Common Sense Tips For Adding Value To A Conversation

In a presentation I was giving today, I got asked the following question about commenting on blogs:
“How do you keep blog comments from being considered as spam?”
For me its simple:  Figure out a way to add value to the conversation. You don’t always have to agree with the peoples points in which you are leaving comment on, and most of the time disagreeing gets the best discussions going.  Even if you think it was a GREAT ARTICLE, or you think they have a NICE SITE … don’t just leave the comment: “great article” or “nice site” and then link to your site.  You will get the BIG ASS delete button every time! I am even willing to overlook someone dropping keyword links into the name field if they have left, or added something of value to the conversation.  Tell me WHY it was a great article, or tell me exactly HOW it helped you out. Here are some easy (I think) to understand tips for adding value to a conversation on a blog post, as well as ways to NOT look like comment spam:
  1. Don’t just comment for link building purposes.
  2. Don’t comment just because you think you will get “traffic” from the site.
  3. Add value to the conversation by sharing YOUR thoughts an opinions of the subject.
  4. Don’t just drop keyword links in your name.
  5. Use your real name.
  6. Make sure and READ the post (the entire post) and UNDERSTAND it BEFORE commenting.
  7. You don’t always have to agree.
  8. Read all the comments, get a feel for the direction and reply to other commenters as well.
  9. Be yourself.
  10. If you are going to drop a link, drop a relevant link that (again) adds to the conversation.
  11. GO get a damn Gravtar already!
There, that was a long winded answer, but hopefully that answers the question to the person who asked it, as well as gives some others out there who may have needed some help on the matter!  The sad thing though, is as I write this – I know some of you smarties out there are going to leave the comment: “nice article” Just don’t expect your comment to show up!

6 thoughts on “Common Sense Tips For Adding Value To A Conversation

  1. Nate Moller says:

    Great post! (If I left it at that, my comment would be SPAM for sure people!)

    But seriously, one of the things I really like about what you said is getting a Gravatar. To me, this is key to building your reputation online. There are many people I’ve never met in my life, nor will I possibly EVER meet them; however, just being able to put a name with a face really helps make the connection and build the business friendship.

    I also agree completely with the idea of responding to comments. When I went to Blog World last year, Gary Vaynerchuk mentioned this and I was like “Yeah right!” BUT, as I’ve made the effort to respond to most comments, my subscriber count has grown, it adds conversation, and really gets people involved. I did a post about The Fab Five on America’s Got Talent and got almost 100 comments in a few days due to encouraging and responding to comments.

    Thanks for the great tips and reminders.
    .-= Nate Moller´s last blog ..Gary V on Why Press Releases Suck! =-.

  2. Steve Sherron says:

    Totally agree. I don’t think I ever have or ever would drop a link in a comment, that would be totally bad form. Could be wrong though. Suffering from CRS. Can’t remember …(you know what). I have left links in comments on my site and not deleted if they were relevant. About the Gravatar, I’ve noticed that mine does not always show up. I truly enjoy folks adding their opinions to my site even if we are not on the same wave length. I don’t always agree with my best friend either and we love to mix it up a little. Conversations are usually boring if it’s a lovefest all the time.
    .-= Steve Sherron´s last blog ..Turning Point 1st. Annual “Sing Out Against Domestic Violence.” =-.

  3. Patrice says:

    You have pointed out that we must read a certain post before posting a comment – this is right in order to avoid sounding like a stupid one as the comment is not relevant to the topic. Leaving a question or an argument is also good in order to start a good conversation and clear issues that arise.
    .-= Patrice´s last blog ..Moms Work at Home with Online Marketing =-.

  4. Daniel Franklin says:

    I agree with your insights here. MOst commenter now just leave comments with so many links stuffed with so many keywords inside the body of the comment. Obviously, they are not willing to give some effort in putting their comments.

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