Getting more comments has always been a headache to me. But thanks to the World Wide Web, anything is possible these days with some little tweaks and adjustments. So, here is my list 15 (tried and tested) tips and tricks to increase your comment count. Psst. . . don’t kill me if they don’t happen overnight.
1. Ask a question.
So you have written an amazing post with an eye-catching title. Now all it requires are some comments to complete it. Close your post with a question: ask for their thoughts. Question something interesting that’ll make them answer it. Say you have reviewed the latest MAC lipstick in the market. Shoot them basics like, “Which is your favourite colour?” or more stimulating like “Do you think the price-tag is worth its quality?”. Get creative and try to engage them in a conversation.
2. Write a question post.
A post that starts with a question, always tends to draw not only more traffic but also comments from readers. And there are just so many topics you can write a question post about. “Are you a true foodie? “, “Why denims are getting so popular?”, “Why red lips still remain a classic?” and even “How to get more blog comments?”. Sky is the limit and you can come up with so many different blog topics because we are always looking for answers to out doubts and queries. Target it, answer it and turn it into an awesome post.
3. Write catchy headlines.
Think for a second: how are readers going to comment if they’re not even reading your posts. Compose eye-popping titles that will make your readers click on the post, read it through and then leave a thoughtful comment. A plain-bland title can often slip your reader’s attention. So create something saucy yet pun-free (hello, SEO?). Take a cue from newspapers and magazines. What makes you read their articles? Get some inspiration and apply it on your posts.
4. Write a compelling post.
Accept it: why should your readers bother reading your post when it isn’t good enough. Before hitting the PUBLISH button, ask yourself if you would read it if you spotted it elsewhere. Find out the kink in your writing and work on it. In this over-saturated market where 1 among 5 people is a blogger, writing an unique post is as tough as standing out. And needless to say, pretty much everyone has the same aim. So be original and give something worth hanging on to. Remember – Content is STILL the king.
5. Make your post SEO rich.
Another very important point. If your post doesn’t come up on Google search page, then how are you going to attract traffic. Make your post and titles SEO-friendly. Use relevant tags, categories and keywords to help get better traffic. And better traffic means new readers and commenters. However, don’t go overboard with SEO. Your site might be marked as spam.
6. Write a controversial/heated topic/breaking news.
This works totally wonders, even though not many are actually fond of it. Tackling the most-discussed issue will definitely need some courage. But look at the bright side. You’ll be attracting so many views from your readers and followers. It is to be mentioned, however, that not everyone will support your thought. Some might go against your view as well. But none of this is a bad thing. If you’re too scared, try something less-controversial. Perhaps something that’s interesting yet widely discussed. Chanel’s latest collab perhaps? Yahoo-buying-Tumblr news created a mass impact, for example.
7. Show some love and leave comments.
This one works wonders. Not only does it drive traffic to your site but also gives you hope of getting comments and maybe new followers too. Don’t be a snob and keep waiting for others to stop by. You may have an amazing blog, but people won’t know until you share it. Try commenting on 5-6 blogs per day and wait to see the magic. I prefer to target smaller blogs because it’s easier to create a community with them. Pick some known and unknown blogs and drop meaningful comments. No “Cute Outfit. Follow me XOXO!” though. That’s called spamming!
8. Make it easier to comment.
It turns me off really when I have to prove and double-proof myself that I’m not a robot. Make commenting easier for your readers. Being a WordPress user, I am an absolute fan of its comment plugin. Try something that doesn’t involve the whole captcha system, registration or forcibly following your blog. This drives your readers away instead of allowing them in. Also make sure your comment box is clearly visible. Sometimes I cannot find the comment box because it’s linked/hidden/buried under everything.
9. Respond to your readers.
Very important and very crucial: your readers are taking time out of their busy schedule to leave a comment on your post. The very least you can do is thank them. Let it be a two-sided conversation, even if you have nothing much to say. Not only it will make your readers feel warm, but it’ll also encourage them to engage with you more. It’s compelling to see hundreds of comments from your readers (only) on every post. But what works even better is helping them form a community. Afterall, what’s a blog without its readers? [—> VIP <—]
10. Reward your readers and commenters.
Of course I’m not asking you to bribe your readers to comment (giveaway is sort of a bribery though). A follow up to point *9. Make your readers feel special and loved. As much as you love getting their comments, they want to feel appreciated too. So reward them and make them happy. Pick the most-engaged reader of the week and give him/her a shout out on your social media channels. Perhaps make a list of your active followers and commenters and let them know. Get innovative, get cheesy. Readers dig that!
11. Allow email notification for comments.
Another easy way to get comments is by enabling email notification for comments. Your readers shouldn’t be forced to become your blog subscriber. But if you enable email notification for comments on your blog, your readers will get an email notification whenever you reply him/her back. It’s a good way to keep your readers hooked to your contents. And not only will they keep coming back to your site with new thoughts, they might become one of your loyal followers too.
RELATED: LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 3 COMPONENTS IN BLOGGING TO KEEP UP WITH
12. Prepare your blog comment policy.
Having a well-defined comment policy helps in attracting comments. You can state how you’re comments are going to appear on your blog. You can state whether the comments shall be approved first or modified if necessary. Depending on your need, write your comment policy and include every rule your readers should know.
13. Be personal.
It is alright being a bit personal. Moreover, you wouldn’t be the only one writing about your personal “stuffs”. Get inspired from all the lifestyle writers around the web. A hint of YOU makes your reader relate to you more. Isn’t that what makes blogging different from print media? Go ahead and tell a little story or experience that might be relevant. Make your readers feel welcoming. Talk to them like you’re having a face-to-face chat. Be personal.
14. Add a touch emotion and sentiments.
A follow-up to point *13. Allow your words to flow smoothly instead of sounding like a cold-dead zombie. Explaining your readers how that Zara jeans didn’t fit you? Express your emotions through words. Angry at your pizza man for being late? Make your readers feel it. Having the right voice can make any kind of story seem empathetic. It will make your readers put themselves in your shoe and feel the same thing. It’s okay to let go of your feelings at time without being too overpowering.
15. Be firm and stand for what you say.
Nothing beats a confident writer behind an amazing blog. As said earlier, not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will love your blog either. And sometimes, you just have to tackle some issues which will draw varied opinions. But that isn’t an excuse for editing your article to please everyone. It just makes you a better writer everytime. Welcome everyone’s view but stand firmly for what you said. Peanut butter doesn’t taste same for everyone- some love it, some hate it. It’s upto them, how they’re going to perceive it.
Q: What’s your trick up your sleeves when engaging with your audience? Which one have you tried from the list above?
[divider]
Thank you Somdyuti for this amazing post! I’m sure a lot of us bloggers can relate to this and also will find this very useful. Don’t forget to check her out over at Stilettos & Tequila and while you’re at it, give her Facebook page and Twitter some love! — Donah
[divider]
Related articles
- 5 Simple Steps To Drive Traffic to Old Posts! (sweetjellybean.com)
- Are Blog Comments Still Good For SEO Or Seen As Spam? (business2community.com)
[author image=”https://sweetjellybean.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/me.jpg.webp” ]Somdyuti D. Ray (or more popularly known as Ashley Steve on Facebook) is the sole-boring face behind the fashion blog Stilettos & Tequila. Hailing from Calcutta, India, this 17 year old likes everything related fashion, literature, travel and photography. Supernatural and Grey’s Anatomy fan by blood, certified dreamer by choice.[/author]