How to Get People to Comment on Your Blog or Hubs
68Getting Comments
When you write your blog or hubs, it's good to know that people are reading it. Google Analytics is a great way of seeing these types of statistics. It will tell you everything you want to know about your sites visitors. But. For people that write Hubs or blogs, one thing many people want is a dialogue. This is the social aspect of publishing on the web. It may be a simple thumbs up, or adding additional information to something you've written, or it can even be a heated debate, but many of us want more than visitors, we want comments.
I have to say that not all comments are good. I think most people agree that flaming people in the comments is a poor practice, and spam comments with someone trying to promote their own site is annoying at best (I usually permanently delete these comments), but thoughtful comments are engaging and rewarding. I personally love to know I've helped someone out by passing some information on to them. I also love it when people answer a question I have in comments. Other times, I'm happy to engage in a discussion of an idea or to watch others engage in conversation on something I've written.
So how do I get people to leave comments and engage on what I write? This isn't as hard as it sounds, but it takes time. You need to build Hub or blog credibility. You can do this by posting interesting and useful content on a regular basis. The second thing you need to do is to leave comments on other people's Hubs or blogs regularly that write on a similar topic. Once you do this for a while - comment on other writers that write regularly, become their fan on HubPages, they will notice and often reciprocate. Try and leave five to ten thoughtful comments a day. It's pretty easy and doesn't take much time. Soon, you will find these same people commenting on your hubs and blogs.
Comment Poll
Comments Survey - Pick one
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Comments
I really enjoy the discussions we can get into during the comments that can be generated by a lively Hub. However, in the poll above, I did vote for my primary reason for leaving a comment, which will usually be to thank the writer for enlightening, delighting, or otherwise engaging me intellectually. As is the case here: thanks for writing this; I'm sure it will encourage more people to leave constructive comments!
Your point is proven in the fact that I am here leaving a comment. I followed KCC and Theresa here because awhile back, through their comments on other hubs, I found that I truly enjoy the both of them.
Very good hub. I voted that I like discussions, but it was a toss up between that and a thank you.
So here you go: Thank you, I enjoyed it!
I always get a thrill when I finally get a lurker to comment! Some people seem to be shy about commenting - but I only ever delete the spammers. Heads up there is a new spam - "I like your site but it doesnt display properly <some browser>" Ive been getting it a lot recently
I voted "I like discusssions," but I usually like to offer some little tidbit to enhance the blog or hub while acknowledging my appreciation for the article. Sometimes that involves discussion among several commenters, but it also depends on the hub. Some hubs are pointedly written to promote discussion and fun, others are more academic. Everyone likes feedback one way or another.
I enjoy good commentary as well. If someone leaves a thoughtful comment, I think it is important to be respectful, even more so when they disagree with your point of view.
Good Hub.
Very true and good hub. Thank you.
I leave comments to let an author know that I appreciated their hub for one reason or another. (Sometimes I just leave them to be silly)
I always leave a comment when I join a fan club, because I think there should be a positive reason for joining (aside from the fact that they might join mine).
Ok, here's my first comment for today. Only 4 or 9 to go LOL.
Seriously, I love commenting and I like the discussions in the comments. I also follow up on comments I've left to see if anyone has commented back. I pride myself on not being a 'hit and run' commenter. I may miss a couple but for the most part, I try to keep it constant. I do realize people have a life outside of hubpages so it can be hard to keep up. I fall into the addicted hubber category, although I do go missing once in a while depending on what's going on in my life. I also very much appreciate people who take the time to comment, and respond back to comments I leave. As listed in your survey, there are those who aren't comfortable with commenting, and that's fine. We all do what works for us.
To sum up, I love this community, I love the dialogue and I hope I've helped others with things I've written. I've learned a lot here.
Thanks for sharing :)
I like to leave comments to let the author know I read his/her work and appreciated it or to add an insight of mine that will complement the topic. I have seen on occasion how a hub author does not acknowledge comments at all, and when they continue writing no one comments again.
Thumbs up!
