Blog commenting is key to online engagement.
Commenting on someone’s blog typically leads to a reciprocal comment from that person on your blog. It’s the “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” of the blogging world.
How you choose to approach leaving comments on others’ blogs reflects on your status as an educated engager.
In other words, the comments you leave are reflective of your professionalism and knowledge in an area.
Unfortunately, many comments are about as deep as a puddle after a 15-minute rain shower.
You know the comments I’m referencing. You’ve probably even left them (I admit I have on occasion). The shallow comments say things like “I love this post. It was great.” It’s the commenting equivalent of saying someone is “nice.” It lacks substance. You could copy and paste the same comment on hundreds of blogs and it would still mean nothing… on hundreds of blogs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips for deeper blog commenting:
1. Set a commenting goal
Time for you to spend commenting on blog posts won’t just appear. You have to be intentional about it. I like to think of my blog commenting goal as quality over quantity. I read a ton of blogs, but that doesn’t mean I can or should comment on them all. Instead, I try to comment on at least two blogs a day. The number is reasonable and having a goal helps keep me accountable.
2. Read the post—twice
You must read the entire post before you comment. Not doing so means you’re commenting with a portion of the available information. This will result in shallow and inaccurate comments. I recommend you read the post once and then skim it again, taking informal note of key points you plan to address in your comment.
3. Read the other comments
You should read or heavily skim at least some of the comments already left on the post. Will your comment add to the discussion or just repeat things others already posted? An “I agree with everything she said” comment is not a comment at all. It’s not worthy of anyone’s time. If you can’t add to the discussion, consider sharing the post with others instead of making a pointless comment.
4. Use your manners
Use the manners your Momma taught you. You always should be polite with your comments, even when you don’t agree with what the blogger or another commenter posted. Challenge specific statements with equally specific information—challenge statements, not people.
5. Add context to the discussion
Context can be added through things like examples, links to more information or stories of your personal experiences in relation to the post. Be sure to make it obvious to other readers that you read the post by referencing specific portions of the writing. This adds credibility to your comment and helps get your comment noticed.
6. Draft your comment elsewhere
It’s a good practice to draft your comment outside of the comment box. This will allow you to write great blog comments, using your own writing voice and revising before posting. It also allows for careful proofreading and spell checking, something that isn’t offered through most response platforms. If you aren’t willing to go so far as to draft your comments elsewhere, at least review and edit your comment before you post it.
