thing is that I run a professional tech blog that does not leave much room for “personal” writing.
What do you think, anyway around this issue?
Thanks,
Ami
Bee a Blogger | REAL-TIME Blogging Report
Jenny
February 28th, 2010 12:15 pm
It would have been really awkward if this post hadn’t gotten any comments. *sigh of relief*
Bumby Scott
February 28th, 2010 12:56 pm
Great post. I willdo my best to share the love
Always Bumby
Bumby Scott
February 28th, 2010 12:58 pm
Sorry about the typo I hit the button before my eyes looked up.
Always Bumby
Daniel Johnston
February 28th, 2010 2:07 pm
I have a lot of trouble with keeping my posts short, which is probably a lot of the reason I don’t get many comments for my traffic (which is not high by any means). What I write is usually long, and I’m having trouble making the transition. The tips you give are awesome, and although I’m already using most of them, I’ll be even more careful now!
Michelle
February 28th, 2010 4:33 pm
Thank you for this post; great food for thought.
I must admit to not allowing comments on my site because I didn’t think it was necessary for people to comment and I wanted the site to be ‘clean’. However, I’m beginning to understand the connection between comments, community and traffic … so I’m seriously reconsidering this viewpoint and will have another look at allowing comments on site in future.
Yagnesh Ahir
February 28th, 2010 4:50 pm
This is what i was REALLY wondering that why my comments section is like some HAUNTED PLACE, except few comments. May be you are write coz of the length of the post, or something else is missing i vl definitely try to find the problem. Mannn comments are like ‘applause’ the more you get the more you get moralized, else you loose the spirit to write the next post. Anyways nice and interesting post. Keep up the good work!
Jason Wheeler
February 28th, 2010 5:02 pm
I will make a comment here before I implement your ideas. :-) Love this article. Some great ways to get more social interactions. Ask and you shall receive.
JadeDragon
February 28th, 2010 6:01 pm
Compelling posts bring in the comments for me – except when I ask the readers to take another action. I’d rather they take an action that makes me money and helps them than writing a comment.
Gala Guarriello
February 28th, 2010 6:19 pm
This idea has reached a whole new level with the help of online blogging services that you can take anywhere. Since most commuters spend more time online, blogs help them kick their research into overdrive.
Blogging Tips
February 28th, 2010 8:09 pm
I too do not get much comments.I’ll figure out all the things stated above and hope the comments will increase
Hear Mum Roar
February 28th, 2010 8:58 pm
I love to leave comments! For me, it’s lots of fun to connect with other bloggers, I love to show my appreciation and reach out to others. The biggest hurdle for me to do this, is as you’ve mentioned, when you have to jump through hoops to leave a comment.
I will go to SOME effort, but I don’t like using open ID, and some blogs have really awkward commenting setups, and if it seems impossible to leave a comment, I give up in frustration. I think I like the wordpress setup of commenting to be my favourite
Robby G
February 28th, 2010 9:04 pm
Those Disqus boxes really kill it for me. I don’t like making accounts and whatnot just to comment. I don’t see why people just stick to the normal comment box like Darren has here. Asking your readers to comment seems like it works.
scheng1
March 1st, 2010 12:11 am
I have seen one blog post of 7,000 words, yet attract a lot of comments. I hardly think the length of post matters. However, 7000 words is really way too long.
Sherry Zander
March 1st, 2010 12:29 am
These kinds of tips and tricks are soooo helpful in blogging. Thanks!
Laura Cococcia
March 1st, 2010 12:45 am
Awesome, Charlie. I never thought about the time of day one and how posts could be crowded by others in the RSS feed. Thank you!
Thomas O
March 1st, 2010 12:51 am
@Jason: Maybe for something like that (a weekly schedule that is a long single post), you should split it up into daily posts for each day of the week.
pochp
March 1st, 2010 1:33 am
5. They’re Chasing Links On Your Blog
LOL This is what I’m worried about!
red rope
March 1st, 2010 1:53 am
One should also consider that well thought out comments take time to write
Have a look at the vast majority of the comments in this thread or any other – very very few add anything of real interest to conversation or the community
In fact I would argue that many are commentors are seeking links or referral traffic, its highly promoted as a “getting traffic started tactic” and so having a popular blog has a huge impact.
