Do you remember how you felt when somebody first pressed the ‘like’ button on one of your early blog posts?
Does the ‘like’ button lose its appeal the longer you blog?
Do you notice who has clicked the ‘like’ button on any posts?
Is the ‘like’ button overrated?
When I first started blogging, the ‘like’ button on blogs was something I thought was one of the best ideas about blogging.
Getting a ‘like’ on one of my posts gave me the best feeling. I thought anybody clicking the ‘like’ button had read my post.
For me, a ‘like’ indicated that somebody had taken the time to read what I had written. Yes, somebody in the big wide world had taken a few minutes to read and like something I had written.
It also motivated me to write more blog posts in the hope that they would attract even more ‘likes.’ Of course, if somebody also left a comment, that was a bonus!
The Like button doesn’t have any disadvantages, does it?
It was not long before I discovered that the ‘like’ button has disadvantages.
Some bloggers said that seeing too many ‘likes’ on a blog post makes them feel demoralised.
In turn, some users go on to delete or abandon their blog or develop ‘blogging envy’ at seeing how well other users are doing compared to themselves.
I know of one user who admitted that, for them, ‘the number of ‘likes’ was more important than the content’; in other words, they saw blogging as more of a popularity contest.
I have never envied seeing bloggers get hundreds of likes, but I understand why some bloggers may envy it.
As I grew the list of the blogs I followed, it wasn’t long before I realised that there was not enough time in my day to read, like, and comment on all the blogs I followed.
Given that some of the bloggers I followed were publishing new blog posts more than once a day I was soon overwhelmed and drowned in a sea of voices, all wanting my attention.
Doing the following is not a solution.
Rather than unfollow any blogs, I began to ‘like’ posts without reading them. I thought that doing this would indicate to the blogger (who had written the post) that I had read their post, and they, in turn, would continue to read and ‘like’ my posts. I was fooling both them and myself.
I soon discovered that other bloggers and readers were playing the same game because they were all in the same boat as me. Some users (including me) were misusing the’ like’ button.
A dilemma. What would you have done?
When I read a blog post about the death of somebodies wife, I asked myself what I should do. Should I click ‘like’ or just leave a thoughtful comment? After all, many readers had already clicked the ‘like’ button on the post. Did those who clicked it not read the post? How could they have pressed the ‘like’ button on a post about somebodies death?
That was the day I left my first comment without clicking the ‘like’ button. Now I’m doing it much more often. Do you leave comments without clicking the ‘like’ button?
Would you press the like button on a post that contained bad news or news of death?
What shocked me the most about the ‘like’ button.
What shocked me the most was why some bloggers and readers click ‘like’ even if they have not read the post. The most surprising reason why bloggers do it was that it ‘shows support’ for the blogger who had written the post, even if they didn’t have time to read it.
Really? Liking a post without reading it is a way to support other bloggers? Are there no better ways to support bloggers? Of course, there are.
Should you remove the ‘Like’ button from your blog?
I did it about four years ago and was inundated with messages from readers who said that they missed seeing the ‘like’ button. When I asked why they missed it, only a few responded, most saying that it was a way to say they’d visited even if they didn’t read the post or leave a comment saying so.
When I enquired what kind of comment they’d leave if they’d not read the post, most said a comment that confirmed they’d visited.
How would you feel if a reader told you they’d clicked ‘like’ on one of your posts, but they’d not read it?
Of course, there’s also the other side of the coin. Just because somebody hasn’t clicked the ‘like’ button does not mean they have not read the post.
Do you notice the gravatar icons next to the ‘like’ button?
These days, I take little if any notice of them. I’d go as far as to say that the ‘like’ button found at the end of blog posts should probably disappear for good.
Not everyone misuses the ‘like’ button. And remember, there are many other ways to support a blogger than clicking ‘like.’
For example, occasionally, leaving a blogger a valuable comment that adds value to their post. Or ask questions about their post’s content to show you’re interested in what they’ve written.
