The Secret: 20 Ways To Attract More Comments On Your Blog

What can you do to generate more comments on your blog? 

Here are the things that have worked for me over the last 12 months.

20 Ways To Attract More Comments On Your Blog

1. Make it easy for people to comment (no captcha, no sign in)

2. Link out to other people in your posts (you'll encourage them to visit you)

3. Ask open questions

4. Ask for help

5. Make it clear what you’re asking for

6. Leave your posts slightly undone (leave room for your readers to add something of value)

7. Use conversational language

8. Share something of yourself in your post

9. Be curious about your readers

10. Mean your curiosity: it’ll shape your questions,  your replies, your conversation

11. Reply to every comment

12. Get into your readers' shoes when you reply: what did it take for them to leave you a comment?

13. Model Liz Strauss (pay attention to the detail of what she does)

14. Highlight comments and learning points in round-up posts

15. Visit the blogs of your commenters and comment on their blogs if you can

16. Send a welcome e-mail to first-time commenters

17. Write about blog comments (not all the time! But it helps to break the ice and everyone can join in)

18. Value every comment you receive

19. Love your readers

20. Don’t expect people to come to you: go and visit other blogs

If I had to pick just one it would be the last.  If comments matter to you, invest time and energy in commenting elsewhere rather than agonizing over the the tone, pitch and style of your own posts.

What about you?  What’s your secret?

Share your tips and help me celebrate

Please do call in and share your success, tell us what's worked (and what's not), and find out the secrets of other people's comment-attraction strategies.

You'll get the chance to meet the best kind of bloggers: those who take time to comment.

You can help me get to 2,000 comments (and if you hit the 2,000 mark you'll win your choice of books from the Confident Writing Book Store)

And you can help  me celebrate my first year of blogging at Confident Writing. 

It has been a wonderful year with too many highlights to mention here, except to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me over the last 12 months, not least through your generous, funny, inspired and inspiring comments.

Here's the roll call of top commenters during the year:

Outstanding Commenters (30 - 80 comments)

Brad Shorr, Robert Hruzek, Rosa Say, Jeanne Dinnini, Amy Palko, Emma Bird, Karen Swim, Robyn McMaster

Major Commenters (10 - 29 comments)

--Deb, Lillie Ammann, Laura, Cath Lawson, Debbie Yost, Yvonne Russell, Jim Murdoch, Cat Morley, Karen Wallace, Liz Strauss, Lis Garrettt, Jon Swanson, Sylvia C.

Significant Commenters (3 - 9 comments)

J Erik Potter, Terinea Weblog, Lisa, Jean Browman, pelf, Ria Kennedy, Alina Popescu, Bob Younce, Carol, Damien Riley, Mervi, Michele Tune, Sarah Stewart, Valeria Maltoni, April Groves, Vernon Lunn, Ariane Benefit, David Bowman, Dawud Miracle, DebMc, Glenn, Rick Mahn, tim, Steve Sherlock, Vaidy, Adam Kayce, Ann Michael, Catherine@SharpWords, Chris Brogan, Daz Cox, Em Dy, Jackie Cameron, Lea Woodward, Lorna Doone, Monika, Shari, Terry Heath

And thanks too to the 150 or so people who have left one or two comments over the last year.  Believe me, they are all valued, and they all count.

Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count

Photo Credit: Metaphors at Flickr

Comments

[Rosa Say]

Hana hou Joanna! Almost 2000 in a year’s time? It can only be done by a true Mea Ho‘okipa like you; it is the warmth and grace of your aloha that pulls us in for more time and time again. Oh, and the great writing helps too :)

Seriously, it takes time and thoughtfulness to comment, and when people give you those things, you are doing so much right— we come here because we learn so much from you. Mahalo for all you give us so freely.

[amypalko]

I think it's so important to make your readers feel connected to you and your blog. One of the things which makes me want to leave comments, and which you do so well, Joanna, is that you are a gracious hostess to all those who visit you. You make them feel welcome and cherished, their thoughts valid and important.