Great Hub topic Paul. I think I comment on Hubs mostly because I want people to comment on mine. You shouldn't expect people to respond to what you write if you never participate on theirs. It's how this whole community works. Besides that, you meet some really great people who you never would have if you didn't put yourself out there. Thanks Paul.
You're right Paul commenting is often reciprocated. I've seen it done many times here. HubPages has great camradery
Sounds like a great idea that helps everyone out. thanks for the hub
Scotty
I agree with just about everyone else here however I find that I only comment on someone's hub if I learn something, really love what the author has written, have something to add to the hub or the conversation of comments that has started below the hub itself. I don't think about commenting just to get someone to comment on my hubs...hmmm, maybe I need to re-think that one after what I've read here.
As far as the negative comments, I tend to like them...a lot. I like "riling people up" and so unless they're threatening I usually leave them. When you're a Jewish, gay man who has been with a black man for twenty years you learn pretty quickly that the negative comments are written by those who are cursed themselves with self loathing or are uneducated and if we allow them to comment and slink away into the night without anyone else reading their stupidity then they "get away" with their crime. Sort of like not stopping someone from making a racist comment at a dinner party or something, the more we let people feel it's acceptable the more it becomes acceptable. Oh wait, that's the Christian rights' thought process for keeping us gays as second class citizens. Riled up yet?
Thanks for the great hub!
This is awesome. Do you know I was thinking of posting to forums because I simply don't get hardly any comments on my hubs and I don't know why. Maybe they're too comprehensive, maybe people just can't be bothered. I do try to comment on people's hubs I read but it's not always easy if the topic is well covered and I feel a bit of a dunce just saying "Nice hub blah blah". I'd love a bit more debate on my hubs, so I'll try to be a but more proactive rather than just saying nice things in my comments to people.
You are right Paul. Leaving comments on Hubs and Comments make the author and visitors notice you. Who knows they may visit you as well. By leaving comments you are building your own traffic and credibility.
Lol, this hub was guaranteed to get loads of comments! 18 in 10 hours! I dream of comments like that!
I'm going to leave you a comment that covers a few points on your poll. The first is a question, "I leave comments to debate" - is that for the haters? or genuine debate?
A great hub, *thumbs up* some advice I will definitely be taking on board.
Andre
Ever see two motorcycle riders pass each other on the road and see them wave at one another? Leaving comments on a blogger or hubbers page is sort of like that hand wave. It's an acknowledgement. With blogs, there is another way to acknowledge another blogger and that is by linking to their page. Many blogging platforms have what is known as trackbacks. Trackbacks are a way to link to a post and the post that you link to will list your site on their page in the trackbacks automatically.
Linking is another type of comments the bloggers and hubbers love:)
"Ever see two motorcycle riders pass each other on the road and see them wave at one another? Leaving comments on a blogger or hubbers page is sort of like that hand wave. It's an acknowledgement"
I sir am I biker, so know exactly what you mean, although I usually nod my head as riding a supersport bike with one hand is a little wreckless!
I enjoy commenting on a good hub and also reading what others think about the person who wrote it. So thank you one and all -- I learned something from the Hub as well as something about the people who commented. Thanks
Leaving a comment is recognition of an interesting hub. So...this is an interesting hub!
A comment can also add something to the hub to round out a discussion or add a point that was missed by the author.
Just brain-storming here, but, I think the text in this hub should have been: 'Write a hub titled HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOGS OR HUBS."
That's it!
Hey, it worked on me ;-)
I really like this Hub, because it gives me a chance to affirm how much I enjoy recieving comments on Hubs. It's a sort of proof that people read them. I try to leave at least one comment a day, more if I have time.
I try not to leave negative comments, so if a Hub is not to my tastes I tend to just pass on.
Good suggestion to seek out Hubs similar to one's own. It could help to build better Hubs.
Nice Hub. I needed the reminder! I am awful at leaving comments. I have so many favorites that I read, but don't comment on. I don't know why. I just have to make myself take the time.
Comments make me feel connected. Nice to know that real live people are reading my stuff.
