How to Write Thoughtful Blog Comments May 14, 2019
Do you struggle to connect with other bloggers? Do you feel too shy? Please keep reading if you’re looking for simple, tangible tips on (1) breaking out of your comfort zone and (2) comment-writing etiquette (for blogs AND social media). Learn how to network with other bloggers and how write thoughtful blog comments.
Fun fact: I am probably the shyest extrovert you’ll ever meet. As a shy individual, it was a challenge for me to muster the courage to connect with other bloggers and leave comments. But Y’ALL – I’m so glad that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to network.
3 Tips for Networking with Other Bloggers
Before we dive into tips for writing thoughtful comments, we’ll discuss tips for networking with other bloggers or influencers.
1. Try blog comment threads
I cannot emphasize enough how easy blog comment threads make it to connect with other bloggers. I suggest trying to connect with bloggers who (1) write content that you’re interested in or that is similar to yours AND/OR (2) connecting with bloggers who’ve indicated they’ll “return comments.”
2. Join an Engagement Pod
Although this is more common for platforms like Instagram, Engagement Pods can be a great space to connect with other bloggers. I’ve created genuine friendships with some fantastic bloggers this way.
3. Focus on building relationships with 1 – 2 bloggers (at first)
Try focusing on building relationships with a small network of bloggers. It can be overwhelming to think you need to connect with thousands of people to grow. What good is it to have thousands of followers if no one engages with your content?
Start small and work your courage up until you feel comfortable leaving a comment. “Liking” and “retweeting” content can go a long way, too.
5 Dos and Don’ts for Writing Thoughtful Comments
Writing thoughtful comments on other blogs is key to fostering your own engaging, dynamic comment section. Growing a strong community requires effort and investing in the blogging community.
1. DON’T link drop
Out-of-context link-dropping is hands-down one of the rudest blogging behaviors.
From a social media perspective, out-of-context link dropping is when someone drops a link on a thread without providing any context to the content. This behavior is fine when done on a blog-comment thread that is hosted by a Blogger Retweet Account (check out this post for 40+ Blogger Retweet Accounts). Link dropping is expected then!
So when is this behavior rude? If another blogger hosts a “link drop” thread on Twitter, it is common courtesy to introduce yourself or to provide context regarding the post you are sharing. If you are not acquainted with the blogger hosting the thread, introduce yourself! If you are meeting someone for the first time, would you immediately ask them to do you a favor without introducing yourself? I don’t think so.
When is link-dropping potentially rude from a blog-comment perspective? Linking or promoting your own content on another blogger’s post is rude, unless that blogger has specifically asked you to share a link. There are exceptions to this “rule,” such as when you use your blog URL in your comment signature. If you were attending a book reading at a bookshop, would you interrupt the visiting author to read a passage from your own work? I don’t think so.
2. DO use a blog signature
Referencing your blog URL in an email signature is an effective and courteous way to promote your blog when connecting with (1) new bloggers and (2) bloggers who use a different blogging platform or comment-hosting program (ex. Blogger, WordPress, Wix, Disqus).
Also, if you are blogging on a platform such as WordPress, make sure that your blog URL is properly linked to your account. Don’t let a broken blog link be the reason you lose out on new followers.
3. DON’T write a generic comment
I caution against leaving generic comments. You’re unlikely to build a relationship or good exchange with generic comments. These types of comments are statements that have no substance to them (ex. “great post,” “nice post,” “thanks for sharing these ideas” etc.).
Why don’t generic comments work? These comments don’t give the writer any indication that you’ve actually read his or her work. Instead, comments like this could indicate that you are phishing for comments in return. These are totally fine statements to use in conjunction with additional details, but are otherwise meaningless on their own.
4. DO write a well-thought comment that pulls from the writer’s post
If you find the prospect of commenting daunting, try using this formula to help you get started:
Compliment + Context + Signature/Sign-Off = Thoughtful Comment
A compliment can be as simple as “Great post” or “thank you for sharing.” A good comment should provide additional context as to what specifically you liked about the author’s post. For example:
“Thank you for sharing this post. I really loved your advice regarding effectively tagging your blog posts – I’m going to start implementing this strategy in my future posts. Happy Blogging!
