Bloggers love to receive comments, don't we?
It provides the fuel to keep us posting
Motivating. Validating. Connecting.
GIVE THE BOOT TO THE CAPTCHA
Deactivate the 'captcha' in your comment section - you know, that warped text of nonsense words used to ensure a real person is writing a comment? You'll notice the well-followed blogs do not use them. They are not user friendly.
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| [sample captcha] |
Many people read blogs from different devices such as smartphones and iPads, on which can be cumbersome to write (or see) the captcha. It takes time, and simply is an extra hoop to jump through.
Do not fear inappropriate comments. Although I receive them occasionally, I just delete them. Plus, you can reactivate the captcha feature anytime you rethink your decision to eliminate it. All comments will continue to land in your inbox, so nothing will sneak in under the radar. Really, just try it.
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| Loads of comments [via Pinterest] |
COMMENT BACK
Ideally, comment back on other bloggers' posts if they comment on yours
I think it increases blog loyalty and forms connections
{However, I must say life often gets this in the way,
preventing me from doing this as often as I'd like}
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| Cute comments [via Pinterest] |
COMMENT PLACEMENT
Personally I like when a comment box is not isolated from its post
I have a very small memory and appreciate being able to refer back to the post
while writing a comment
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| Flowery comments [via Pinterest] |
INVITE DISCUSSION AND OPINIONS
End your post with a question
This gives a clear message to your readers that you would like their input
What suggestions would you add?
(that's a 'ending your post with a question' question)
(that's a 'ending your post with a question' question)
36 comments:
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you come again.
These are very good tips that I totaly agree with. I am looking forward to following you and hearing of your life in jolly ol' England!
All such great tips! I also think it's important to leave a somewhat meaningful comment, not just one that says follow me back at .... I would like to know someone took the time to read my post like I do for others.
Sound advice which I hope I already follow Laura. :)
More great tips! Comments do make me tingle :)
Thanks so much for your tips! I am just starting my blog back up after too many years and want to do it right this time!
Very good tips, and ones I try to incorporate into my blog. I do think it is important to answer any questions that a visitor might ask.
I'm so glad you stopped by my blog and took time to leave a comment. I'm off to visit the rest of your blog.
Great advice! I agree that it is always nice to receive comments and certainly feels like somebody is paying attention when you comment back....of course it isn't always easy.
So...thanks for dropping by my blog....
i started following your blog a few months back, and feel like today is a good day to finally leave a comment! :) i love england, and dream of living there someday, so it's a real treat to see life there through your eyes! i just started out in this blog-world, myself, and i appreciate these nice tips. thanks!
Don't post too often, otherwise people don't have time to read and comment. On the other hand, don't leave the same post up for days and days because readers will start drifting away!
Great tips! Yes, we do love comments, don't we? :) I do most blogging/blog reading from my mobile but even as annoying as I find the "captcha," I didn't think to remove it from my own blog. I love yours, by the way. I've followed for a few months now and your posts are always so pleasant! x
Great tips! I don't have the captcha and so far I haven't had any spam comments.
These are great tips, I also got rid of captcha and have had no problems and I do my best to read and reply to boggers.
I agree with you, esp. I do not like this "words veryfication"
I'm terrible about commenting. Really, it's the least I can o for a post I enjoy.
Thanks for sharing this post! :)
Again priceless advice. I rush out to implement them.
You are such a darling taking care of careless blogger like me. Thank you.
I think I've done most of it. It looks so much better and easy. Thanks a lot!
I like your series. Job well done.
Good advice. Comments are an important part of the whole blogging world, aren't they? They are what makes it a conversation, not just a monologue.
Thanks for the tips. The photos are a great complement to this post.
Hey Laura great advice and I am off to try without the text verification now.
But I have to say that I often have a real problem commenting on blogs where the comments show at the bottom of the post like yours. At work and other public access PC's they have security in place that stops these working. So I actually comment far less on blogs like yours as a result, as I quite literally cannot, unless I am at home. I know this affects many users, so if you went the other way you might get even more comments?
And now I am having all kinds of issues with signing in too!
Sarah - I had no idea. Really interesting point :)
Thanks for the comment on my blog, I love comments too, it is nice to know that someone is at least reading what I write. Great Tips, Sam
You are a star
commenter and a
great role model,
Laura!
xx Suzanne
Hi Laura! I've had fun getting a little acquainted with your blog! Looks like a cheery place! And good tips! I'm a new follower!
Oh, Sweetie, a top post. Bravo. I concur with it all, of course, especially #1. I posted about it at http://www.lifeonplanetbaby.com/2011/02/tutorial-handling-comments-and-email.html if anyone's interested. J x
Great advice! I love the "end with a question" part. Thanks for sharing and visiting my blog. 8^)
Very nice this blogging tip series, thanks for it! Very good suggestions! Have a lovely weekend,
You are right on all fronts.
One suggestion I have is don't leave a comment just to get a comment back. I try to get back to everyone but as you say time sometimes prevents it.
There are several big blogs I comment on and have never got a comment back, or maybe only once. Although it would not be honest to say I don't care...I completely understand. It doesn't stop me from commenting. If I genuinely love a post I will comment no matter if the love is not returned.
Thanks for your tips. I am following you now in anticipation of more great info and posts.
Well now, that is good advice, I'm going to look up this catchya thing right now. cheers!
Joining some link parties have helped me get more comments.
Fondly,
Glenda
Niiiceeee tips! Love it!
I was wondering how you write a post and add the pinterest pictures?
Hi
Where is the capatra behind the scenes? I cannot find, esp as Blogger has changed a bit!
The Bathtime Team
Hi Anita, You are right about Blogger changes. I prefer the old Blogger interface as I find it easier to navigate. If you are able to switch to 'old interface' (mentioned in top right corner of your Blogger acct), go to Settings and then to Comments. Click 'no' at 'Show word verification for comments?'. Hope that helps! XOL
Great blogging tips !! I love to learn new tips and ideas. The blogging world is such a vast and beautiful playground. I agree with you...you can meet some really incredible souls.
I love visiting the UK. Have you ever purchased anything from the Celtic Sheepskin Company? A British girlfriend of mine introduced me to the company -on line- and I LOVE IT. Ok, that has nothing to do with blogging, but everything to do with real life in the UK. Lynne xx
@ Lynne- I don't know it. I'll have to check it out :)
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