Now, this may sound a little strange, but I actually visualise the readers that come to my blog: I imagine them ringing the doorbell, and coming inside my home, sitting at the kitchen table and sharing a pot of tea and a few hobnobs (those are cookies, for anyone who doesn't know!) with me. I think perhaps because of this visualisation, I manage to strike a tone which encourages readers to stick around for a while, and to respond thoughtfully and openly to the questions I always include in my posts.
Anyway, this appears to have turned into an epic comment, so I'll stop blethering now!
Congratulations on all those fabulous comments over a relatively short period of time. Such a great achievement and testament to your skills as a blogger :-)

[cat]

Joanna, what a timely post. Tom and I were just discussing this last subject week but time got away from me. And now, thanks to you, I have a lovely reminder.

For number 15, there's a plugin for WordPress that makes this easier (I wonder if they have similar for TypePad?).

What it does is share a link to the last post of those commenting. Megga nice!

(and here's to you reaching 2000 and more!)

[Jackie Cameron]

Hi Joanna
This is a great guide to blogging - well done. In the early days of blogging myself I did not realise the value of reading other blogs - as soon as I got hold of that it opened up a whole new world of learning, communication and sharing. Thanks for your contribution to this and more power to "Confident Writing"
Jackie

[Alina Popescu]

Wow, Joanna, what a great way to celebrate your first blog anniversary! I am so happy to once again see how you believe bloggers who reply comments and try to keep the conversation going with their readers are the best kind. I am not surprised, given what a great host you are whenever I stop by your blog, but given recent discoveries and my latest post, I am sure you can imagine how much this means to me.

I agree with your pick, if I had to choose one way to attract more comments, it would be visiting other blogs and commenting on posts that touch me.

I don't always email first time visitors who comment. But that sounds like an amazing idea!

[Alina Popescu]

Amy, what a great way to think of visitors! I will surely feel differently whenever I visit your blog or read it in my rss reader. I can almost feel the smell of fresh tea :)

[Lillie Ammann]

Joanna,
What a remarkable community you have created in such a short amount of time, Joanna. Congratulations!

[Brad Shorr]

Joanna, it's a real pleasure being part of the Confident Writing community. You'll have 5000 comments before you know it!

[Robert Hruzek]

A privilege to have been a part of your community over the last year or so, Joanna! Thanks for sharing so much of you mind with us, and...

Happy Bloggiverary!

[Karen Swim]

Joanna, Happy Blogerversary! This is such an incredible milestone and I am so happy to share it with you! One of the things you have done so well is to encourage community. You provide us great advice and an open forum to share, and learn. Through your blog I've been introduced to other great people and that community has even spread to Twitter! You are a wonderful hostess and I'm so looking forward to the next 1 year. Congratulations Joanna!

[Nadine]

Hello Joanna, one year flies by, but it means a lot in terms of investing effort in keeping a blog. Commenting and attracting comments is a fine art in which I am not an expert, so I can't really provide any innovative input, but this particular comment is heart-felt.
Enjoy the day and let's look forward to the next anniversary.

[Laura Spencer]

Thank-you for including me in the "major" commenter's section. I know that I haven't left a comment nearly as often as I'd like to lately due to time constraints.

[Debbie Yost]

Hi Joanna,

Happy Blogoversary!

I'm still working on getting my comments built up. I'm often surprised how a post I think will get a lot of attention doesn't get any. This was a very helpful post and you've given me a lot to think about in my writing. I especially like #3 and 6. I do many of the suggestions, but there is always room for improvement!

[Steve]

Hi Joanna,
Just found your blog today and enjoy it very much. I appreciate your tips above. I am always trying to improve my writing and will visit here often. Happy anniversary!

[Glenn]

Once again Joanna, great post. I'll have to side with Debbie Yost; I like suggestions #3 and 6 as well... and they're all great, but 19 and 20 in particular are so, so valuable. After all, if you don't love your readers (whether you have a half-dozen or a couple thousand), then you have lost a significant reason to blog.

Keep up the good work, I always look forward to seeing what you come up with next.

[Rick Mahn]

Another post that I have learned something from. Joanna, I really appreciate your ability to demonstrate just how to do the task you're talking about. Good post!

Regards,
Rick Mahn

[Joanna Young]

Rosa, thank you so much. You know I learned so much about good hospitality from you :-)

Yes, inviting, responding to comments and commenting elsewhere takes time and effort, but it's my favourite part of blogging. It makes me feel happy, inspired, connected, supported, grateful. All at once.

