Leaving comments on other blogs is a great way to connect with other bloggers, build relationships, and drive traffic to your blog. But it’s essential to do it the right way to be effective.
Here are nine essential points about comments (including what kind of comments to leave) that will help you get the most out of this strategy:
- 1. Read the blog post first. It may seem obvious, but ensure you’ve read the whole blog post before leaving a comment. This will help you avoid leaving comments that are off-topic or that have already been addressed by the blogger. If you have a question unrelated to the post’s topic, contact the blogger via their contact page.
- 2. Be thoughtful and constructive. When you leave a comment, add something of value to the conversation. Share your own thoughts and experiences, Ask questions and start conversations. If you think the post is excellent, expand on why rather than saying, ‘Great post’ and rushing off.
- 3. You can build relationships with other bloggers. When you leave a thoughtful comment on another blog, you show the blogger that you appreciate their work and are interested in what they say. This can help you build relationships with other bloggers, leading to the possibility of guest posts, interviews, and other forms of collaboration. Friendships can also be made.
- 4. You can drive traffic to your own blog. If you leave a helpful or insightful comment on another blog, other readers may be interested in checking out your blog. This can drive traffic to your blog and increase your readership. However, ensure you’ve linked your blog to your Gravatar; otherwise, it won’t work.
- 5. You can improve your own writing skills. When you leave comments on other blogs, think about your own writing and how you can improve it. Don’t rush to leave a comment; check for any mistakes before leaving it. This can help you become a better writer overall. Other bloggers and readers will determine how much time you have for them by the type of comments you leave.
- 6. You can learn new things. You are exposed to new ideas and perspectives when reading other blogs’ comments section. This can help you learn new things and expand your knowledge base. It will also open up ideas for new blog posts.
- 7. You can have fun. Leaving comments on other blogs can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a great way to connect with others who share your interests and learn new things. However, always ensure your comments are thoughtful and constructive. And only leave comments if you are genuinely interested in the post’s subject. Don’t force yourself to leave comments or feel obliged to leave one.
- 8. Be respectful. There’s a difference between constructive criticism and just being rude or negative. If you have a genuine issue with something in the post, try to approach it in a respectful and constructive manner. If you can’t find anything positive to say, it’s probably best not to leave a comment at all. The same goes for rude comments to or about other bloggers. Be respectful.
- 9. Be patient. It may take some time to build relationships with other bloggers through comments. You may see results later. Give it time; remember that not everyone will be interested in your blog’s content. Just because you comment on other blogs does not mean they’ll enjoy and want to leave comments on your blog.
An important message to new bloggers about responding to comments
I’ve recently followed a handful of new bloggers. However, although I’ve read their posts, left them thoughtful comments, and asked questions about their posts, only two of them replied.
To those that didn’t respond: Don’t ignore comments left on your blog posts. Always reply to them or acknowledge them. You’ll gain more followers and readers by engaging with other bloggers rather than lose followers and probably end up abandoning your blog when followers fail to materialise.
Now an important message to all bloggers about leaving comments
Avoid leaving spam comments on other people’s blogs. This includes comments that have nothing to do with the post or are clearly just an attempt to promote your blog or product. Not only is this annoying, but it can also damage your reputation and credibility as a blogger.
If you need help with something, contact the blogger directly rather than leaving a link to your blog asking for help.
Don’t have time to leave comments?
Some bloggers will tell you they don’t have time to leave thoughtful and constructive comments.
I say – If you don’t have time, click the ‘like’ button and move on. After all, isn’t that what the ‘like button is for?
Nobody will care if you don’t leave comments on all their blog posts. I certainly do not expect everyone who reads my posts to leave a comment.
What’s the worst type of comment somebody can leave?
My answer: Bloggers who leave nothing but a link to their blog as a comment. Those comments all go straight to my spam folder.
Leaving a link as a comment shows that you’re only interested in promoting yourself and not adding value to the conversation. Instead, leave a genuine comment that shows you actually read the post and have something meaningful to contribute.
Let’s wrap it up
In conclusion, leaving the right comments on blogs is essential for building relationships, engaging with other bloggers, and growing your own audience.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your comments add value to the conversation and help you establish yourself as a thoughtful and respected blogging community member.