You could almost write a short 400 – 500 word post on your own blog for every 2 – 3 comments of any real merit, and if you actually “engage” ie track and participate in a thread with feedback and rebuttal, that takes a lot of time – ironically helping to develop a resource owned by someone else : )
Sarah Baron
March 1st, 2010 3:51 am
I agree with what you are saying. I started several weeks ago and I’d add one more. It has to be something that interests or does not embarrass your readers. For example, I wrote about Altoid’s other app, and was surprised by the good and detailed comments. I then wrote about men’s health in an article about what to do if your husband cannot get it up, and even though this content is MUCH more important to men’s health, people just don’t want to go there and comment. They’d rather comment on fun intimacy tricks. Thanks for the post.
Sarah Baron
http://www.anonymous8.com
Shari Weiss
March 1st, 2010 4:21 am
Charilie, I LOVED the conversation/comments as much as your post.
:-)
. . . especially the ones that most resonated with my complaint, i.e., Jumping thru hoops to leave a comment.
As a college teacher, I strive to comment on all my students’ blog posts; however, when I have had to Re-create the comment three times because I’ve lost it trying to submit it . . . well, then, I’ve ended up simply sending them emails.
Two other things about the conversation: (1) I followed the website links for four of the commentors, whose comments reflected thought and style; but (2) I couldn’t connect with two people because there was no link.
Anyway, thanks for a very enjoyable read!
Oh, I almost forgot. I would have loved to REPLY directly to some of the commenters. I don’t have that feature on my blog. Does anyone know how I can add that function?
tiny layouts
March 1st, 2010 5:19 am
Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to inscribe in my place something like to. Can I take part of your put up to my blog?
Evelyn Yvonne Theriault
March 1st, 2010 5:25 am
Something I’ve found useful is that if I happen to strike up a conversation with the commenter by email, I will go back to the original comment box and add “answered via email” or similar.
That way people know that the comment has been adddressed.
Evelyn in Montreal
butterfly facebook layouts
March 1st, 2010 5:42 am
Generally I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this post really forced me to do so! really nice post
Michael Sola
March 1st, 2010 6:14 am
I really enjoyed this post – thank you. I had to comment, to not write something would have gone against the theme of the post! Look forward to more insights.
Andee Sellman, One Sherpa
March 1st, 2010 6:39 am
Thanks Charlie,
I have a small issue with your last point on posting at the right time. Often your readers are across different time zones so picking the right time can be problematic. I guess its easier to pick days of the week if you’re a blogger who posts on particular days rather than particular hours.
Courtney
March 1st, 2010 6:48 am
You hit the nail on the head with #7, nothing drives me more crazy than wanting to say something and being prevented to do so because it is too difficult. This article is so relevant, thank you!
KristenAC
March 1st, 2010 7:39 am
I have a feeling most of my (twelve or so) readers are quite shy. When I’ve urged readers to comment or advise, I experienced little response–online that is–and most of my feedback is received only in person. ~Thanks Mom!
However, when I conducted a poll, asking my readers to vote for the wedding dress they liked best, my response success was high (based on a percentage of assumed total viewers).
kamal
March 1st, 2010 7:45 am
Good content = a lot of comments.
that’s it.
Ed
March 1st, 2010 8:18 am
thank you i barely get comments.
Aaron T
March 1st, 2010 8:51 am
Haha Darren your one to talk…you get how many million posts on your entire blog?
Anyways, I’m gonna try that, and invite at the end of my posts for the readers to comment. Let’s see if they like my Blovella, or if theyy like my tips or my little peices of wisdom :)
Marcus Sheridan, The Sales Lion
March 1st, 2010 9:31 am
Really enjoyed this Charlie. I’d add 3, although they may have already been mentioned: 1. Nobody is reading the blog 2. The Content Stinks 3. The readers know you won’t respond to their comments so feel ‘Why Bother?’