Don’t become a ‘comment spammer‘ by leaving empty comments hoping you’ll get comments back on your posts.
Of course, if you’re happy with the comments section on your blog containing boring comments that serve no purpose other than saying that those who left them visited your blog, click away.
Why do some bloggers press the ‘like’ button on their blog posts?
That’s a question I’d love to know the answer to. Can you help? Does it benefit the post or their blog or make it look odd?
Don’t have time to leave thoughtful comments?
Rather than spend small amounts of time leaving pointless comments on many posts, use the time you save not leaving them by leaving the occasional comment that adds value to the post. Most bloggers will value you more for leaving a thoughtful comment occasionally than leaving many comments that add no value.
One thoughtful comment that adds value to a post is worth hundreds of comments that add no value.
When and for what reasons do you use the ‘like’ button on WordPress? Have you ever misused it, and would you miss it if WordPress removed it from all blogs?
Before you answer my questions or leave a comment, this is what WordPress says about the ‘like’ button.
Let’s say you’ve found a particularly awesome post on WordPress.com. You’d like to tip your hat to the author and give him or her credit. At the bottom of the post, you see the Like button. Press it, and the author will know that you have acknowledged an exceptional, phenomenal blog post.
WordPress.com
Please feel free to answer any of the questions I have asked throughout this post by leaving me a comment. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
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Hi again, Hugh! :) I once took away the like button and I got many comments saying they couldn’t find it or they wished it was still there. So, I brought it back. I do get the sense that people click my like buttons even if they haven’t read my posts.
This topic is really interesting to me.
I have a love/hate relationship with then ‘like’ button, Kymber. You’re right about some bloggers pressing it, even though they’ve not read the post. Some say they press it to show support for the blogger even though they have not read the post. I really don’t understand that. Surly reading a post and leaving a genuine comment is much better support? Then you have the ‘serial likers’ who press the ‘like’ button on lots of your posts within seconds of each other in the hope that you will notice them. Unfortunately, many see the ‘like’ button as a free marketing tool.
But the ‘like’ button is also very useful for those you have read the post but don’t have anything of value to add in a comment.
I take no notice of who has pressed ‘like’ on any of my posts or those of other bloggers. It’s the comments that count. I take much more notice of them.
Yes, I agree with you about leaving a meaningful comment and how that is more supportive then pressing the like button. When you hit the like, you move on or sometimes leave a comment. But leaving the comment is much more engaging.
I also agree, though, with what you’ve said about clicking the like button and not having anything of value to add in a comment. I will admit, that is often the case with me. A lot of times, I’ve read it, but feel that exact way about leaving a comment. I leave them where I can.
I don’t really watch the like button much either.
There’s nothing wrong with not leaving a comment if you’ve nothing of value to add, but some bloggers seem to have a hang-up about not leaving a comment regardless of what it is. It’s as if they feel obliged to have to leave a comment.
I’ve encountered a few bloggers who have told me that feel obliged to leave a comment simply because the person who they are leaving a comment for always leaves a comment on their blog.
Yes, I see what you are saying. I’m really glad people are being so candid in speaking with you because this is all information that can be brought to the table to think about.
I enjoy discussing subjects other bloggers normally do not like talking about. It does a lot of good bringing everything out in the open. And I’m glad that some tell me it helps.
Hi Hugh, you raise some interesting issues here and again the comments are interesting too! I like to think I’ve followed the WordPress description of the LIKE button, ‘tipping my hat’ to other bloggers so to speak :). I haven’t clicked the like button if I’ve not read the post and can’t see who that benefits at all.
I do like your question about pressing the like button if the post was about bad news – this is a hard one, as to my way of thinking I would prefer to leave a comment or show my support in some way and the like button is one way of telling the person that I’ve read the post and recognise their feelings in some way, but I agree it’s not the best button for that purpose!
