In Twitter Power, I described blogs as one aspect of the social media revolution. I think that might have surprised some people. Blogs, after all, pre-date the kind of interaction that we can see on Facebook and LinkedIn. They're more like old-fashioned publishing, in which information comes down from a publisher instead of being created and shared by contributors.
But there is one aspect of blogging that's often forgotten by Internet publishers, and it's incredibly valuable.
At the bottom of each blog post is a space for readers to add their own comments to what you've written.
Those comments are as important for the publishers as they are for the readers.
Sure, they give readers some extra detail. They can take the post in whole new directions. The people who contribute them often do more than just praise the article or give their opinion. They sometimes provide expert information that the writer didn't know and would never have known if someone with experience hadn't shared it on the site.
For readers, that's a huge bonus and for publishers, it's free content.
But the comments can also inspire new blog posts as well. Those reactions can tell the publisher what readers are thinking, what information they need to know, where they're going wrong and what sort of content is most important to them.
The inspiration that you can find in your comments can give you one form of momentum that can keep your blog rolling forward.
While the number of comments a post receives is a good sign of its effectiveness, it's the quality of the comments that can really improve your site.
Sometimes, a post from an expert commenter can even lead to an interview, a guest post or perhaps even a joint venture.
I always read the comments I receive on my blog. They tell me whether I'm on the right track and they provide me with yet another way to interact with my audience. I can never have too much of that!
Your work as an Internet publisher doesn't stop once you've uploaded your article. Your readers have to read it... but you have to read their reactions too.
That's what I love about social media & blogging...the interaction. Gone are the days of the static website and hiding behind email. The comment expands the conversation and deepens the connection with others.
Great post Joel...as usual. ;-)
Timothy Carter
I always read my blog comments, most of them receive a reply either as a direct reply or as a new blog post. Comments make you feel like your blog is a living breathing thing and not just an online journal that no one reads.
Joel,
I agree 100% with you. I always read blogs on MSN News / Money Central. While the blog entry is only couple of paragraphs, the blogs comments run into hundreds, even thousands some times. You learn a lot from these comments than the post itself. Examples are recent developments such as banl bailouts, auto bailouts, etc. Blog readers often express their strong views without fear or favor. I am not sure if these comments are noticed by our political leaders and mega corporation executives. But it is essential for small and medium business owners and entrepreneurs to read and take action on these unsolicited comments / views / criticism.
Paddu
I always read the comments. Joel, you are right, I get new ideas and more from those who write comments.
I love reading comments as well and try my best to reply to all of them! I think the only thing about comments that I dislike is that sometimes, people don't put enough in them to carry on the conversation. Or, they don't return back to see when you've posted a reply to their questions / comments.
Any suggestions on bringing people back when they've commented to see your response? Or, is it natural to assume that they will once they've left one?
Would love thoughts, etc.
Erin Blaskie
Thanks Joel, You are right on target as usual....John
Hello Joel,
Someone once said: *we are at the groundfloor (of a HEALING highrise), quite profound I thought. Someone else (a well-known *famous* Internet Marketer once said something similar about *Being on Internet*, being an Internet Marketer, and I started (re)searching his website(s)anxious to learn *everything* I could possibly absorb i.e. till the mind is boggling. Staying *up-to-date* and *ahead-of-the-game* as a Business*person* requires stamina, a tip-top-in-shape Brain, patience,endurance AND ENOUGH MONEY. Therefore: The (very) Basics you need enabling you to do all that: GOOD GENES, smart PARENTS, the best TEACHERS and you: *the student*
Joel, as usual, great post! I have reccomended Twitter Power to all of my staff and clients. You deliver great info! Thanks!
Tom Ferry
hi Joel,
As a "Super Zoomer" who remembers getting their first TV! this social media thing is sometimes overwhelming, often excitingly informative and necessary to discipline myself around the process. New neuron pathways forming every day.
thank you for our insights.
jim
BLOG COMMENTS ARE INTEGRAL PART OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is information produced and distributed by society, and not just by corporations and official organizations. Comments are an integral part of social media, because the comments represent information generated by users. (Hope I'm making sense! - basically, I agree with the author).
I have been blogging about Goal Setting and Peak Performance for about 3 years now, and recently realized I was underutilizing the comments feature.
I changed that by asking my newsletter readers specific questions and then encouraging a dialogue/discussion about it over at the blog. It's a two way conversation and I respond to every comment so I can validate each person who took the time to connect.
I cannot begin to tell you how much the comments inspire me by providing me with instant feedback. I used to get the feedback via email, but now that I ask for it on the blog, more and more people are chiming in there.
I am in the middle of a complete blog redesign and I'm letting my readers vote on everything from the tag line to how they want to hear from me.
I believe the best bloggers acknowledge the comments and keep the conversation going.
Live Your Dreams,
Jill Koenig
I always find time to read each and every of my blog comments.
Of course, I don't get comments much, but that's another story.
Tweeted you fine article, Joel.
I didn't know that comments could actually be so beneficial for both parties. Good post.
he he he
I hate (read "LOVE IT") when I a post looks almost complete and then discover I can add something :-P
quote
Those reactions can tell the publisher what readers are thinking, what information they need to know, where they're going wrong and what sort of content is most important to them
end quote
Do you know the strongest way to get even more reaction and reopen/continue/redirect comments ?
I won't say it .. but I already try to push you to do it ;-)
When that will happen, will be the best day of my life online.
Hint: THAT thing is the biggest thing which make the difference between blog-posts/receive-comments and ... newsletters.
Yours sincere,
Valentin
Some of the comments lead to a new article.
The new articles sometimes get more traffic than the older ones.
I have an idea to get the readers post for me an articles - some of them will do that for free. I am sure, as they are passionate.
I have several blogs that I like to visit on a daily basis. Most of them are related to INTERNET marketing in some form.
Usually after I read a good post, I am inspired to contribute even more to my own little world of websites and blogs.
It's like adding gas to a raging fire whenever people comments on my blogs. The comments help keep me inspired to continue writing more.
I just opened opened a new blog I hope I could get some reviews or some advice :)
i know the power of blog comments but i really confuse how to increase it...
I appreciate your insight in the the power of blog comments. I've been blown away by the power of blogs this year; especially WordPress blogs. Comments make a blog come alive. Comments form relationships. Relationships drive loyalty.
BTW, I love that you're getting a lot of interviews on national TV, you deserve the exposure.
On Your Side, Glen Woodfin
Comments are important for blogs i think, because it helps in keeping good and strong online relation. Other's comment make you feel as you are worthy for good writing. Other's suggestions are also help us to improve. I do welcome comments in my web design site.
Thanks for the tips on blog comments!
Nice, thanks for the tips.
I used to say that blogging is just evolved online chatting where most of the time the chatting is done from one side only and its only when you get comments or reviews on your posts, it really becomes more meaningful. I still see that my belief was not totally dumbfounded :-)
Cheers,
as for me when i see visitor read my blog and comment on my blog,motivated me to move forward with my career.Thanks for the tips.
I always find time to read each and every of my blog comments.
I am thoroughly convinced in this said post.It does help me a lot knowing that you have shared this information here freely.That's what I love about social media & blogging.....the interaction. I love the way the people here interact and shared their opinions too.
Any suggestions on bringing people back when they've commented to see your response? Or, is it natural to assume that they will once they've left one?
Would love thoughts...