What’s the worst type of comment somebody can leave you? Do you have any tips you’d like to add about leaving comments on blogs? Leave them in the comments section?
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Hi Hugh – thanks for these comment tips. As bloggers, comments are the gold nuggets of support and a great way to make friends. I don’t comment on every single post I read and I’m glad to see that you don’t think that’s necessary. If I’m trying to think of something to say, but can’t unless I force it, I usually just move on after giving it a like. I certainly don’t mind if other people only like my posts. You can’t comment on every post. As for leaving links in comments, they go right to my spam.
I don’t understand why anybody thinks they must leave a comment on all the posts they read, Barbara. The majority of those comments are worthless and do not add anything of value other than to say they visited. I’ve only come across one blogger who got upset because I failed to leave comments on all her posts. Needless to say, I asked myself why I was following her blog.
I find uninvited links irritating. I either edit them out or, like you, send them straight to spam.
When the author never responds to comments. This, I don’t understand.
Commenter’s pay them a compliment and a non response is like them saying, “ya whatever”.
I agree, Kevin. Not replying to the comments on your posts is like slamming the door in your readers’ faces. I stop commenting on blogs where the author does not respond, although I tend to unfollow most of them.
All good tips, as usual. I am guilty of not always double checking the comments I leave and that can be embarrassing. The most annoying comment I ever received was from someone who told me Hillary Clinton should go to jail. The subject of the post wasn’t even political! It was about my cat – who apparently bears a striking resemblance to Hillary.
I mark those comments as spam because that’s all they are. When their comments do not get through to my posts, they soon give up trying.
Such good points! We know many/most of these instinctively but may gloss over them from time to time, especially if we’re moving too fast.
One of the best pieces of advice another blogger gave me was, ‘Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint.’ If I find myself going too fast, I always quote those words, Becky.
Sounds like good advice, Hugh!
Hugh, your information is very helpful. Although I’ve been blogging for five years, it’s never too late to learn something new. I feel that education about the blogging process is what keep posts fresh and interesting. Just know that your insights are always appreciated even when I don’t leave a comment. As for the worst comments, I’ve never really had a bad experience, however, I get notifications when someone likes a post. I recently had another blogger “like” 13 of my posts in the matter of about 45 seconds. And while their intentions were probably good, I was offended. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Thank you for joining the discussion, Mike and Kellye. I’m delighted these posts are so helpful to many who read them.
Regarding what I call ‘serial likers’, I get them too. The same goes for those who will press the ‘like’ button on my posts within seconds of it being published. I think that all many of these serial likers are trying to do is bring attention to themselves. It always fails and many fizzle out. I switched off ‘like’ notifications years ago, as I found too many bloggers (and some readers) were using the ‘like’ button for stuff other than what it was intended to be used for.
I agree with you. Maybe they’re hoping we will reciprocate with a like to their site??
Agh! A like for a like or comment for a comment is something I think should be banned in the blogging world.
I’m sending you a virtual high-five!
🙂 Hugh, I love your fifth point.
People seldom proofread their comments before publishing them.
If a person can proofread their blog posts, I do not see the reason why they are unable to do the same with their comments.
Thank you for another insightful blog post.
I agree, Renard. I get help from Grammarly with the comments I leave. I can always tell when somebody has rushed to write a comment, especially when it’s been done on the phone. But before pressing the ‘send’ button, I always check what I have written first.
I often have difficulty leaving comments on poetry! Sometimes the only thing I can write is , ‘Great poem’
Try expanding on why you thought it was a great poem. What made you think it was great? There must be a reason or reasons, as otherwise, you would not have thought it was great. Was it the rhyming, or maybe the way certain words connected? Or was it the subject of the poem? Perhaps it built pictures in your mind, bought back happy memories, or was it on a subject close to your heart?
The blogger you’re leaving the comment for will be much more grateful for the feedback, other than simply being told it was great.
Sometimes I’m short on time and yet want to let the writer know I liked their work. There are only that many adjectives I can apply to their work. I’ll try to follow your advice
If you’re short of time, return when you have time to leave a valuable comment or hit the ‘like’ button. After all, that’s what the ‘like’ button is for. And nobody is going to care if you don’t leave them a comment on all their posts. One thoughtful and valuable comment once a month is worth much more than many comments that add no value other than saying all their posts are great.