So much to think about, you have a way of making us think! Thanks for that :)
Hi Debbie, thank you for joining the discussion.
Good to hear that you’re in the same camp as me in only clicking ‘like’ if you’ve read the post. While some people see it as a way of supporting bloggers, I think it gives a little false hope that the post has not been read. After all, we want everyone to read what we write, don’t we?
I’ve been delighted with the response to this post, even those who disagree with me. But if we all thought the same, it would have been somewhat of a dull discussion. This one is far from it.
Hello, again Hugh. I don’t know if this has already been stated because I only read the dozen (out of 117 at the time of this comment) comments that appeared when I clicked the “comment” link. And my first point would be that I did not see a comment box or link until After I clicked ‘Like.’ So I would not get to participate if there were no ‘Like’ button.
Second, I know that people grow as they continue to learn about something new. And at each stage of their growth, they gravitate to something different. In the early stages of blogging, nothing indicates that you have reached someone else except for the ‘Like’ you receive. But 20,000 Likes later you no longer need ‘Likes’ to know if people are reading because now you understand the reader engagement statistics. But the new blogger is happy when you hit ‘Like’ on their blog for the first time.
Another point I might add is that some readers see the parade of ‘Like’ avatars as a crowded room. And adding their ‘Like’ means they are a part of the group. I use the ‘Like’ avatars to find new blogs to read and perhaps follow, Like Carrot Ranch and others.
So I believe that the ‘Like’ button is a necessary, versatile and important part of the blogging experience. Thank you for reading!
A comment box appears at the bottom of all my posts, Will. You shouldn’t have to click the ‘like’ button or any links for one to appear. I’ve never had to do that, nor has anyone mentioned it to me before. I was concerned by what you said, so I asked a few bloggers if they could see the comment box on my posts, and all said they could and don’t need to click ‘like’ or any links for the comments box to appear. I also asked my partner to check my blog on his computer, and he said the same as the bloggers who I contacted. I’ve also run what you said via the Happiness Engineers. They run a test and say all is working fine. No need to click any links or the ‘like’ button for the comments box to appear. Even when I did remove the ‘like’ button from my blog, readers could still leave me comments. The Happiness Enginers recommended you contact them if you’re having to click ‘like’ or any links to get a comments box to appear.
Thanks for joining the discussion about the ‘like’ button. As I mentioned in the post, getting those first ‘likes’ when I started blogging was one of the best feelings. Of course, I had no guarantee that they’d read what I’d written, but those ‘likes’ counted. Then the comments started, and it was not long before getting engegaing comments was more important to me than getting ‘likes’. Getting both is wonderful, but there is no guarantee that all those pressing ‘like’ have read the posts. When somebody leaves you an engaging comment, it proves that they have read your post and want to discuss it with you.
I’m glad the ‘like’ button acts as a way for you to find new blogs to read. I tend to use hashtags in the WordPress reader to find new blogs as it saves me a lot of time in finding the content I’m going to be interested in reading.
I found the expected comment box. It seems I was stopping my search when I saw the advertisements at the bottom of your blog. It was a mental barrier not a broken page. Sorry I put you through so much research. Thank you for helping.
I must admit, I prefer a thoughtful comment above somebody hitting the like button. You can hit the like button without ready a post, but if you leave a thoughtful comment, you must read and understand the post to be able to contribute with a comment. I for one do not have a like button on my blog, and at one point did contemplate to add but have decided against it.
I also value comments much more than I do ‘like’s Esme. One thoughtful comment every now and again is worth hundreds of likes. It’s conversations, engagement and discussions I crave. Not somebody pressing the ‘like’ button on any of my posts without ever having read them.
I believe you should feel free to express our appreciation, and also to have the opportunity to show if we liked something, by having a Like button. As a writer of articles and interviews for children on 4tinyhands, I use the likes and comments to figure out what my readers enjoy. So for me, the likes are also a tool. What do you think, and how important are the likes for you?
