Blog Commenting Etiquette
Posted 13th November 2011 at 08:16 PM by Selmicro
Many experienced bloggers will tell you there is code of conduct for blog commenting. There are some unwritten rules that both the blogger and the commenter should follow. If you're new to blogging, new to commenting, or not getting the results you'd like, then read on.
For Commenters:
If the site owner has a commenting guidelines page, quickly read it first.
Start off using the blogger's name in your reply to their article. That way he/she will know for sure you are a real person and not a spambot.
Do not add any links to your musings. This is considered bad form unless the site owner has indicated it is ok. More likely than not, live links in the body will cause it to land in the spam folder anyway.
Add value or don't bother. "Awesome post, dude! Thanks!" does nothing and makes it look suspiciously like you're trying to get a Do Follow link back to your site. The one exception to adding something to the conversation is when you want to give words of encouragement or congratulate them on a goal reached.
You know where it says to put your name? Put your name there. Your name is not GardenSuppliesForAll. Be a real person first, then if the site has the KeywordLuv plugin, you can add your keywords where it asks for them. Then your name would show up as Paul @GardenSupplies.
Make sure your own blog has catchy titled posts. That way when you comment on a site that uses the ComLuv plugin it will show the title of your last post with a live link to it. The more interesting the title, the more click-throughs you will get.
This isn't necessary, but if you want to build a relationship with the blog owner, tweet their post. Many blogs have this button front and center and it's just a matter of pushing it. Plus it's good karma.
For Bloggers:
Some may not agree, but you should answer all comments. If someone has taken the time to read and answer with their thoughts, the least you could do is respond. Why? Common courtesy for one, and the fact that you will score points with your readers. Don't think for one minute that the commenter won't come back for another visit to see if you've responded. Everyone likes to be acknowledged and you might make a new friend or business partner.
This one is going the extra mile - hop over to the other person's site, read what they have to say, and leave a comment. You never know what gems you might pick up along the way and you'll be building some strong business relationships.
One of the premises behind blogging is that it's a means of conversing. That means you should welcome feedback on what you wrote and expect some to disagree with you. Be polite and professional.
It's your weblog, it's your rules, but play fair. Yes, you have the right to hit the delete button if things get out of hand.
Don't make it hard on your visitors. The more steps you make them go through to leave a comment, the less eager they will be to do so. Don't make them create a password and sign in to "speak" to you. A simple captcha word or a "click here if you're not a spammer" will suffice.
Commenting on what others have blogged about has many benefits. Your words can create a lasting impression, and if it's a good impression you will get traffic. If you show yourself to be knowledgeable on a subject, your new traffic will become return readers and buyers. Being courteous to your readers helps build relationships that turn into advantageous partnerships or business opportunities.
For Commenters:
If the site owner has a commenting guidelines page, quickly read it first.
Start off using the blogger's name in your reply to their article. That way he/she will know for sure you are a real person and not a spambot.
Do not add any links to your musings. This is considered bad form unless the site owner has indicated it is ok. More likely than not, live links in the body will cause it to land in the spam folder anyway.
Add value or don't bother. "Awesome post, dude! Thanks!" does nothing and makes it look suspiciously like you're trying to get a Do Follow link back to your site. The one exception to adding something to the conversation is when you want to give words of encouragement or congratulate them on a goal reached.
You know where it says to put your name? Put your name there. Your name is not GardenSuppliesForAll. Be a real person first, then if the site has the KeywordLuv plugin, you can add your keywords where it asks for them. Then your name would show up as Paul @GardenSupplies.
Make sure your own blog has catchy titled posts. That way when you comment on a site that uses the ComLuv plugin it will show the title of your last post with a live link to it. The more interesting the title, the more click-throughs you will get.
This isn't necessary, but if you want to build a relationship with the blog owner, tweet their post. Many blogs have this button front and center and it's just a matter of pushing it. Plus it's good karma.
For Bloggers:
Some may not agree, but you should answer all comments. If someone has taken the time to read and answer with their thoughts, the least you could do is respond. Why? Common courtesy for one, and the fact that you will score points with your readers. Don't think for one minute that the commenter won't come back for another visit to see if you've responded. Everyone likes to be acknowledged and you might make a new friend or business partner.
This one is going the extra mile - hop over to the other person's site, read what they have to say, and leave a comment. You never know what gems you might pick up along the way and you'll be building some strong business relationships.
One of the premises behind blogging is that it's a means of conversing. That means you should welcome feedback on what you wrote and expect some to disagree with you. Be polite and professional.
It's your weblog, it's your rules, but play fair. Yes, you have the right to hit the delete button if things get out of hand.
Don't make it hard on your visitors. The more steps you make them go through to leave a comment, the less eager they will be to do so. Don't make them create a password and sign in to "speak" to you. A simple captcha word or a "click here if you're not a spammer" will suffice.
Commenting on what others have blogged about has many benefits. Your words can create a lasting impression, and if it's a good impression you will get traffic. If you show yourself to be knowledgeable on a subject, your new traffic will become return readers and buyers. Being courteous to your readers helps build relationships that turn into advantageous partnerships or business opportunities.
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