Thanks for the tips. I've been doing and writing to my blogs to here for a lark. It was nice to share things you know and gladly I've done so. For other hubbers who have shared their thoughts and ideas on many different things, it was indeed insightful.
Now this hub is truly a good thing for me. I subscribe with many writers or hubbers, and I get emails when they published a new one so thats why I knew about this hub. I just read them but I honestly admit that I'm quite lazy in leaving comments to other writers blogs and hubs but I do know how our comments can be helpful. But look at me now, leaving you an honest comment, well this is a good start for a ten comments everyday. Thanks again, I think you have enlighten me.
Akeejaho, that's an awfully cute animal you've got there!
Good to know, briefly, what google analytics is about. Thanks for passing on the info.
As a newcomer, I may read twice as many hubs then I comment on because I've been reading about how to hub. I almost always read hubs of those who have become fans of mine and have left comments with them. To summarize why I leave comments, other then the topic engaging me; whether it be hub-ed, fun, interesting, prophetic, or downright humorous, I'd have to say it is my mood.
When thinking about motorcycle riding, I'd have to say that I'd rather ride with the driver who keeps both hands on the bars. Thanks, I didnt think of comments this way.
I thought of comments as a signal being sent to a modem and handshaking going on. Like she said, a connection. Thanks for the reminder.
Good comment should express what the commentor understand in that topic and the more important thing is communication.
concise and to the point. It is pretty much the mantra , write good informational and engaging content and they will comment or visit. Great hub
Paul - thanks for the info. I comment to let the reader know I read and enjoyed their hub as I want others to do for me. I'm still waiting on that part but I understand that in addition to networking and meeting other hub writers, I need to prove myself as a writer but posting interesting content in my hubs that are well written.
Hope I can start that trend soon cause my hubs are lonely!
Thanks again - Robyn :)
I had to leave a comment because my option wasn't in the poll.
I add comments when I feel that it provides either added value to the hub, or when it will provide value to the current discussion within the comment section. I am all about "value" comments.
I like to comment to say thank you to the writer for providing me with a good read or for some salient points on a topic I need educating in or a laugh or where I can add something to the chat going on, and even writing the words "a nice hub" can act as a bookmark for me to go back to for a re-read rather than a skim - should I be short of time!. I also like to feel that I am making a connection with all the terrific people who write on hubpages, I am also learning about other cultures, styles of writing and ways of thinking, international politics etc - I guess I am a bit of an addict...cheers
thanks, i'm also one of those that comments to thank writers. but i also comment only when i think that i have something to say. i don't comment when i don't know what to talk about, especially when i don't really understand the hub that i read or it was too complicated for me to understand. i'm a simple person ehehe thanks for sharing your hub.^_^
Thanks Proud Mom, but I question as to who has who!
That's really insightful. I think debate, even heated debate can be really constructive and inspirational.
Some good points. I really like to write on Hub because people do comment regularly. However, on Triond, it is much more difficult to get response.
Good hub!
I love the comment section on my hubs and regularily comments on the authors hubs it is a shame that some authors do not think to answer back though.
Great hub regards Zsuzsy
Drats! ajcor said everything I was going to say, so all I can add is DITTO!
Well this hub certainly proves your point, I can't add anything elese that hasn't bee said
Thank you for that information, I understand that it will take time...for I am new to the hugpae and I like it so far...
Great insite I am fairly new to hubpages I have realized that haveing comments left will help anyone get noticed as a good hubber and increse my traffic. Keep the great info! flowing!!!!
I love getting comments! I love knowing what others are thinking when they read. I also love leaving comments. Whether it's to ask a question, share my own thoughts, or just say great job! Great hub, by the way!!
I love seeing commotion on my page. I'll have to try your tips. Thanks bro.
Nice article and thanks for the tips...Comments and a thumbs up are a nice way to show ones appreciation on anothers writing and thoughts...
Such a great hub! Very interesting! I'll enjoy reading your work!
I agree that leaving comments in other hubbers hub will be reciprocated. I have been not doing think for a quite long time now. It was only today I thought that I should give more time to this part from today onwards.