I used to dread opening up my e-mails when I worked in my mad-crazy public sector management job. Now I can't wait to open up and rejoin the threads of conversation.

Thank you for everything I've learned from you this year Rosa, and, of course, your wonderful friendship which is one of the most precious gifts blogging has brought me.

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Amy, I do indeed cherish every reader and every comment.

Thanks for sharing how you visualise the conversations with your own readers. It's fabulous and explains how you create such a warm and welcome space at Lives Less Ordinary.

The blogs I visit the most, will always make the time to visit, are those like yours that create a powerful sense of place. Somewhere I know I want (need) to stop by for a while.

Getting to know you on and off-line has been another wonderful blogging gift for me and you know I have the feeling it's going to take us to some new project or another... some time... not to mention a trip to Chicago together next year

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Cat, and you're another one of my wonderful blogging gifts! Thanks, again, for everything.

Comment luv - yes it's fabulous (also a great reminder guys to write catchy headlines, always!). I haven't started tinkering with comment formatting yet (one step at a time) but I must go over to Typepad Hacks again soon and see if there's any way...

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Jackie, hi :-)

Well of course I found you via your generous contributions to Robyn McMaster's blog (a long way round I know when we only live a few miles away!)

Blogging is a fantastic way to make connections and grow in confidence (as I've discovered!) I'm glad you're enjoying it so much too

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Alina, absolutely, the commenting bloggers are the best. And I can see from your post we are on the same lines on this :-)

I just can't imagine blogging in broadcast only mode. You'd miss so much!

The e-mailing tip is worth a try. It shows you're paying attention and valuing people.

Oh and now I've learned to offer people a cup of tea and a biscuit too!

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Lillie, thanks for the reminder that it's the quality not quantity that counts. And I think the quality of the comments, contributions and friendship from the people here is fantastic.

I'm proud of what I've done to help make it happen and deeply grateful to all of you for what you've given me.

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Hi Robert and Brad

Thanks to you two, my two top commenters, supporters, jokers, friends.

I have got so much from the engagement over the last year and I just can't wait to see where we 3 get to in the 12 months ahead. (There's the small matter of meeting up in Chicago for one thing!)

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Karen, it's been fantastic watching you connect up with so many of the wonderful people here and then start to comment on (and maybe even guest post for...?) their blogs. Makes me smile, broadly.

The Twitter dimension is an important one certainly for community, probably for comments too. Hmm.. I think that deserves some thought and another post.

Thanks for all your good wishes Karen today but more than that for the quality of the comments you leave me just about every day. You have given me a lot of powerful, motivating feedback for which I'm extremely grateful.

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Nadine, heart felt comments are always valued.

Sometimes I find myself thinking 'oh I can't just leave a comment that says thanks, that moved me'... but 9 times out of 10 I do. Why not? Those are precisely the emotions and reactions we should be sharing. And knowing that your words have touched someone else in some way is great feedback and encourages bloggers and writers to keep going.

Thanks for taking the time to join us here today

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Well Laura it was the numbers that spoke for themselves :-)

Don't worry about not commenting more, I could say the same about your blog and my comments there. I can tell you're reading, and I know you always comment when it counts, or when you can tell I need a bit of help.

I've learned a lot from you Laura over the last 12 months and I know you were one of my earliest comments, so thanks very much for being there with me along the way

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Debbie, I think we've all had that feeling when we hit 'post' expecting a flood of comments... and then... nothing. And the other way round - people respond in ways we didn't anticipate at all.

I'm not sure there's any real science to that... if there is hopefully someone will share :-)

Asking open questions is a good one, leaving the post a little undone is very powerful and also extremely hard to do! Especially for those of us who like to tie our writing up into bundles. It works well in many formats... but not blogging, at least not blogging as part of conversation.

Liz Strauss has written a lot about this and also models it in the way she blogs. If you don't already follow her I'd thoroughly recommend her blog as a way to watch, enjoy and learn.