Well, I’ve outlined my feelings on the ‘like’ button in this post. Since publishing the post, I have changed my mind a little as I use the ‘like’ button but only when I have read the post and have enjoyed reading it but have nothing of value to add.
I’d never use the ‘like’ button for anything other than what it was intended for (as per what WordPress say about it ).
I also like to show my appreciation whenever I read a nice article.
Another good post hugh. I like the ‘like’ button. I also never hit like if I haven’t read. :)
Thanks, Debby.
I wish there was another type of button to offer empathy. I know you are not on Facebook Hugh, but you mentioned different buttons on social media. I do like the “caring” button and use that often when it is warranted. If it is a sad blog post, I generally won’t “like” it, but my first few words in the Comments section will be”I can’t bring myself to press ‘like’ but I do want to acknowledge what you wrote and I’m sorry you’re going through this.” (or something similar)
Same here about leaving a caring comment rather than pressing the ‘like’ button and leaving saying nothing, Linda.
I’m always shocked by some readers clicking ‘like’ on a post containing bad news. I find it quite unnerving.
I feel the same way about clicking “like” on a bad news posts whether it is here on WordPress or social media. I have to say that I am often appalled on Twitter for news media sites I follow – are people that insensitive or just lackadaisical about what they are reading. I keep hearing that people like social media for their news source because they comprehend short “news bites” better in favor of reading an entire story.
Like all social media sites, Twitter has its fair share of these sites. I ignore or block them if they try to contact me or ‘like’ any of my tweets.
I think a lot of people have too much time on their hands Hugh and go looking for trouble.
I read all content before hitting the like button, I even translate blogs in other languages to enhance my learning experience.
That’s great to hear. I like the WordPress translate feature. It’s very useful.
Don’t ‘like’ it if you don’t read it. I don’t need pity likes.
I think there should be a script incorporated into the like button that will only allow it to be clicked if the reader gets to the bottom of a post or after a specific amount of time has elapsed.
If people want to help me or any other blog out, click on an AdSense Add if they have them, LOL! I’m not asking for people to go to my site and start clicking on ads by the way because that would go against AdSense TOS. ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)
I click my own like because on my site it shows up better when there is an existing user showing. That may be just my opinion though. I do, however, not have any issues with people who pat themselves on their own backs these days. We all deserve it.
It’s funny you should post this topic after our comment on my post about Like Farming. I still get a lot of random likes from sites that are marketing their brand that matches the topic of any of my posts. They don’t read, they just ‘Like’ Farm in hopes to get better SEO. Unfortunately for them, Google doesn’t like links in blog comments or SubReddit comments anymore. They’ve caught on. At least that’s what I’ve read anyway.
Cheers!
I’m with you on the script so that the like button only becomes available after a specific time, Mac. This would be especially beneficial on posts with at least a few hundred words.
I’ve visited your blog a few times and must refresh the page for the ‘likes’ to appear. I’m not sure if I mentioned that to you before? I’ve seen it happen on a few other blogs – all self-hosted blogs.
Thanks for answering my question about why people click the ‘like’ button on their posts.
I get a lot of ‘like’ farming on my blog too. Sometimes one blogger will press ‘like’ on lots of my posts within seconds of each other. They can’t have read them all, can they? And even if they had, why not click ‘like’ after reading the post?
Hmm. Wasn’t aware you had to refresh. I’ll have to look into that Thanks.
I rather value a thoughtful comment on my blog more than the no. of likes
Same here. Thoughtful comments mean a lot more than the number of likes a post gets.
I ‘like’ a post after reading it to let the blogger know I’ve visited and leave comments on articles I’ve enjoyed reading. Not an ideal criteria.
I’ve had to cut back on the number of blogs I followed due to lack of time, though I know comments make a difference in reciprocation. That’s what I’ve noticed, though then there are those who don’t visit or those who visit may leave a ‘like’ and the occasional comment.
