Blog comments are like, a huge thing if you’re a blogger. Some bloggers feel like a failure if they don’t receive comments on their posts (you’re not), some rely on the comments in order to feel like a success, some literally don’t care at all and there’s a whole multitude of attitudes towards the old blog comment. I also always see people wonder why they’re not getting comments and contemplating what they’re doing wrong. Since I started my blog, I’ve been pretty lucky in that I’ve always received comments. That’s not me being big headed, it’s a fact. But I don’t wanna do a typical “how to get more comments” type post because it’s probably been done to death. I wanted to talk about what makes me comment on a blog post and similarly, what makes me not. What I look for in a post which makes me comment. Which hopefully, you can apply to your own posts!
1. A question at the end of the post: I’ve always done this and I find if the blogger is asking a direct question and wants to know what their readers think, I’m more likely to leave a comment.
2. A personable style of writing: If I’m reading a post which is very fact based and sounds like a school text-book, I probably won’t comment. But if the writing style is fun and quirky and reflects the blogger, I’m much more likely to want to speak to them!
3. Photos: This is just one thing that makes me wanna comment on a post; especially if it’s say a travel style post where photos are vital. If a blogger has amazing photos, I’m again more likely to comment on them! But photos aren’t everything!
4. Not begging for comments: If a blogger is begging for comments, I won’t comment. I take part in comment threads regularly and this has helped me find so many amazing blogs I wouldn’t have found before but I’ve never seen anyone beg for comments during these threads.
5. Incoherent posts: I think this is pretty obvious but if I can’t understand a post; if the format is so bad I can’t read it combined with awful spelling and grammar which is all over the show, I probably won’t comment. I’m not a grammar wizard myself – far from it. But I like to think my posts are easy to read!
6. Really long posts: There is always an exception to this one but 9 times out of 10, if a blog post is too long I’ll probably give up before the end, therefore won’t comment.
7. Personal topics: I love personal posts where a blogger lays everything bare and talks about a really important subject. This is always more likely to get a comment from me as I think it’s important people share their opinions on personal and difficult topics – to make it less taboo and more normalised.
Do you have any of your own to add to this list? What makes you comment on a post? What puts you off commenting on a post?
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[…] to thank those who are taking their own time to comment on your work. Replies to comments may also encourage new comments, if readers know their comments isn’t just going to fizzle out into the abyss and never get […]
I’m definitely one to click off if the post is too long or unreadable for whatever reason. I like headings and bullet points to showcase pieces of information. If I’ve found a post useful or it’s touched me in some way I’ll comment and will usually comment back – maybe not on the bloggers most recent post if it doesn’t interest me personally but I can always find one that does.
I just started a blog today, my first time since high school. I’ve always loved writing and interacting with people through written word. I do tend to feel like a failure if I’m just not getting responses like I hope… speaking of FB mostly. It’s not necessarily that I want to feel validated just because someone commented, I want to strike up conversation. Get thoughts flowing. Create new ideas for my art and my projects. With social media being such a huge popularity contest these days, us little guys don’t get heard. It’s just nice to know someone is listening to you AND really thinking about what you’ve said… or posted. 🙂
For sure – it can be so hard to get noticed but everyone starts somewhere and perseverance and hard work will pay off!
I’m actually less likely to comment on personal posts, because I always feel a little uncomfortable leaving a comment on something so personal. I overthink it, and worry that I’ll say the wrong thing and put my foot in my mouth!
I get that. It’s difficult when it’s a personal post about something you have no experience in too!
This is very helpful! I just started my blog so ill definitely keep these tips in mind!
Glad you found them helpful (:
I comment when I can relate to a post or have something to add. Most of what you wrote in this post describe me as well when it comes to leaving a comment.
I like it when a reader has something productive to add to a post (:
I’ve recently started a new blog and finding my way around how I want my blog to look & be! This is really interesting to read, I was amazed when I got my first comment and to be honest its not something I worry about just nice to receive. thanks for this, I’m going to give some of them a go
Good luck on your blogging venture! Any advice you need you can always drop me an email (: xx
Good post! Really liked it and it’s really helpful 🙂 I am doing most things on the list so I am hoping to get a few comments😊👍🏻
That’s great! (:
Well said. If the post is well written or touches me, then I want the writer to know.
Absolutely! We should all make more time to tell creatives if they work means something to us!
Yes!