XX, The Newbury Girl | thenewburygirl.com”
A thoughtful comment doesn’t have to be a long paragraph (although it can be if you want). However, it should clearly indicate to the author that you’ve taken the time to read his or her post. Asking a thoughtful question or responding to a blogger’s question prompts could be another way to signal that you’ve taken the time to read the author’s post.
5. Don’t Neglect Comments
Don’t neglect those who take the time to comment on your posts. Personally, I’ve stopped commenting on bloggers’ posts when I consistently show support but receive no acknowledgement back.
While I recommend responding to a comment, with another comment… a simple “like” will suffice to let the commenter know that you’ve read his or her comment. As you grow your following, this may become challenging. However, chances are if you’re reading this post then returning comments should be doable.
Personally, I’ve become friends with other bloggers through blog commenting. Why miss out on an opportunity to make a new friend?
Final Thoughts on How to Write Thoughtful Comments
So what’s the big takeaway? Online people are still real people. As such, we need to remember to treat our online friends and acquaintances with the same courtesy we would treat others if we met them in-person.
Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ | Influenster
Did you find my top tips to write thoughtful comments helpful? Check out this post for tips on using Twitter to network.
Are you a new blogger looking for tips and tricks on how to grow your blog? Helpful Tools for Blog Planning & Scheduling
Are you a seasoned blogger just looking for a few pointers? Check out Blogger Recognition Award: Why I Write & Tips for New Bloggers and 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging.
Do you struggle with writing engaging comments? What is the best comment-etiquette advice you’ve ever received?
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Accidental Blogger says
May 14, 2019 at 6:59 amWow! This is some really well researched and thoughtful article you just wrote.
I agree that directly dropping links and asking for follow in comment section is rude.
Only comment when you’ve actually read the post and liked it. Then you can share your honest thoughts and opinions about it.
Keep writing and sharing wonderful content ❤️
(Hope this one’s ideal comment? 😜)
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:01 pmThank you so much – you are aways so thoughtful with your comments and posts! <3 Really appreciate it.
gabbyabigailll says
May 14, 2019 at 9:54 amGirl, this is absolutely spot on! XO You’re so right. I can confirm that leaving thoughtful comments can make a huge difference. I always try to return comments on all of my posts and I appreciate everyone who does the same, like YOU. I’m so glad we personally became friends through blog commenting. Thank you for sharing these tips! I hope more people would implement these tips! (:
Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:03 pmAw thank you so much, girl! and I’m so glad we connect through comment swaps!!!!! You are such a ray of sunshine. <3
Nowhere Tribune says
May 14, 2019 at 1:08 pmGreat post! 🙂 No really–these are good tips. I especially like number 5. I’ve also quit trying to connect with certain bloggers once they’ve ignored me several times. There are plenty others willing to engage.
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:02 pmI’m so sorry that you’ve had negative experiences with other bloggers and hahah I’m glad that you found this helpful. Commenting can definitely be scary and/or frustrating when you take the time to support someone but don’t feel like you’re being heard. Happy Blogging!
Renard Moreau says
May 14, 2019 at 2:37 pm🙂 One of the reasons why I receive so many comments on my blog is that I always make a conscientious effort to respond to them in a timely manner. People like it when we respond to their comments.
Oh, and I am not fond of those generic comments either.
I have also noticed that a lot of WordPress bloggers do not update the URL on their Gravatar Profile whenever they switch to a new blog. It is somewhat annoying to be forwarded to a message that tells us that the person’s blog no longer exists when we click on their name.
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:05 pmThank you so much for your comment – I think it is awesome how engaged you are with your readers! I admit, sometimes I’m a little slow to respond to comments but I try to get back to people as quickly as I can!
And yes – I agree that it can be so frustrating trying to follow a blogger with a blog that isn’t properly connected! Sometimes, I will try to let those bloggers know (if I can). One of my friends on WordPress actually had to notify me that my link became broken when I renamed my blog!!