Charlie
March 1st, 2010 11:51 am
@Free Classifieds Blog: #5 is a problem, necessarily – it’s just one reason you might not be getting as many comments.
@Shannon: That happens, so the question then becomes: is them reading it enough for you?
@Jason: I understand what you’re saying here, and I *would* encourage you to let the post be what it is, lengthwise. Just understand that the relationship between length and comments when it comes to your expectations for the post.
@Nick: Thanks!
@Morgan: Thanks for coming back, and that’s one of the reasons I included a few links. Sometimes putting yourself in the shoes of a reader makes all the difference! :p
@Surgery Houston: That one took me awhile, too. I learned it by watching Digg trends and thinking…”wait a second – that applies to posting, too.”
@Janet: Notice how the expectation was set and I dropped the ball? Now flip that with *your* blog when there’s no clear sign that you want people to comment.
@Heather: Asking your readers for comments *does* go a long way. I should do that more. :p
@Chris: I’m not sure if you read my series on “How to Blog Like Shakespeare,” but, yeah, it’s your regular readers who leave the most comments.
@Marisol: Ooh, that’s a great one, too – thanks for adding to the list!
@WebWallpapers: Well, I’m glad you made it through this long one! Thanks for leaving the comment. ;p
@BlogPig: As your blog goes, most people will want to be first – it gets the most click throughs. And, personally, I’d rather have no comments at all than to pretend to be someone else, but I understand others might have other reasons and perspectives.
@Jenny: I was actually concerned that that would happen, and you’re right – that would have been super awkward.
@Michelle: I *do* think you’re missing out by not allowing comments. Readers can’t really claim your blog, so it’s hard to build a community around it. Some bloggers get away with it, but it’s usually only after they’ve built some visibility.
@Jason: Thanks for taking the time before you run off and crank up the awesome!
@JadeDragon: It’s all about expectations and what you’re wanting them to do. You’ve got it nailed down pretty solidly on that front.
@scheng: There are a lot of factors to consider, but I don’t mean to imply that all long posts don’t get many comments. Rather, long post set a barrier that can be overcome with quality writing, calls to actions, etc.
@Laura: Hey, you! Thanks for giving me some comment love!
@Red Rope: It’s true about how long it takes to write and reply to comments – this is one of the reasons that I cut back on the responses to comments. But there are plenty of good reasons to respond to comments, even though you could be doing other things.
@Shari: What you’re looking for is nested comments. I know they’re standard for the latest versions of Wordpress, and they do make a difference when it comes to engagement and readability.
@Butterfly facebook layouts: Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
@Andee: I know my audience pretty well, so I know a majority of them come from a certain time zone. Sure, they’re global, but if your regular readers, commentors, and champions are clustered in one time zone, it makes a lot of sense to give them the content during their time zone since they’re more likely to share it.
@Kamal: Sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. Sometimes you amazing content with a few comments.
david wayne osedach
March 1st, 2010 12:22 pm
Do to my lifestyle I do most of my blogging at 5:00 am PST. I never realized that this time might be off for a lot of readers. I’m going to try to go on at 4 pm. Thank you for the advice!
Joi
March 1st, 2010 2:50 pm
Thanks for this – very timely! I’d been wondering lately why I don’t get as many comments as I’d like to get on a few of my blogs.
Since providing “full text” in my rss feeds instead of a teaser, comments have dropped off. However, I don’t want to inconvenience my readers by changing it back.
I’ve gotten a couple of great ideas after reading your post – thanks!
Ben
March 2nd, 2010 12:37 am
Re: #5 is there any data on what % of readers ‘open link in new tab’ and thus, this wouldn’t be as much of an issue
ITrush
March 2nd, 2010 1:30 am
Hmm, maybe I’ve never asked them to comment? Maybe I should try the rest of the tips here so I could start getting comments :( Thanks for the tips Darren!
Adrian Swinscoe
March 2nd, 2010 1:35 am
Thanks Darren for asking Charlie to post.
Some great ideas and some Doh! moments for me…..particularly about asking for comments and thinking about times when posts get sent.