I comment when I feel like there’s something I can add to the conversation, so I’m more likely to comment on discussion style blog posts. And yeah all of the above too 😛
I agree – that’s what I like writing discussion posts, often the comments are better than the post!
This is such a neat idea for a post!! It was cool to read what makes you take the time to comment! Good pictures are definitely a winner for me. If it’s a topic I’m specifically interested in or, just the opposite, if it’s something I have no idea about, but catches my interest. Honest and open posts where people lay things out are good too
I agree with everything you’ve said (:
I love commenting on artists blogs.
Great article. I try to add questions at the end of my blogs.
Wonderful post!! I am also a big fan of when people add questions to the end of their posts 🙂
-Erica of Erica Robyn Reads
I think I’ve done that in 98% of my posts for years; I just don’t like ending a post abruptly!
This is such a good list! I like getting comments because I love talking to people, but one thing that really makes me want to comment is the topic. If it’s a thought piece, chances are I’m going to comment because I love those! Additionally, I love advice posts like these! Just reading a different perspective and thoughts really encourages me to comment!
-GG
http://www.girlingamba.com
Thought pieces and advice are always a good commenter!
I get what you mean with this post. If the post is too long however and i click with the post, i often comment
Some posts can be far too long, I’ll find myself clicking off it halfway through unless I’m 100% invested
I get you
Really interesting post! I often have to remember the difference between views and comments when I looking at my blogging stats and to know that just because someone hasn’t commented doesn’t mean that they did not enjoy reading the post or that the post was rubbish!
Yes absolutely! Such an important thing to remember. Some people just don’t have time to comment on every post they read, unfortunately!
Thanks for this post, I really need to start adding questions to the end of my posts as I like it when others do. I like commenting when the post has been informative to me and I’ve gained something from it x
Yes me too, definitely. I like the blogger to know they’ve reached someone with what they’re saying.
Totally agree with all of these. What an interesting post. It’s good to know how others feel about commenting.
fayejessica.co.uk
I find it interesting too!
I did not realize that adding a question can make such a big difference, but it seems like the perfect way to engage readers, especially those who want to interact but don’t know what to say! Also, by just being interested in the topic blogged about or feeling there is more I can add/discuss with the writer makes me want to comment. Creating a discussion in the comment section is always the best!
RogueCouture.weebly.com
Yep exactly! It definitely helps, I’ve always done it and it’s had a great impact. I would much rather see more blogs do the same cos I like commenting but sometimes a post just is commentable on. That’s no fault of anyone’s and doesn’t mean it’s not a fantastic post.
This was really interesting! Cool to see what makes you respond to a blog
I always wondered about asking questions at the end of a blog, I thought it might make me presumptuous about people reading it! I’ll maybe give it a bash though x
I’ve thought the same thing! But sometimes I think it’s good to just be confident and brave with your blog post!
Hell no! Do it!
This is really interesting! I’m one of those that isn’t hugely effected either way! I understand my blog is pretty niche and some people just wouldn’t relate. But I love to hear from people who my writing has had a positive effect on! I do often wonder why some people do and some people don’t comment though and this has really helped 😊
For sure just cos someone doesn’t leave a comment doesn’t mean the post isn’t good!
Absolutely!!
Also an intwresting topic makes me comment or something where your opinion is warranted.
Amina xx | http://www.AliandHer.com
Yes exactly, I love hearing my readers opinions!
I completely agree – if the writing style is approachable or if there’s a question at the end I’ll be much more likely to comment! Also if I engaged with the topic of the post I’ll comment, bc then I feel more like I have something to add.
Carla x
Agreed, I don’t like commenting for the sake of it!
Very useful post thanks
I agree with the question at the end, I always feel like I have to reply to it! I’m trying so hard to improve my writing to make it more personal aha!
Jennifer xx
jenngrieveblog.wordpress.com
Haha I like that!
I agree with the question thing. I love if there is a question in the end and I also do this! Basically you named everything what I look for in order to decide if I should comment! Great post! x
Glad we agree!
To be honest if I click on a post and read it I’ll leave a comment I just love to support fellow bloggers! Personal posts I’ll always comment on to x
Kayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com
Aww that’s nice (: I just don’t have time to comment on every post I read unfortunately!
I tend to comment if I can relate to what has been written. That is the easiest way for me to comment.
Yeah for sure, me too.
Yep I don’t think you’re alone in thinking that!
I love it when there’s a prompt with a question for the comments. It’s sometimes hard to figure out what to say, even if you know you do want to comment something. I try to include those, but I don’t always for my review posts, yet they never get as many comments as other posts, which is definitely saying something. Great post Jen!
