How to Get More Comments on Your Blog, By Leaving It

Yesterday I wrote about some of the things you can do on your blog to encourage your readers to comment on your posts.  But that's only half the battle, the real key to getting more comments on your blog, is to leave it!

Think about the time that your readers spend online.  More than likely, only a small portion of that time is spent on your blog.  So what you want to do is try to create value for your readers not only on your blog, but also off your blog.  Here's some ways that you can encourage your readers to comment on your blog, by leaving it:

1 - Follow commenters back to their blog.  With most blogging platforms, a reader that leaves a comment can add a link to their blog or site with their comment.   If you notice that a commenter has left a link to their blog, then follow that link to their blog, and try to find a post or 2 where YOU can leave a comment on their blog!  This will make a great impression on them, and it shows that you appreciate their comment enough to want to contribute your own.  Also seriously consider adding a link to this blogger's blog on your blog's sidebar, especially if they blog on topics related to your industry. 

2 - Read blogs and message boards that discuss your industry.  Try to read the same blogs and forums that your readers are.  And as often as possible, leave comments on these sites.  But make sure that your comments are attempts to add value to the post, and to the discussion.  This will not only make the blogger more likely to read and comment on your blog, but will give their readers a reason to check out your blog as well.

3 - Thank every blogger that links to your blog.  Keep up with bloggers that link to your blog, and leave a comment thanking them for linking to your blog.  A site such as Technorati can show you when sites are linking to your blog.  Showing these sites and blogs that you appreciate their link is a great way to increase the possibility that they will not only link to your blog again, but comment there as well.

4 - Link to other blogs in your posts.  As you spend time reading other blogs, you will probably come across some great ideas for posts on your own blog.  When you write that post for your blog, make sure that you remember the inspiration for your post, and link back to the post.  This not only makes your post more valuable for your readers, but it also shows the blogger that you are linking to that you are acknowledging their post.  Think of it as saying 'thank you' to the blogger you are linking to.

If you follow the steps in this post, and my post yesterday, you will be well on your way to enjoying a much more responsive readership on your blog!