More work to do :)
A
Aglolink
March 2nd, 2010 1:59 am
Yes, I never asked for comment. And sometimes publish at the wrong time!
chandan
March 2nd, 2010 2:09 am
I notice that every time I write something new on my blog I get more comment, so thats means if we write more informative post on our blog then more chance to get more comment.
WestStyle Chronicles
March 2nd, 2010 6:43 am
I really love this post. It’s very informative. But it’s kinda of funny that you mention in your first point about posts being too long. Yet at the same time, this very blog post may fall under that category. LOL!
Curtis Chappell
March 2nd, 2010 10:28 am
Cheers Charlie!
In one of Darren’s recent posts, he menitons the concept fo speaking ‘at’ your reader instead of ‘to’ your reader, and I know I’m guilty as charged…
I often post about some fairly intense scientific and mystical content, and have fallen into the trap of writing like a school teacher…
While this style may be fine for readers searching for information in a research format, it doesn’t incent anyone to react with a comment…so I’m purposefully now trying to write less ‘at’ posts and more ‘to’ posts…and asking the reader questions along the way…it’s starting to help.
Write On!
Lee Jarvis // US Music Jobs
March 2nd, 2010 11:45 am
Thanks for the post, some good ideas in there that I will try and use to fine-tune my blog posting!
Lee Jarvis // US Music Jobs
Sarah
March 2nd, 2010 1:02 pm
One of the bestest ways to get people to comment is to write your post about something controversial (doesn’t have to be abortion or gay marriage, it could just be whether or not to hyphenate “Super-Sarah”) and let them have at it.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith
March 2nd, 2010 4:04 pm
Having just one person start the comment ball rolling can help too. If you have a friend who likes to read what you write you can ask them, specifically, to leave a comment. Their comment can encourage others to comment too.
Server Dude
March 2nd, 2010 5:42 pm
#7 for sure. Too often I end up not making a comment because the form itself, did not work. TEST!
Business Listings
March 2nd, 2010 11:04 pm
Thanks for the post. Really useful information. I ll try to get comments on my blogs following these.
Regards,
My Business Listings
http://mybusinesslistings.blogspot.com/
Reza Winandar
March 2nd, 2010 11:21 pm
Simple post and encourage visitor to leave a comment, that is my method to get 500% comments in my blog.
Keep up the good work Charlie!
Ana YourNetBiz Mentor
March 3rd, 2010 12:07 am
It sounds like a catch 22 situation – on the one hand you do want to give your readers resources and give them a call to action, on the other hand, you might not get as many comments.
What a blogger to do?:)
Great post.
Ana/YourNetBiz
Dana
March 3rd, 2010 12:25 am
The point on longer posts is interesting. I’ve never noticed less commenting on longer posts, but have noticed more linking. Those are the posts where my readers take the discussion to their own blogs.
The one aspect I find a little frustrating is Twitter’s effect. I post links to new entries in the morning and a LOT of people seem to prefer to comment on twitter. I like the conversation either way, but always feel kind of like it is “lost” when it occurs away from my blog.
E74
March 3rd, 2010 12:41 am
This is very helpful! Thank you for the tips.
Harry
March 3rd, 2010 2:46 am
On my -mostly health related- blogs people tend to comment on other comments. It looks like they don’t want to be first or something. I think it has to do with the type of visitors I get, because on websites I visit for fun (mostly game/tech related) most people want to be the first poster.
So I think it has a lot to do with the topic of your blog.
Gifteveryone
March 3rd, 2010 3:01 am
hi,
I have gone through the whole of your post and so I don’t agree fully with your first choice…If the post is bigger and has enough material to make yourself interested, then I personally feel that readers will not only read you full post, but will go through other posts of yours….
Donna Cunnningham
March 3rd, 2010 3:06 am
The number AND qualitiy of comments on my blog is steadily rising, the more I follow Darren’s recommendations. It’s developing a sense of real community and open-hearted discussion.