Here's one of her posts that definitely changed the way I (try to) blog

http://www.successful-blog.com/1/the-4-keys-to-reader-comments-and-conversation/

Thanks for your friendship and support Debbie, not to mention your guest post! Those who write here have a particular place in my heart :-)

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate you taking the time to comment and provide some feedback

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Glenn

Thank you for picking up on that point. I thought people might think I was a bit weird saying I love my readers but when I try to find the word for the emotion I feel when I read a comment, notice something a reader is writing at their own site, enjoy an interaction, whatever it might be... it's a mix of delight, pleasure, warmth, affection, friendship, inspiration, challenge, appreciation... but I think underpinning it all is love.

I hope I don't ever lose that feeling. And I'm sure you'd all let me know (quietly) if you thought I had :-)

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Rick, thank you.

Congruence - matching up words and actions - is one of my core values and I am very touched that you noticed and chose to mention it.

Thanks for all your support here and elsewhere over the last year.

Joanna

[Valeria Maltoni]

Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? Happy blogiversary, Joanna. Whenever we talk about writers I think of you - your accomplishments and community this last year have really blossomed. I've also enjoyed hearing your voice in your described strolls with a camera. Thank you for including me at all; a high honor.

[Joanna Young]

Valeria, what a lovely compliment thank you! And thanks for the feedback on voicethread too. I'm only just starting to realise the power of tools like that to make connections and I'm so looking forward to exploring new and richer ways of strengthening the conversation in the year to come.

Joanna

[Robyn]

Joanna, it's just like you to give away "secrets" on your blog's anniversary! And, what an amazing assembly of fans here to celebrate you. Somehow the first time I happened on your site I liked what you shared - and I've been a fan and a learner here ever since. I send you a lovely bouquet of spring flowers from my garden.

Hmmm... I wonder if it gets even better. We'll have to see.

[Sarah Stewart]

Hi Joanna, I have put instructions on my blog about how to make comments. I have tried to make sure that readers know they can disagree or say whatever they like (as long as it is not too rude!). cheers Sarah

[Karen]

Joanna, has it only been a year? It seems like so much longer than that you've been sharing your wisdom and your heart and your love with us all. Happy Anniversary!

The community here is amazing and it all comes back to you - your beautiful heart shines through in everything you do.

Congratulations (and I love this list - all of them!)

[Jeanne Dininni]

Joanna,

Many congratulations on your first blog birthday! Your blog has offered so much to writers over the past year, and it's been a wonderful place to visit and feel valued! Thanks for practicing what you preach!

All your suggestions about comments are excellent; but if I had to choose the ones I try hardest to follow at Writer's Notes, they would be numbers 2, 3, 8, 11, 15, 18, and 19. (Sorry the list is so long!)

I don't think we could ever overestimate the importance of Community!

Many happy returns!
Jeanne

[Joanna Young]

Oh Robyn, a bouquet of spring flowers! Thank you!

And for every comment you've ever given me. Your support and encouragement to me in the early days really helped to make the difference.

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Hi Sarah

That's a good point. I do have guidelines and welcome notes for new readers but probably a bit too buried. It's so hard to get the balance between information and a clean sidebar!

And of course for all the people who do comment there are always more who don't, which means we should always be looking for ideas like this to encourage them in...

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Hello Karen,

Thank you so much for your wonderful words. You do have the knack of saying the warmest most heart-felt things. Your comments are always ones to be treasured!

Here's to another great year of conversation and collaboration together

Joanna

[Joanna Young]

Jeanne, what can I say, you have been such a loyal and regular commenter. Even though there have been times when you've popped by to apologize because you've been busy or unwell you are still one of my top commenters! More than that I'd say you were one of my most loyal commenters, someone I know would help me out if I needed it, and that is one of the most powerful dimensions of community, the knowledge that others will be there for you.

I know you have created this in a very powerful way in your own blog, and contribute to many communities with your comments all over the blogosphere!

Thanks for being a stellar commenter :-)

Joanna

[Jeanne Dininni]

How sweet, Joanna! You're making me blush! Yet, you've done the very same thing! That's why people love commenting on your blog so much! When a blogger values her commenters, it shows--and it makes them want to return to comment again and again!

I agree that it's special to know bloggers--and other readers/commenters--that we really feel would stand by us if we should have a need. Isn't blogging wonderful?