Thanks Hugh.
I think purple-colored crayons are bad also. I believe all purple-colored crayons should be replaced with Red and Blue colored crayons. LOL! Just kidding.
I wish that people would actually read my posts and comment. But when people do actually comment it’s like you say, “Great Post.” or it’s something that is just an opinion with no info to back it up. Like, “I don’t agree.” At least say why you don’t agree, right!?
I always respond to people’s comments on my site. There was a time on my old blog when folks like Dragon Lady, Corey Thompson, Larry H., and a bunch more would comment and carry on with long conversations. I wish I could the whole gang back to blogging again. We had so much fun sharing stories, but it seems that Facebook has taken over. Hopefully, people will come back after getting tired of FB garbage.
Those comments, ‘Great post’ or ‘I don’t agree’, don’t help anyone. I don’t know why people leave comments like those when they can hit the ‘like’ button and move on or explain why they disagree.
I don’t mind long conversations in the comments section, providing they stay on topic. Comments like ‘how your aunt Sally is after her operation’ or ‘I still have that leaky garage roof’ on posts that have no relation to the topic of the posts are better taken offline.
I deleted my Facebook account over five years ago and have never looked back.
Thanks for joining the conversation, Mac.
The only reason I have FB is to stay connected with Family and friends. Real friends, not random people I don’t know.
Also to link whore my stuff on my FB Page, LOL!
Oh, I have nothing against people who still use Facebook. I get why they have it. I still have a Twitter account, but many bloggers have left Twitter since the recent takeover. But, after search engines, Twitter brings in the most traffic to my blog. So, for now, it’s a keeper for me.
This is such an excellent post, Hugh. Thank you so much. 🙏🏻
As usual, this post is chock full of great advice for both veteran and new bloggers, Hugh. I enjoy reading comments on my posts. I appreciate the feedback on my photography from folks who genuinely care about what I share, unlike most of the social media platforms where folks don’t care about a beautiful image. WordPress is now the only platform I use for sharing my photos. I have made more friends over the years because of this wonderful engagement, some I’ve met in person and consider life long friends now!
That said, I never get why some bloggers link and run for photo challenges. But they do, and not just on mine. They go to the trouble to manually add their link inspired by the challenge, but don’t write anything. Of course, the pingback works (most of the time), so why add the link if you’re not going to leave an “atta boy” 🤣? I’ve noticed the bloggers who do this usually fizzle out over time. As the host of Sunday Stills, I feel obligated to comment on a link, but I’ve been known to be very brief if they haven’t left a comment on my post after linking.
Again, you give us bloggers lots of great ideas and how-tos, and I know countless folks appreciate all you do to help us!
Thank you for such lovely feedback, Terri. I enjoy writing and sharing this type of information with readers.
I only use Twitter and see many poor-quality images and photos on there, yet they attract lots of likes. However, platforms like Twitter are fast-paced, so I think it’s the perfect place for those bloggers who say they don’t have the time to leave valuable comments.
And likewise, I don’t understand why bloggers copy and paste a link to a challenge post (like Sunday Stills), say, ‘here’s my post’, run, and don’t comment on the host’s post. They’re obviously in that category I mentioned in my last paragraph in this comment. Pingbacks are, however, a little different because you may not have anything of value to add. So rather than cutting and pasting a link, do a pingback.
You do right by returning a brief comment to those people and that the majority of them don’t last long in the blogging world.
Thank you Hugh as always you give us great advice …you make us stop and think. I am often guilty of leaving an imogi if I am in a hurry or not sure what to say…. That’s naughty of me really.💜💜
You shouldn’t worry about not leaving a comment, Willow. Nobody cares if you, I or another blogger does not leave one. You’re under no obligation to leave one. I’d recommend only commenting when you’ve something that adds value to the post or have a question about it.
I know but I find it so had to not say something ☺️
Honestly, people won’t mind if you don’t leave a comment. You’re better just clicking the ‘like’ button if you’ve nothing of value to add or have a question. However, of course, it’s in your hands, and you should do what you feel most comfortable doing.