I now make it a point to ask the reader specific questions related to the content of the post. I also often create sticky notes at the end of the post with those questions. (You can do it at something like wigflip.)
The other day I created a post specifically to ask my readers what makes them want to share. I created links to the 10 posts with the highest number of comments and asked them to read any that appealed to them and leave a comment there about what made them want to chime in with the discussion. Some good answers, both on the original post and on the link post. Donna
Jason Woods
March 3rd, 2010 3:33 am
Wow, amazing. this is like major cool stuff. Are comments really that important though?
Jess
http://www.total-anonymity.cz.tc
Sage Internet
March 3rd, 2010 5:01 am
For point #7: I do not even read blogs hosted at Blogger anymore. I find the system very clunky (as pointed out in the post) and feel that there is no reason to read the post because it is just too much of a pain to comment.
I know that some people need a free solution to blogging and will not worry about getting a hosted blog. To those people I say: wordpress.com. Its free, its hosted and easy to comment on.
Deb Bixler
March 3rd, 2010 5:58 am
Based on the comments you have had on this article it seems as though you have hit the nail on the head. Anyone who has their own blog should be commenting anytime they can add value to the article. Even though the link may be “nofollow” if you do a good job on your comment it will generate new visitors to your blog. I have played with content length and heard many different recommendations. I really see no difference. I stick to 400-600 words as that seems to do well for SEO and for guest readability. Thanks for a good article.
axel g
March 3rd, 2010 6:01 am
That rings so true!
You have to engage the readers and invite comments…
Supr Awesm
March 3rd, 2010 2:12 pm
you need to have a loyal audience first before you can start expecting comments.
Dave
March 4th, 2010 1:20 am
Its all about Engagement! Engagement! Engagement!
Thank you for a wonderful list, helps a lot.
Shane's World Wide Blog
March 4th, 2010 3:41 am
I found that making a controversial post or by poking fun, even light hearted, at a subject close to people hearts. Your post I think has to be different and original.
The post which generated most comments on my site was when I said that “The Irish Langage was dead” – this really engaged the visitors to the site and there were plenty of comments.
Brady
March 4th, 2010 4:37 am
Thank you for this wonderful article on comments. It has inspired me to write a comment! Seriously I did enjoy it through & will test out a few of your suggestions!
CRAZYMOM
March 4th, 2010 4:27 pm
You make some good points. Thank you for the input.
One thing that will stop me from commenting is if I can’t easily find the link. I run into this a lot in mommyblog world.
Syed Hyder Ali
March 5th, 2010 2:22 am
On all the above, the biggest mistake most of us do is “For whom are your posting the blogs”. Do you know your target audience?
If you post a blog with good information and to right audiences, you will get both hits to the website and comments.
I have a blog which talk about importance of Market Research:
http://www.winwinmantra.com/traffic-secrets/market-research-important-business
Hyder
http://www.winwinmantra.com
Valentina
March 5th, 2010 2:47 pm
Great post … thank you.
I really liked no. 8 – until recently I had no idea that the time that you post has an effect on both your traffic and comments. Someone had written that he found that the best time for him to publish his post was at a certain time of day and gave the reason why. Even though all of us visitors from all over the world, analytics will show us where the biggest amount of traffic comes from, after that I guess it test, test and test different times of day to gage your reading audience.
Film Critics
March 5th, 2010 3:44 pm
I’m so absolutely agree with your 1st point. My blog with completely info have not a comment, In the other side, my short post have many comments….. Your article open my eyes, thanks.
Milena
March 5th, 2010 8:08 pm
Daren, It’s absolutely right.
Lately, when I changed a lot on my writting I see the difference. For small blog like mine, I have post with more then 250 comments. Now I have problems with a lot of comments to answer :)
nelson@bathroom shower
March 5th, 2010 10:57 pm
I agree with that it could be hard for them to comment as some article or post is really very tough to understand or its very long to understand.