It’s good to hear from somebody who has said they have had to cut back on the number of blogs they follow due to time. Cav. Too many bloggers feel guilty for unfollowing blogs and then end up on a guilt trip by pretending they’ve read posts to not upset anyone. Or they feel obliged to read posts that do not interest them because they think they ought to.
When I unfollowed a lot of blogs, it was not long before I noticed bloggers who used to regularly comment on my posts suddenly stop commenting. I unfollow blogs I’m no longer interested in reading. Maybe they all felt the same about my blog, but how strange they suddenly stopped after I did. Unfortunately, some bloggers will unfollow or stop leaving comments because somebody has unfollowed their blog for good reasons. Perhaps a subject for another post.
I think that does require another discussion, Hugh.
I don’t mind the ‘like’ button, however, I don’t like it when it’s abused. If I read a post that is sad in content but well-written, I will leave a ‘like’, but not always a comment.
It can be deceiving when someone leaves a ‘like’ just because, however, if it is genuine then you know what you wrote was well-received. Personally, I don’t worry about it one way or the other.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the ‘like’ button, Eugi. From the comments, many have said they don’t worry about who hits the ‘like’ button or why they do it. Then again, many have been passionate about how some bloggers misuse the ‘like’ button. It’s great to hear all the different perspectives.
Yes, I enjoyed reading the comments, Hugh.
I guess I’m weird. I’ve never had blogging envy. I’ve never felt compelled to comment on every blog that I read. I mean even the most interesting blogger writes posts that won’t resonate with every reader. Or if a blog covers a variety of topics, as yours does, I find I’m primarily interested in just one of the topics. As for the like button, I like it. Sometimes, I’ve read a very good post, but just have nothing to add. And I don’t want to use the dreaded empty comment of “good post.” Yet, I do want them to know I appreciated it. And I don’t really feel that trying to compensate for people’s misuse of the like button warrants removing it. But again, I’m probably the weird one here.
Oh, you’re not weird for never experiencing blog envy, Michelle. I do know of some bloggers who have experienced it, though. The mistake they usually make is comparing themselves to everyone else. Once they get over that, it often works out well.
You’d be surprised by how many bloggers I know who feel compelled to leave a comment on every blog post of certain bloggers they follow. They often feel guilty if they don’t leave a comment, although most of the comments they leave add no value to the post’s content. They feel obliged to leave something just to say they visited (although they do not necessarily read the post). Blog guilt comes to mind.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the ‘like’ button. WordPress has no intention of removing it. It was a question I wanted to put out there to see how people felt about it. The responses have been interesting, and I’m glad I started this discussion. I’m delighted with the response.
It’s a good topic, Hugh. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s responses too.
I don’t think anyone should be forced to give up a like button because others may become envious, in this way of thinking no one should ever display any sort of achievement in case someone else gets sad they haven’t achieved the same.
I think whether you like it or not the whole world and everything in it IS a popularity contest. It’s just a fact! More popular content that gets more views, likes, comments etc becomes more successful and financially viable. Moreover, there is nothing wrong with TRYING to become popular even if it means changing your writing style, most people want to be successful.
I also think it’s fine to like a post without reading it if you want to support the author of it, of course, my blog is tiny so every like matters to me whether it is because that particular post was very good or people just like my work in general and want to support that.
I didn’t like your post, (I may have disliked it, had the choice been there 😉) but here is your requested thoughtful comment.
Thank you for adding your thoughts and joining the discussion.
Even though you did not like my post, it’s good that you read it and shared your thoughts. Hearing different perspectives is not only good but healthy. It’s one of the reasons why I write about subjects like this on my blog because people usually want to have their say. I enjoy healthy discussions not only here but also on other blogs.
You’re welcome :) Did you have any thoughts on anything I mentioned in my comment?
The only thought would be about those bloggers who concentrate more on their blog stats than their published content. Over the years I have blogged, those bloggers tend to not last long because of a lack of engagement and followers. They’ll click many ‘like’ buttons (without reading the posts), hoping others will notice them and follow their blog.
