I am not going to lie. I just googled the phrase: “how to write a blog comment”.
Getting inside of your mind helps me to better serve you. Especially on the commenting front.
Because so many folks are confused about blog commenting as a marketing strategy.
I myself need to dissolve mental blocks from time to time because I under value the connecting medium. Yeah me; a guy who's garnered eBook tweet endorsements from a NY Times Best Selling Author and the like through simple blog commenting.
Why do so few bloggers get the power behind blog commenting? Most cling to these silly little limiting beliefs:
- blog commenting is a waste of time
- nobody reads comments
- nobody scrolls down beyond the first comment
- your time would be better spent guest posting or publishing posts to your own blog; blog comments are pretty much devoid of value
All the above ideas are lies. Pure and simple. Lies perpetuated to keep you struggling.
The Juicy Benefits
I noted the aforementioned blog commenting eBook endorsement from a NY Times Best Selling Author. I also landed a speaking gig at NYU, was featured on Virgin Dot Com and Forbes and built my most lucrative freelance writing bonds with folks who found me through blog commenting.
Just to show you what's possible through this amazing, undervalued marketing medium.
Increase your blog traffic. Grow your blog community. Boost your blogging profits. Increase your social proof. Good things happen to effective blog commentors.
Here's the kicker: whether you've been blogging for 1 day or 10 years you can share your opinion for free on any blog in the world (with comments open) to tap into the immense power of blog commenting.
Doesn't that sound sweet, newbie bloggers?
You can also improve your writing skills immensely through persistent, intelligent blog commenting
Here's how.
How to Write a Blog Comment
Comment to Help and Connect
You move into any action based on your intent.
I just prepared my afternoon cup of Turkish tea here in Istanbul because my intent was to enjoy a hot, sweet, delightful treat synonymous with this charming city. The action followed the intent.
Skilled blog commentors share their thoughts with the intent to help and connect. Sure you want to get some clicks and wouldn't mind landing a client or eBook customer through your comment but 80% or more of your intent should be to help readers by adding your thoughts and to connect with both the blogger and their readers.
Doing so frees you largely from the low energy, desperate drivers that result in cheap, short, pointless comments often spied on the web these days. You know; drive-by comments.
“Hey great post! Gotta go!”
Refrain from engaging in that form of blogging rubbish. Comment to help. Comment to connect. You will create a masterpiece every single time.
Personalize to Add Power to Your Comment
Start your comment with: “Hi Ryan,” and add one more mention of “Ryan” and I swear to the gods, I shall love you forever. Because my first name is the best-sounding word in the English language to me. You care about me if you address me by name. At least in most cases.
If you take 3 seconds to address a fellow blogger by name with a “Hi Thor”, or “Hi Bruce”, or “Hi Natasha” (note the strange Avengers theme developing) said bloggers will almost always remember you.
Eye-popping blog comments are memorable blog comments. Memorable blog comments almost always involve mentioning your fellow blogger by name once or twice through the post.
Go Thorough and Get Detailed
Write thorough comments to make an impact. Don't forget to add 1 specific detail to indicate you read the post.
Being comprehensive will goad you to write a mini guest post in some cases. In other cases you may publish a 3-4 paragraph comment. In either case folks note value. Especially your fellow bloggers. If fellow bloggers notice you and appreciate your comments said bloggers will generally promote you and endorse you and your blog.
Give value. Receive value. Simple formula to remember.
Check out Joy Healey‘s fabulous comment in response to one of my guest posts. It's a gem. Bonus points for asking a question, Joy.
Note 1 specific passage in the post. 1 instance, 1 example, 1 recount. Show that you care enough to recite back a point made and expound on the topic with your view points. This boosts engagement. This builds bonds with your blogging buddies.
Write 3 paragraphs' worth of comment at a minimum. If you're sticking around to comment you may as well be thorough to stand out from the crowd.
Manners Homework
Mama told me always to say “please” and “thank you.”
End each comment with a “Thank You” to seal the deal.
Thank bloggers for devoting their precious time and energy to creating something helpful, inspired and valuable, all for free.
Ponder on how long it takes one to craft a 3000 word blog post. Or even a 2000 word post. Now factor in linking, formatting and all that snazzy SEO stuff that adds a good hour or so to the initial workload. Last time I looked, no blogger charges any scratch to read their blogs (correct me if I err). So these generous souls are working for free to deliver valued solutions to you.
Freaking thank them!
Honest to goodness, if someone thanks me for my time – even though the pleasure/fun is in the writing of the post itself – I remember them over folks who share their thoughts and exit stage left without thanking me. If I remember ya, you will tend to grow on me, and as our bond grows we can promote each other, endorse each other and this lovely link leads to all sorts of blogging sweetness.
Who'd have thunk 2 simple words would sway me like that?
Thank you, Mama Bidds.
Get the book: Blogging from Paradise:: How to Build an Online Empire Through Blog Commenting
Comment on Relevant Blogs
I comment on top shelf sites related to blogging tips. I am a blogging tips blogger. Makes sense, no?
If I comment on any blog not related to blogging tips it's like trying to accurately shoot a pistol while blindfolded. Unless I'm Yosemite Sam I ain't hitting my target.
Comment only on blogs related to your niche. Manage your energy effectively.
Remember, this post details how to write a blog comment that wows your audience. Wowing becomes easier if the audience eagerly wants to know what you have to say.
Go Big Time
This one is open for debate.
I have received steady feedback from bloggers concerning commenting on both high and low profile blogs.
But from my experience, if you spend 80 percent of your time or more commenting on high profile, relevant blogs you'll reach the max number of interest folks in minimum time, versus spending more time commenting on lower profile blogs.
You can build a successful blog by forming bonds with bloggers sharking their way up but commenting on a blog like Pro Blogger – owner of 300,000 plus subscribers – opens doors and builds bonds you'd never dream of.
Real world example; would you rather be featured on CNN or a local cable access show?
Go big time. Comment primarily on blogs with huge audiences to both form connections with high profile bloggers and to connect with their mammoth readerships. No blogger ever hurt themselves by popping up on the radar of a Jeff Goins.
Do yourself a favor; spend significant time crafting wow-worthy comments.
Do you comment on blogs to build bonds?
What tips can you add to this list?
How do you craft eye-popping comments?