Most people do not like to talk to themselves. At least, not usually.
Running a blog with comments enabled is like inviting people to strike up a conversation with you. And just like in a traditional conversation, they expect your response.
Not too long ago, I visited a blog and found some of the information interesting enough to comment.
I asked a question directly for the author. Nothing too demanding or involved - it could literally be answered within one sentence. Two weeks later, the question is left unanswered.
She updated the blog with new content and still the question I asked remains unanswered. I clicked around to other parts of her blog to see if she just received so many comments she couldn’t manage them all or if the answer to my question lay elsewhere. No, on both accounts.
To say the least, I felt snubbed. I came away feeling as though she didn’t care about her readers or interacting with them.
I also saw a number of other questions directed her way that went unanswered as well, so I know I wasn’t alone.
At that point I began to wonder why she even had a blog with comments enabled. Why was she inviting people to leave comments on her blog? Why was she inviting people to start a conversation with her?
Since I couldn’t find a good enough answer to those questions, I no longer read her blog and actually unsubscribed to the updates and her newsletter. The friend who recommended me did as well.
Harsh? Probably. But the content wasn’t anything we couldn’t find elsewhere with a more inviting community.
There is real satisfaction in knowing the author cares enough about her readers to indulge them in a little back and forth conversation.
That’s what helps to form a community of loyal readers who may end up referring more people to your blog in the future.
If you have a highly trafficked blog with a very active community, you can expect others to answer general questions for each other. If someone asks you a question, specifically, it’s important for you to answer them.
If you don’t have the time, or want, to participate in your blogging community, don’t enable comments or make it very clear that you will not be responding to each comment personally. (Unless you’re Mark Cuban, people will not just assume you’re too busy for comment.)
Not all comments warrant your personal attention, but it’s important to monitor them and respond when one does. This is especially important for new blogs trying to build its readership.
Never assume that a reader’s question is unfounded or baseless, simply point her in the direction of the answer.
It’s also perfectly okay to e-mail her directly with the answer. It adds a personal touch and shows your readers that you really do listen and care about them. That’s how customer evangelists are born.
And if you’re looking for a light-hearted approach to getting more comments on your blogs, you’re welcome to snag a copy of 10 Tips for Getting More Comments.