Gin
March 7th, 2010 10:20 am
I also wonder if people get scared to leave comments since some may be aware their ISP info is recorded? also, must agree, that some people don’t always understand since education levels will vary. Great points to keep in mind, :)
Farnoosh
March 8th, 2010 9:18 am
I do like writing long posts, rather than publishing frequently with short bursts. It takes time to go through a thought-process sometimes. But alas, I do see your point. I think it’s easy to get carried away with the passion if the story requires it. Thank you for the clear tips though!
Estetik
March 9th, 2010 8:48 am
I found that making a controversial post or by poking fun, even light hearted, at a subject close to people hearts. Your post I think has to be different and original.
The post which generated most comments on my site was when I said that “The Irish Langage was dead” – this really engaged the visitors to the site and there were plenty of comments.
Jerry Okorie
March 9th, 2010 11:38 pm
I just realised that my posts are not really that great, but your tips does open up some ideas. Thanks
Nnetta
March 12th, 2010 8:23 am
Great advice. I’m new at blogging and most topic I cover are new to me as well. I find it a bit difficult to be consistent with my thoughts when I get to ‘put them on paper’. But it gives great satisfaction when I see a commonest under my reflections…
http://netasbitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
tip and Trick
March 15th, 2010 8:04 pm
thx for this good article, at the last i realised my blog it not really good enough….
I will try and use to make better blog…
Chris
March 17th, 2010 2:54 am
Good insights. The problem with me though is that I read all these tips but I don’t get to apply them all. I think I have to deal with some follow through issues.
Lavern Bohney
March 17th, 2010 3:02 am
I went here searching Goth! This post probably has a cool consideration on bing also if it wasn’t definetly the post i was struggeling searching
obd 2 code scaner
March 20th, 2010 3:31 pm
More often than not I do not comment on blogs, but I would like to mention that this article really forced me to do so! Thank you for your perceptive post.
Weldon Hladek
March 25th, 2010 8:09 am
Thanks for the share. I have a random question? I am starting my own blog and want to know what is sharing to much information? lol and what is contributing? I want to get it right like your blog.
Wolfie Rankin
April 1st, 2010 3:20 pm
Yes Yes, on the “too hard basket”.
I’ve seen some great posts on various pages that ask me to sign in first, “Salon” nice posts, too hard to comment, no reason to make an account there.
Disques, a real pain in the bum, I have an account but I rarely use it and never remember what it is, so I log in as a guest and I still get my avatar anyway.
No serious blog site should ever ask people to sign in, if the writer has the power to modify posts, then what’s the point?
Wolfie!
Infographiste
April 9th, 2010 9:12 pm
For the ones who wants to know :
The benefits of commenting on others blogs:
* You’ll be getting to know what other bloggers in your niche are doing
* You’ll hopefully read some great content that could spark ideas for your own blog
* You’ll be reaching out to another blogger in your niche (often comments are the start of fruitful relationships
* You’ll be creating a small doorway back to your own blog for the readers of that blog
* You’ll be building your own profile in your niche – it’s a chance to show your expertise, knowledge and understanding of the topic.
Bryant
April 20th, 2010 11:41 am
You gave fantastic honest ideas here. I performed a research on the issue and discovered almost all peoples will agree with your blog.
Antoony
April 30th, 2010 8:10 pm
Yeah, You’re right Charlie. I have never asked visitors to make comments. I will perform it soon.
Kristen
May 22nd, 2010 2:06 pm
I have no idea why I read so many blogs, but I’m glad I do so. I always come out learning at least one thing every day.
Orjin Krem
May 25th, 2010 9:28 pm
Yeah, You’re right Charlie. I have never asked visitors to make comments. I will perform it soon.
Jeff Schmidt
May 26th, 2010 12:41 am
Hey Charlie, love the article. Very useful and pragmatic.
As many blogs get more professional, I think your point #3 “They don’t know what to say” could become a bigger contributor to the pin-dropping quiet than many folks realize.
Well-thought out points and posts are critical to the credibility of all the work we do, but we’ve also all seen ideas that feel so complete that it’s hard to contribute in a meaningful way.
Have you thought about doing an article that develops your point #3 more fully? Maybe… The Art of Half an Idea (not a great title, but might be worth exploring).
Thanks
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