Occasionally, I’ll get a blogger who will click the ‘like’ button on over 20 of my posts within a very short space of time. They also do the same on my comments and the comments I leave on other blogs. I’m likelier to visit their blog if they leave me the occasional genuine comment rather than clicking ‘like’ on all my posts. Generally, they disappear from the blogging world after 6 months.
You say those that concentrate on blog stats tend to have lower engagement which seems to be an oxymoron to me. If you’re aiming your posts to ones that get the most attention you’re playing into audience engagement, not losing it, surely? I’m talking purely the people that tailor their own content to what receives the most likes.
Wanting to be popular should not be considered a bad thing.
If people are liking without reading, then it doesn’t matter what you post good or bad, those people will still press like. So I feel like that argument just falls apart.
(I’m not writing these comments in defense of myself by the way, I write for a very small, niche audience and am happy to have found my place, unlike your blog which caters to a much wider audience. I also don’t just like posts without reading, which you should be able to tell by now.)
Back to likes; I have followers that just spam likes without commenting, I wouldn’t discourage this as it does support my blog, attention begets attention. Perhaps you no longer see the positive side any like can give but I assure you, there are some.
I actually have loads more to say on this but I shall leave it here for now.
We’ll have to differ on this I’m afraid.
Thank you for your perspective. I’m glad you joined the discussion rather than just passing by without saying anything.
Oh, I’m sure I replied to this! Sorry if this ends up a duplicate and I’m just messing it up my end!
Just expressing disappointment at the conversation being ended when I feel there is so much more to explore!
But good talking anyway.
(some comments I reply to straight away, some I leave until the next morning, so I’m going down my list and no reply to you!? I may be losing my marbles!)
I’ve always found it curious why some bloggers like their posts, and I’ve noticed the same on Facebook.
I would not be in favor of removing the like button. For one thing, it’s nice to get an immediate feeling of how many people have seen the post, though I know this is something one can look up in their stats.
The stats page is far more reliable at telling you how many people have visited a post than looking at the ‘like’ button, Pete. After all, some people who visited may not have clicked the ‘like’ button. Then again, some people that visited may not have read the post.
Nope! People can disable it if they don’t want it on their blogs.
Hope all is well, Hugh!
That’s a perfect answer, but when readers can still click ‘like’ on a post on the WordPress Reader, it kinda defeats removing it, Susie. It’s a bit like the reblog button. I’ve disabled it on my blog, but readers can still reblog my posts from the reader.
I will sometimes click a like but not leave a comment if I have enjoyed the post but don’t feel I have a comment that will add value to the post. This applies mainly to Wordless Wednesday posts, though not exclusively.
Recently I got a like from a non-blogging friend who has been following my blog for some time but had previously not left a like or a comment. I know she reads them as she has occasionally referenced a blog she’s read in conversation or on a Facebook post. When I thanked her for the like (by text) but asked her out of curiosity why she hadn’t left a like before she said she hadn’t noticed the ‘like’ button previously.
I can see the problems with it but then I also see problems with people who follow a blog but then don’t like any further blog or comment – which in truth is true to nearly every follower.
I suppose this a long-winded way of saying I think it should stay. But interesting post, certainly got me thinking!
Thanks for joining the conversation, Paul.
Some readers never leave ‘likes’ or comments on posts. They may send an email instead, or, as in your case, mention the post they’ve read in conversation. I think it all adds to the blogging experience.
Those bloggers you mentioned that follow a blog and then never come back are what I call ‘Ghost Followers.’ Usually, they are hoping for a ‘follow for a follow’ because they’re more interested in stats than content. There are ways of unsubscribing them, though. I usually do this with some business blogs that hope I’ll check out and end up buying stuff I don’t want. I had one recently that was called ‘Cheap flights and Travel.’ I unsubscribed them.
Always good to hear that a post gets people thinking.