I’m in exactly the same boat, my reviews don’t really get any comments anymore but my other “stuff” always does. However 2 years ago, reviews were always commented on. Maybe it’s a time thing and people have grown out of doing that?
I try and comment as much as I can as I know how much they mean to me, but I agree sometimes if a post is too long I can’t do it, my brain switches off. Also, if I have nothing meaningful to add I don’t write something for the sake of it as I always think that will be both obvious and insulting to the blogger. I did my first personal post a few days ago and got some really heartfelt comments on it and those are the ones that really mean the most, although tbh I treasure all my comments.
I completely agree; I hate it when I have a personal post up and I get a “great post!” comment. It’s like, if you’d have REALLY read the post you wouldn’t be saying that.
That’s so true! I feel like fun and interesting posts, as obvious as it seems, are the easist to comment at, as well as when there are questions to answer!
love, elena
https://outnaboutweb.wordpress.com
I feel like those are the easiest as well! Cos you can kinda comment about whatever you want.
Really interesting post to see what makes you comment. I try and comment on all the posts which I enjoy or feel like I have something to add or just to be friendly and I liked the bloggers style?
Yeah I don’t think it’s needs to be a deep, meaningful blog post in order to gain a lot of comments. Some light hearted, fun posts where the bloggers style shines through can be brilliant!
This is great insight! I tend to follow blogs where the writers are telling personal stories and I find that that makes me want to comment more, especially if their writing is more conversational and inclusive.
I agree, I always try and make my posts conversational rather than, I dunno… exclusive to the reader.
If I like the topic of the post or if I like/agree/disagree with the blogger, then I’ll comment on the post.
Yep, pretty good reason to leave a comment I’d say!
I agree with what you have written! I will comment on a post if I am truly interested in what they have written! Or if I have something useful to say!
Yep absolutely! Not just for the sake of leaving a half assed comment, I want to add something valid to the topic!
I always make a conscious effort to comment on as many blog posts as I can and have a target of commenting on 10 a day to help support bloggers (and I secretly hope they’ll return the favour to me one day)
Jess x
http://acornlifefitness.com
This is lovely 🙂 I don’t get a lot of comments so really appreciate people like you! xx
10 a day?! Wow! That’s a great achievement if you do, do that. Not everyone has the time (or patience unfortunately) for that so that’s brilliant that you do. I definitely do need to comment on more. I’m not too bad but could certainly up my game.
I love this! I think I agree with all of them, I love when people include photos other than the featured one, and when they have written it in their own style. I love how each person has their own style of writing! xo
Yeah I do like a blog post which sounds different in my head to every other post I’ve read because of the bloggers way of writing!
Yeah I see what you mean! Always helps me to remember the post and the blogger.
I comment if I’m familiar with the topic and my comment means something. I don’t like comments that are just “nice post” it makes me feel like the person hasn’t actually read what’s been written X
Ugh those are the worst! I specifically hate those types of comments if they’ve come from a comment thread. I won’t even reply or return them cos it’s SO obvious they’re defeating the point of the whole thing.
If I have something useful to say! I tend to comment most on reviews. Usually it will be if the blogger has said something thoughtful, insightful, intriguing about a book I’ve read or written such a good review of a book I haven’t read that it’s made me want to buy/wishlist it. To take your topic a little further, the only comment I wouldn’t respond to on my own blog (as well as obvious spam) is a blatant ‘follow me’ comment. I think one problem is that bloggers are told the way to build traffic to their blog is to comment on others, so there can be a suspicion about motives which is a pity if the comment is a genuine desire to connect.
I 100% agree. I either don’t reply to those comments or delete them, depending on how they come across. When new bloggers are given the advice “comment more on other blogs”, we don’t mean spam them with your links!
Yes, all of the above…and if there is a point I really like, or even dislike (I am polite) What STOPS me, is if the comment column is sooo long that I have to scroll past dozens of comments to get to the end. So more is not necessarily a good thing.
That’s a good point – obviously that depends on the blog format etc too as not all blog posts do that.
I try to comment if I have something to add. E.g. for a book review, i tend to comment my opinion on the book if I’ve read it or how likely I am if I’ve not x
Yes, good point. Only if I have something valid to add as well. Not just, “I’ve read that, it was good” haha 🙄
If something touches me , I’m more likely to comment!
Yes absolutely, me too!