I shall be trying 💜
Some great tips here, Hugh. I like your advice about taking time and care over comments. The conversations can be one of the most enjoyable parts of blogging. A question. Do you have any advice on how long you should leave between liking a post and commenting on the same post. Sometimes I will read a post and not really have anything to contribute at that time. I will like the post and move on. A few days later something from the post will resonate with me but I feel reluctant to go back and add the thought to the conversation.
I’m glad this post has helped, Davy.
Regarding your question, as long as the comments section remains open, comments can be left. I’ve had comments left on blog posts over a few years old. I also left comments on posts from a few years ago. Some bloggers close off comments after a certain amount of time (usually 30 days after the post’s publication) to stop spam. Something I’m not a fan of doing, Nobody should allow spam stopping anyone wanting to leave a comment or join a discussion for as long as a post is live. I hope that helps.
Thank you, Hugh, that is good advice and helps a lot.
Great. Don’t hesitate to ask any further questions, Davy.
Such good advice, Hugh. I’ve met some wonderful people through my blog and theirs.
Same here, Noelle. And events like the Bloggers Bash would never have become real if it were not for comments and engagement.
I’m delighted I met you (and your husband) at one of those events.
Me, too, Hugh. could do with another one, I think. Maybe on this side of the Atlantic?
I recall somebody trying to arrange one on your side of the Atlantic, Noelle. I can’t remember who, but it fell through because too many people pulled out. Plus, the USA is much bigger than the UK, so many pulled out because of the travel involved.
Probably why there were not a lot of Americans at the ones in London. Airfare.
Great tips Hugh, not just for new bloggers, but as a prompt for more established ones too. Its easy to get into bad habits. I know I can be guilty of short messages sometimes. I need to take more time to think why I feel the way I do before commenting. Or just being comfortable just leaving a like … im not upset when someone doesn’t leave a comment; just leaving a like. I guess I need to explore why I can’t let myself do that. I’ll be good and not leave an emoji.
Brenda, too many bloggers feel obliged to read or leave comments on posts. And when they can’t think of anything worthwhile to say, they’ll leave pointless comments that do not benefit anyone. You once said to me in a comment that you’re always encouraging your students to expand on why they liked something or thought something was good. That comment you left has always remained in my head when I’m leaving comments.
Guess I need to say the same to myself. As I said, it’s good to revisit our own practices, to nip bad habits in the bud so to speak. You’re right, we should leave comments that are constructive and worthwhile
And comments that are constructive, genuine and worthwhile go a long way with other readers who leave comments or who read them.
And we do come across categories, you scratch my back and I scratch yours.
Simply put I am posting comments in your post and dare not fail to return the favour’
Crazy world!
It’s crazy but still common to see “you scratch my back and I scratch yours.” tactics, I guess. 😅 Not just blogs, but places like Instagram, Flickr, etc. It might work, but very manual and tiring way of building traffic. Ideally, I want Google to bring visitors from search results!
Well said, Joey J
👍👍👍
A thorough look at “commenting”. I have gained cherished global friendships through blogging, and appreciate your insight. It’s meant to be a conversation. Without engagement a blog is a journal, which is fine, but it most likely won’t keep you there.
The comments section can often be just as interesting as the post. I always find it sad when an interesting blog post has nothing but emojis or pointless comments like ‘Great post’ in the comments section. I think the majority of bloggers crave engagement and discussion.
I’m delighted you have made a lot of cherished global friendships through commenting.
Yes, I guess at the end of the day it’s all about what their priorities are. I always say I am going to write a post on the word beautiful. Lol. I use it too often too. But the challenge would be how to comment NOT using the word. You should write it. Lol. Otherwise it will remain in my thought box for a bit.
‘Beautiful’ is a lovely word, but it can be expanded. Why is something beautiful? What is it that makes something beautiful? Is it all beautiful or just certain parts? Why? I think you get my drift?
Yes. After chatting with you. I took some notes, so one of these days I can put it together. Thanks for re-inspiring the thought.
Thank you. This is really helpful on how to comment and build relationships. I know I’ve made some friendships in the blogging world and it’s been through comments. It does take a while, but it happens.
Thank you for confirming that building relationships with other bloggers can take a while, Ula. Unfortunately, some bloggers think it happens immediately, while others think it can happen without replying to comments. Engagement is what it’s all about.