Jeanne

[Debbie]

This was a great post! I have a blog and work very hard to get readers there and to keep them them coming back. I blog often to keep it fresh and interesting, and I also do a monthly poll and blog giveaway.

Thanks for some new ideas.

Debbie

[Joanna Young]

Thanks Debbie for the feedback and taking the time to leave a comment. Polls and give-aways are great ways to build reader engagement. And group writing projects - I've just started running a few and they've proved a great way to meet new readers and other bloggers.

Your blog looks a lot of fun. Good luck with it

Joanna

[Robyn]

Joanna, somehow it was just wonderful to see you take ideas and use them! You had such an open mind to learn and grow more. I enjoyed doing that and I now I come to you for greater wisdom because you have the essentials down and you have taken off like a skyrocket.

[Joanna Young]

Robyn, thank you so much for these comments. What can I say? Only, it takes one to know one.

Joanna

[Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk]

Thanks for the link and the great post. I, too, value commenters. And I spend a lot of time leaving comments on other blogs. Like you, I think blogging is about community.

[Joanna Young]

Hello Jean

I probably 'know' you best from your generous comments about the place. As you say, it's a great way to build connections and community.

Thanks for stopping by

Joanna

[Glenda Watson Hyatt]

Wow Joanna, what a great reminder why we blog - for our readers - and how to engage them. I, too, try to welcome new commenters with a personal email - don't always meet the mark though. Aren't commenters like icing on the cake?!

Happy blogiversary and here's to another year of success!

[meghnak]

An informative post about attracting comments. Thank you for sharing your top secret :D

[Joanna Young]

Thanks Glenda! Comments certainly are the best - maybe even more than the icing, as I certainly couldn't imagine keeping going with this without the feedback. It's a very powerful motivator for me.

Hi Meghnak, I'm glad you found the post and my top secret of value - and thanks for leaving your blog to make the comment!

Joanna

[J. Erik Potter]

Great post as usual, Joanna. I've been slacking at commenting lately. I'm blaming it on my RSS reader. RSS feeds are great for pulling everything together in one spot but it makes commenting kind of an afterthought.

I've thought about ditching my reader. Just doesn't seem as "personal" if I'm not right on someone's blog.

[Joanna Young]

Hi J Erik

I know what you mean. I try to focus on about 10 blogs that I visit regular 'in person' and skim others from the RSS feed.

I guess it's a constant balancing act between the time we have, the desire to absorb a lot of material, and the sense of connection we get when we do stop to comment. I'm glad you popped over today anyway!

Joanna

[Ariane Benefit]

Happy Blogiversary! What a wonderful way to celebrate. You are so right about mentioning people in your blog. Look at all the comments you have here! It comes through load and clear that you truly love your readers and want to engage with them. You are a gem in the blogging world. I always feel like I would just love to hangout and visit with you and really get to know you. You are so right about Liz Strauss, too. She is amazing. I wish I could attend sobcon and meet you all - it's on my goals for next year!!! When my new business plan is implemented (by the fall I hope) and I have my new team in place - I plan to have more time for conferences and things like that. I can't WAIT to meet you!

Big hugz,
Ariane

[Joanna Young]

Hi Ariane

It's lovely to hear from you as always!

Your business plans sound exciting, and I'm sure you'll get a lot from focusing on putting all of that in place for the next few months.

I *know* we'll meet some day some time, we just need to decide when and where!

Joanna

[Adam Kayce]

This is a great list, Joanna... each of those points could easily have a supporting paragraph, they're so meaty.

See you in Chicago!

[Joanna Young]

Hi Adam, glad you're going to be there - I'm here already! See you at the weekend

Joanna

[Shari]

This is a great post for a few reasons, Joanna. It's a great guide for building my blog. And it's inspirational because I didn't know that this was your first year. It makes your success all the more impressive. Happy anniversary!

I agree with you that visiting other blogs is a most important practice. Participating on other blogs can be a lot of fun. It helps to extend community, which is most important for me.

I'm delighted to be part of your community. Thanks for including me.

As always, thanks for sharing. Have a great time in Chicago.

[Joanna Young]

Hi Shari

I'm glad you found the post of value and thanks for taking the time to come and visit another blog!

Joanna