So, you have your WordPress blog installed, set up, and you are blogging like a true Blogger! Awesome!
Before you know it, someone is going to leave a comment on something that you have written! The first time this happens, you should probably call your Mom and thank her for leaving the comment on your site 馃檪
Seriously, when someone that you do not know first leaves a comment, it is a wonderful feeling of validation. You have written something that a complete stranger has:
- Discovered in your little corner of the internet;
- Read what you wrote; and,
- Spent time to respond to by leaving a comment for you!
It really is an awesome feeling when that happens. In fact, even as comments continue to come in, it is STILL a great feeling to see that there are people out there coming, reading, and replying to what you have to say.
Since this is nice, you should acknowledge the person by commenting back to them. Think of it as common courtesy. After all, if you left comments on someone else’s blog and you never heard a word back from them, would you continue to leave messages there? Probably not! Why would you expect other people to be any different?
With the Thanksgiving season upon us (here in the US, that is), be thankful for the folks that come to your blog. Expressing your gratitude and thanks is a whole other topic (and blog of mine! All About Gratitude) – when you do so, there is a better chance that they will come back and do it again!
The next time someone leaves a comment, take the opportunity to reply back to ’em!
Yea…. Love being the first! Great article, simple and so logical. Now I would love to know, do you reply to “everyone” who comments? Thanks Paul.
Elvie -In the past, the answer was no. However, if you check out the comments on this site, you will see that I think I do 95% of the time. 馃檪
Great tip!
I try to reply to all comments although on occasion some slip by me.
Depending on how many commentors (commenters?) you have leaving comments, it can be tough, Jodi! Do your best 馃檪
i think it is very important to respond to a comment!
without responding no discussion
and it is rude and impolite and anti-social not to respond.
Absolutely, Helen! I don’t want to be considered rude, impolite, or anti-social! Thanks for commenting!
Great article and reminder of how we need to continually connect and build relationships with our “fans.” Thanks for this!
That is a key point, Jennifer – there is a lot to connecting with your readers when you reply to the comments they leave!
I do remember that feeling the first time someone I didn’t know commented on a blog… it was great! Thanks for the reminder to respond & say thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving as well, Jandi! (And yup! I love that feeling 馃槈
Hi Paul as a matter of fact I always comment to thank my readers, freinds and fans sometimes I wonder if they read the questions or comments I offer them, is there a way to check this if they have not subscribed to my site?
Thanks Paul! ( speaking about gratitutde;)
Patricia
There is no easy way to do that, Patricia 馃檨
I love receiving comments and I also enjoy responding to them! Makes me feel like I am connecting with friends! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Glad I could, Denny 馃檪
That’s so funny. My Carolina HeartStrings partner and I had this conversation this week. We had not been commenting back much and she suggested that we start. I notice alot of sites DO comment back. I think because we do a lot of recipes and after 10 comments of “yum” it’s hard to say something genuine and different to each one I feel like comments aren’t as necessary. BUT on other posts I think we should start. Not sure if they see the responses though…. ?
In some cases, it may be difficult to say something unique (like the situation you found yourself in).
It is still a good thing to try to keep up with the comments!
Great article and very important reminder for us to acknowledge the comments we receive. It’s something I have always done as it’s provides you with an opportunity to reach out to the people coming to your site.
Thanks, Annemarie! Keep up the great practice!