Definitely
Great tips! Nowadays, because of apps like Jetpack app, commenting has become so much easier, but also resulted in people leaving a very simple comment like “Nice photo!” or just 👍, which is nothing wrong, but I just feel that it’s probably a new thing that we didn’t really see pre-social media days. 😅
I’m not a fan of using emojis in comments, especially when the comment is nothing but emojis, Joey.
Saying something like ‘Nice photo’ or ‘nice post’ doesn’t help anyone. It does not prove whoever left the comment has even read it.
Some bloggers will tell you they leave those comments to support the blogger. But wouldn’t it be better to support them by leaving a thoughtful and genuine comment? It doesn’t need to be on every post, just every now and again. Bloggers who always leave these comments are in the group ‘I don’t have time to leave thoughtful and constructive comments.’ They don’t have time for anything but themselves. If only they’d expand on why it was a great photo or post, it would make such a difference and their comments much more pleasing. And it only has to be a few sentences long.
This is such a good point, Hugh. I think it also highlights generational differences. I’ve noticed my son and his friends often communicate with emojis. It’s like we’ve gone back to hieroglyphics.
I don’t mind emojis in WhatsApp messages or text messages, Ula. But when it comes to leaving them in comments on blog posts, I’m not a fan. When I see a comments section full of emojis, I ran for the hills.
I don’t know why I dislike emojis and symbols.
I must be from stone age😂😂
Maybe emojis lack a personal touch?
Or it’s something to do with the generation gap?
Or is it sheer laziness?
Or is it easier to communicate emotions?
I understand. I haven’t had any on my blog yet, so I’m not sure how I feel about them yet. But generally I prefer to communicate using words.
Words are far better on blog posts and in the comments section. If I had my way, I’d stop emojis from being anywhere in the blogging world.
Yes, exactly! I do this “Amazing shot!” type of comment when the post is just a photo with no or little write-ups, but only do for photos that I genuinely think are amazing. 😅
You can always expand on why you think it’s an amazing shot. I’m sure the person who took the photo would appreciate you telling them why their photo is amazing.
Oh ya, that’s true! Thank you for your advice.
Ref Joey J,
Photography related blogs unfortunately can’t elicit much response other than
It’s fab
It’s lovely
It’s fantastic
It’s beautiful etc.simply because they are not keen into photography.
One must be happy that at least they commented!
If the reader happens to be an amateur or professional photographer then the comments are on a different level.
This is my personal opinion.
Thanks to you and also Hugh for expanding the scope of lovely discussion.
Namaste.
Yes, at the end of the day, any compliments are better than no comment given! 😅
Very good advice, Hugh. I don’t usually leave links in comments, unless the comments have gone back and forth and the blogger expresses an interest in a subject. Sometimes, Ill leave a link to a blog other than my own. One of the best moments in blogging is when someone comments on a comment I’ve left on another person’s blog. That makes me realize that this is a community.
And that’s what the comments section is all about, Dan. Not only is it there for engaging with the host but with other bloggers too. It’s a shame when bloggers copy and paste a link to their post, saying something like ‘Here’s my post’, and rush off without commenting on the host’s post.
I always ask the host before leaving any links (unless they’ve asked readers to leave them). I’ve never known a blogger say ‘no’, but I think it common courtesy for me to ask first.
Yes, I love it when that happens! Or when a commenter asks a question pertaining to the post and it becomes a conversation, sometimes with other commenters answering the question.
Isn’t that the best when that happens, Jean? That goes a long way to show how successful a post is when that happens.
You have covered the most important aspect of the blogosphere.
I love what you said.
” Nobody will care if you don’t leave comments on all their blog posts. I certainly do not expect everyone who reads my posts to leave a comment.”
Thank you Hugh W Roberts.
Thank you. And isn’t that line you picked up and mentioned from my post so true? Far too many bloggers worry about what will happen if they do not read and comment on everything.
It’s the truth.
Authors and Readers always have a complicated relationship.
It’s both interesting and weird.
I have discovered some lovely people through blog commenting. It’s a wonderful way to engage with the community. For me, the worst comments are those that tell me the person clearly did not read my blog post, or skimmed it and missed the point altogether.
Thanks, Michelle.
Yes, skimming blog posts is not something anyone should do if they’re going to leave a comment. If I don’t read the whole post, I won’t leave a comment.