I try and reply to everyone who leaves a comment on my Hub. They've taken the trouble to write the comment, only fair that I reply. Great Hub! I think I really need to start commenting on other blogs! Definitely good advice!
Hi Paul, you have got a very informative hub. I have learnt alot from you, expecially on how to get people to comment on your blog or hubs. Thanks!
I tend to leave a comment of thanks more often than not. I usually sit and read the comments as much as the article when there is decent level of feedback, question and of course answers from that author - that to me makes an interesting comment thread!
Very informative, thanks
Great advice, thanks for the hub.
Thanks for the info. Very informative, as I would expect from the master!! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, I've been wondering why i was stuck at only 26 fans, lol. I'll work on my skills. I appreciate the article and for this phenomenon you created called HubPages! You ROCK!
Hai tis ia a nice hub .Commenting is only way for interaction with the writers.
I like to leave comments on peoples hubs to thank them for their time. I also appreciate the comments that I receive as they are a nice positive reinforcement for writing the hub. I like the ideas that you have raised in this hub, I can attest to the wisdom of leaving comment as a way of getting clicks and fans.
Thank you:)
Wow - I'm impressed with the number of comments to this particular hub. I guess it proves hubpages is full of aspiring authors looking for the same thing. Thanks for bringing up the subject and addressing the question we're all secretly wanting to know!
NICE TO SHOUTOUT IN HERE I, CAN SAY ANYTHING I, WANT AND NO ONE CAN STOP ME AT LAST... HAVE A GOOD DAY ALL!
This is a great topic and it seems easy to do and many marketers fail to see the importance of becoming a network and working together. Good solid advise!
Thanks
thanks for the advice Paul. i'm a newbie here. i look forward to knowing more interesting folks around here.
Great hub, my own view is that the comments can add to the value of the hub when they prompt a really good discussion. As you say a contrary view can be taken as long as the view is made constructively and with an open mind.
So, yes, comment as much as you can and add to the discussion and therefore value of a hub!
Cheers
Derek
Thanks great info I am working toward that as I Write
Good info
Thank you
Kathy
Thanks for this Tip! We are still new to Hubbing and we enjoy it! We do need to take time and work on it more than what we do. It's just being a full time RV'er, our lives get hectic and before we know it-another day has passed us by!!
By the way LOVE the pic!!
I'm a big fan of the problogger blog and right at the moment he is running a 31 days to build a better blog series of blog posts and they are the most effective tips and very easy to follow and the part about getting people to comment on your hubpages can be applied to it too.
Cheers for the reminder about getting people to comment on hubpages and blogs, as sometimes we just write hubpages and forget about commenting and other helping hand types of comments on other hubpages and blogs.
Thanks for this great tip, its been over 3 weeks and still learning the ropes of hubpages, but yes i have started reading more hubs and putting up my comments after receiving some good advice from VioletSun. Thanks Violet!
Hey you hubd was right, look , I'm commenting. Seriously though, great hub I really enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!
I love leaving comments but I do admit that it is very gratifying when someone leaves a nice comment on one of my hubs as well. I sometimes set goals for myself, like you mentioned. I will try to leave ten thoughtful and meaningful comments in a day. I'm not sure if I've fulfilled this goal each time I set it, but maybe I need to make a new commitment :) Thanks Paul!
-Debris
so nice to read your work, I found you looking through hubbers, and will thank you here for a wonderful place to write and receive so much help from other writers. I'm still a newbie, just a few weeks, but learning and loving being here.
it is nice to receive comments, especially when we're just starting and wanting to build a readership and rapport with the community. thanks again for a great article!
dumb article i wish i never clicked on it in google search! useless!!
KCC Big Country says:
11 months ago
Leaving comments is an excellent way to strike up a conversation and friendship with other authors. We do tend to look out for each other. If I have something to point out (like a grammatical error) and I don't know the person that well, I'll email them. Just recently, I noticed a hubber had misunderstood someone and made some comments that I thought they might want to correct if they re-read it. I emailed them and they were grateful and cleared it up.