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How do we get people to leave comments on our blogs?

By begging, pleading, offering large sums of money.

Actions all done in the name of persuading someone to fill out the comment portion after a post and press “submit.”

Comments are the way we know someone is reading, understanding and most importantly interacting with our words.

When I think of why writers love to see comments lining their inbox, the image of Sally Fields’s Oscar acceptance speech for her Best Actress nod flashes to mind.

But here’s the conundrum: as much as we love standing there in our formal attire gushing over all that adulation, taking the time to return the favor is often one piece of the blogging puzzle we neglect.

Why leave comments?

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  • Leaving comments builds community. Commenting is interaction. It introduces the blogger to you. If someone takes the time to comment regularly on your blog, there’s a good chance you will hop over to his or her blog to do the same.
  • It drives traffic to your blog. Most people look through the comment section of a post. If your remarks spark an interest in them, they are likely to click on the link to see what you are all about.
  • A thoughtful comment—or hilarious one—will reinforce your place in your niche whether your niche is as a fishing, foodie or anti-room-mother mom.

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Tips on how to make your comments stand out. Number one: make it clear you’ve actually read the post

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  • Read the post, and let your words reflect its content. Add an illustration from your experience that reinforces the author’s point. Even better: include more information on the subject.
  • Ask a question. Comments that ask a relevant question are likely to be answered and stand out.
  • Comment early on a post before there is a trail of 200 comments in front of you.
  • Make your comment aesthetically different. If the majority of comments are short, leave a long one. If all you see are short answers. leave a longer thought-filled one.
  • Comments reflect on your ability as a writer. Misspells and grammar miscues are noticed. This is a weekness (sic) of mine. We are all in a hurry but best to proof before hitting submit.

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It does take effort, but successful bloggers allot time to not only read blogs in their niche, but leave thoughtful comments as well.

Comments about comments in comments…

This is a guest post from Jamie Miles.

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