Do you comment on other people’s blogs? If you are a blogger, you know the emotional lift you get when people actually take the time to acknowledge what you’re writing. It makes all the effort feel really worth it. But did you know there are business reasons why commenting on blogs is a good idea?
Consider this:
- Your primary objective through social media is most likely to build visibility for yourself and your business. When you comment on the influential blogs in your niche regularly, you become known by not only that blogger, but by the people that regularly read that blog too.
- Some people that read that blog, and appreciate the thoughtful points you make, may click your name to read more about what you have to say. That’s why you should always include a website link in the optional field. (NOTE: I advise against including your link in the text of your comment. That just feels spammy.)
- Sometimes, if the blogger hasn’t disabled it, those website links count as incoming links to your blog, increasing your search engine visibility.
- You contribute to the larger discussion that helps everyone in your niche consider different viewpoints, and ultimately become better. Are you helping to shape the conversation?
It’s so easy to just consume the content that other people are putting out there, without giving back. But those that are most successful know that contributing is an important part of visibility. Take some time to read 3-5 influential blogs in your niche several days a week, and leave comments! It will benefit the visibility of your business.
So get commenting! 
What blogs do you read? How has commenting helped your business?
Image Credit: net_efekt
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I think that every single comment on my posts are valuable. It may be true that they were leaving a response just to gain a link to their own site. However, it is proof that people are out there and they found me! Of all the places in the world they might have wound up they found my site. That makes me feel good regardless of their motives.
I have found that whenever you give what you want to receive, the receiving is often the very next step.
How true. I think at times we all go so wrapped up in our own world we forget there are others out there whom we can learn from and possibly help – thus engaging via social media. As for the call to action – ouch – I keep forgetting to ask for comments and do appreciate the reminder. Thank you. Good blog post.
I am beginning to believe that blogs and responses to blogs have no value at all, other than scanning points of view on mostly random subjects.
My business is all local and social media is too broad for me to spend time with it.
Ron,
You absolutely can use social media to build a local business, but it must be done strategically. Here’s a post I wrote on using social media to generate local business: http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/using-social-media-to-generate-local-business/
I hope it’s helpful to you!
Jennifer
Jake, I agree with you 100%!
I am trying to get better at doing this.
Thanks for raising this commenting question. You are right about the great potential commenting on blogs creates for interaction, connections, deepening of thoughts and generating ideas. I am most appreciative.
I sent this to my entire LinkedIn and Groups – it just makes sense.
My sitemeter tells me I have many readers following my blog and they stay on for an average of 3.52 minutes. I know they are reading – they just dont comment. I’ll find a way to add the website field on comments like you have here and see if that generates more comments.
thank you.
As to the blogs I read – the ones that give me ideas for making healthy meals. I like those more than online recipe books.
Thanks for the reminder. I love it if someone reads my blog. I always jokingly thought if I post on my blog and no one reads it, does it matter. But the truth is I do want people to ready my blog and by reading and posting on other’s blogs will increase my visibility and chance of a reciprocal reading.
Thank you for your insights. I look forward to hearing you speak in Kansas City, MO in March.
Lia
Commenting on blogs is a great way to continue the discussion after the original blog post has been written.
I have seen some bloggers get frustrated because they are not getting “comment luv”. When I look at their blog, one thing is usually obvious. They have not put a “Call to Action” at the end of their blog or encouraged/invited their readers to comment. Its an important step if you want to continue the conversation.
I make it a point to put a call to action on each post. I also have made it my goal to comment on at least 10 blogs a day to help build a community of support.
Excellent reminder! I find when people comment on my blog, it gives me a sense that I am writing things that are resonating with people…otherwise I have no way to guage it!
Thanks for all your ideas…keep them coming…and we will keep commenting…here and in all of blogdom!!
There are so many good reasons to comment on others’ blogs and I too am trying to do so more regularly. It really helps me to keep in mind how much I want others to comment on my blog, and I figure that it’s a pay it forward type of thing. The more I comment the more likely I’ll get comments. And yes, the links definitely help in one way or the other.
Jen…
Thanks for your great insight and content. I remember you sharing information quite some time ago…but needed this warm reminder! Thanks for all you do for our profession.
Blessings,
Becky Spieth
Direct Sales Specialist
I agree Jen and Julie – it is after all “social” media. And like Julie, I need to be better about commenting, not just consuming.
I could not agree more, Jen. You taught me this last year and I have to say I haven’t done enough of it. It’s my goal in 2010 to comment on at least 10 blogs each week. I’d love it if you wrote a blog listing the top 25 or so Direct Sales and Social Media sites (You’ve probably already done this, but maybe an updated post that links back to the original). You’re such a wealth of knowledge on this topic. Great post!