Even though there are two distinct schools of thought on the matter, there are several reasons why commenting is important for traffic. However, it takes a certain amount of skill to effectively use comments to attract visitors which many webmasters just don’t take the time to develop.
If used correctly, it is possible to establish a strong following which in turn draws even more traffic in the process. Once the art of commenting is understood it becomes apparent just why it is so important.
The Art of Effective Commenting
Perhaps the reason commenting should be considered an art form is because it takes a certain amount of talent to master the technique. Many webmasters simply search for sites in the same niche with higher page rank and then proceed to leave random comments for the sake of building a link back to his/her own site.
Very few visitors will actually take the time to follow that link if there is nothing of substance to follow! The key to effective commenting is to make each and every comment count for something.
Establishing Credibility on the Web
As mentioned above, each comment should have something useful to offer. Not only will trivial posts go relatively unnoticed, but they will surely not demand any amount of respect whatsoever.
In trying to ascertain just why commenting is important for traffic, consider the fact that it is possible to earn the respect of other bloggers/webmasters. Knowledgeable comments on the right sites can provide the credibility needed to send people over to your site to check out anything else you might have to say on the matter.
Since it is possible to build credibility with other webmasters and their visitors, commenting is one of the most useful tools for establishing an authoritative presence on the internet. Unfortunately, altogether too many bloggers and webmasters don’t use comments to their advantage because they are approaching them from the wrong perspective.
Commenting should never be a numbers game. Unless you can say something of relevance then it would be best to move on to the next site. When seeking to discover why commenting is important to traffic, just remember this: Effective commenting is important because it establishes credibility which in turn directs traffic to your site.
Nice post! I always try to make sure that I add blog commenting as part of my schedule. Blog commenting shows support, interest & helps build relationships with others.
Plus if done consistently it will begin to increase expose to you & your website.
Awesome post!
Exactly Toshiba, great points. Thank you for taking the time to comment and Happy Holidays to you
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…The Easiest Ways To Consistently Get Your Content Retweeted, Liked, and +1’d
The devil in me just wanted to say ‘great post’ and leave it at that. But you make a valid point. Commenting is indeed an art and as a commenter, you should really be trying to add value in some way after all, commenting is fundamentally about interaction; not about link-building.
Will
Will recently posted…Which Themes Do Top Bloggers Use?
Great point Will! I wish more people would understand that blog commenting is about SO much more than link building. The blogging community would be so much better off. Thank you for taking the time to comment and Happy Holidays to you
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…Your Go To List of Outsourcing Resources!
You’ve hit the nail on the head with this post, Kevin. Blog commenting is definitely an art form and you have to master all aspects of it to get the maximum amount of benefits it has to offer.
When I first relaunched my blog, a significant amount of my traffic came from blog commenting. Blog commenting is a multipurpose activity including building long-term relationships with other bloggers and influencers in your niche – which will ultimately lead to even more high profile and long-term exposure and traffic. For instance, through my blog commenting efforts, I got an unsolicited opportunity to write a guest post for one the most highly trafficked blogs in my niche. The biggest benefit I’ve gotten from commenting by far is the relationships.
It’s a shame that new bloggers don’t grasp the deeper benefits of blog commenting outside of driving traffic and building links. I think you’ve done a great job in your post explaining all the different benefits. Thanks for sharing!
Ti
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Ti Roberts recently posted…[SEO Rebel Roundup!] Lady Gaga, Traffic Tidal Waves and more… Cowabunga dude
Thank you Ti, I really appreciate the great comment and your input on blog commenting. I think another added benefit of properly commenting on blogs is that you’re forced to actually read the post you’re commenting on. So you’re also learning in the process (assuming the blog post provides good, valuable tips and info). Happy Holidays to you
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…How To Choose An IM Strategy And Make It Work?
I ain’t sure how commenting can help in driving traffic. Of course, it can help in creating a community of your own, but I rarely get traffic from it. May be I am doing something wrong
Hello Kinjal… please re-read my post along with the comments made by others and you’ll see the many advantages of blog commenting. It’s not something that will bring traffic overnight in most cases. If you’re not seeing anything positive from your blog commenting (traffic, connections, etc.), then I suggest you read a little more on how to properly do it, because while it is a bit of a longer-term strategy, it is one that is worth pursuing for sure. Good luck, thank you very much for commenting and Happy Holidays to you
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…5 Blogs With Killer Content You HAVE To Check Out!
To me commenting has always been like a conversation. The blogger starts the conversation and gives idea after idea. That causes the spark of other ideas which you then, add TO the conversation.
What you call art, is kin to social skills that almost everyone either has naturally or has learned them.
Thanks for a great post!
Patricia Weber recently posted…Introverts Can Break the Groupthink Model by guest blogger Kalen Smith
That’s right Patricia, blog commenting is really just having a conversation. And for those who feel they don’t have the social skills to have a conversation on a blog, forum, social media site, etc., I say the best way to develop these skills is by simply getting involved. Start commenting on blogs or replying to a forum thread. Over time, their comfort level will increase and it will get easier.
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment again
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…Social Marketing Resources To Get You More Twitter Followers, Retweets, Likes And +1′s
This is very helpful. I never knew that I had to do anything like blog comments to get traffic to my website. I always thought it was about the meta date and content you put on your page. This has been a massive help to me and I am extremely grateful for it. I hope I can now drive my page up google and other search engines thanks to you.
Thankfully yours
John
Glad you found it useful John
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…4 Simple Ways to Create Content on a Shoe String Budget
If you want to build your authority in a niche, there’s no better way to start getting street ‘cred’ than blog commenting and getting to know the other reputable blogs in your niche. When people read your good comments on other blogs, then people are more likely to follow you back to your own blog. Thanks for bringing up this often neglected important topic Kevin!
Corrisa
Corrisa recently posted…Finding Your Passion in a Network Marketing MLM Home Business
You’re very welcome Corrisa and thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment
Kevin Ocasio recently posted…How to Choose an Affiliate Program That Sells
This post was spot on and has inspired me. You’ve got to position yourself as an authority.