Happy Blogging! 🙂
sports, food,actives,life says
May 14, 2019 at 6:44 pmThis really helped me!!! I alwasy have been nervous about writing comments I never know what to write!!! LOL
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:06 pmAw I’m so glad that you found this helpful! <3 It can be really scary to put yourself out there, but most people are really kind in return. Hope you feel more courageous to interact with others through comments now!! 🙂
midnight.wink says
May 14, 2019 at 6:46 pmLoved this post! There’s nothing worse than generic comments that seem like they didn’t even take the time to read your post! Some great tips in here! I’ve always enjoyed exchanging comments with you and having conversations ☺️!! Thanks for the post! 💕
midnight.wink says
May 14, 2019 at 6:47 pmOops I didn’t use a signature! I need to work on your advice! 😉
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:07 pmAw thank you so much – I’m always living for your beauty reviews and your IG photos are always on-point! <3 Happy blogging, girl! 🙂
midnight.wink says
May 15, 2019 at 11:05 pmYou’re the absolute sweetest! Thank you so much! 💕
jennifertarheelreader says
May 14, 2019 at 7:42 pmThis is such a smart, helpful post, LP. I have been looking forward to your commentary on this because you are one of the most thoughtful commenters I know. You always make it clear you’ve read whatever review by how you comment. Thank you again and again for all YOUR thoughtfulness. ♥️
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:08 pmAw thank you!!!! I’ll admit, I had to edit this one a few times because I was slightly annoyed when I originally wrote this and it showed (LOL!). I think the tamed-down version still got my points across hahaha.
Loren says
May 15, 2019 at 10:54 amLove this post! I really hate it when people promote themselves in the comments instead of leaving a positive comment that pertains to the post or comments a generic ‘great post’
When I go to someone’s blog and see that they never answer or respond to comments, I then feel like not commenting because it seems as if the blogger doesn’t care about the people who visit them.
Thanks for sharing these tips.
Loren | plaidandsugar.blogspot.com
The Newbury Girl says
May 15, 2019 at 3:10 pmThank you so much for your comment, Loren! I 100% agree with you – it can be frustrating when people use the comment section to promote themselves (without being asked.. I’ve def asked for links before though!). And I agree that ignoring comments doesn’t leave the best impression on new visitors to a blog.
splitthenightj says
May 15, 2019 at 4:27 pmI love getting comments that show that you actually read the post. I am still new at this but I really agree that you can build connections. And I’ve definitely made a connection with a few. And I am so looking forward to getting to know some more bloggers.
Thanks for sharing this.
The Newbury Girl says
May 20, 2019 at 12:14 amI’m so glad to hear that you’re connecting with other bloggers!! It makes a world of difference to have friends out there to connect with regarding blogging (and it is cool to get to know people from all different walks of life and places around the globe!). Happy Blogging!
kattieh says
May 16, 2019 at 4:48 amThese are some really good tips. It’s really important to actually read posts and pull ideas from the post to write about in the comment. It is frustrating to get ‘great post’ because it really isn’t giving any feedback about the post! I always love getting your comments on my posts because they actually talk about what I’ve written!! X
The Newbury Girl says
May 20, 2019 at 12:11 amAw thank you girl – I’m sorry that I’m a little behind with commenting (as usual), but I’m so glad that you enjoy reading my comments! I always feel inspired to travel or step out of my fashion comfort zone whenever I read your posts!!
Shanz says
May 16, 2019 at 6:49 pmSuch a thoughtful and kool post! Really great tips I will most definitely keep some in mind.
Shanice | Faithnturtles.com
The Newbury Girl says
May 19, 2019 at 11:59 pmThank you so much! I’m so glad you found this helpful. <3
allthingsalexx says
May 18, 2019 at 1:03 pmThis is a really important aspect of blogging and engagement that I never really hear anybody talk about so I’m glad you’re talking about it. People need to be polite and genuine when it comes to engaging for it to be useful for anybody. You’ve really hit the nail on the head with advice and etiquette. I hope people read it and take notes!
Alex xx
The Newbury Girl says
May 19, 2019 at 11:54 pmAw thank you so much, Alex! This means a lot to me – it is so important to be genuine!!
annisbeautyboutique says
May 19, 2019 at 3:25 amThank you for this post. I’ve been blogging for a little while but have let my introverted ways get the better of me and haven’t been commenting up until a few days and it’s amazing what a difference it makes. There’s some really good handy ideas you’ve brought up in here though. X
The Newbury Girl says
May 19, 2019 at 11:52 pmIt took me months to build up the courage to really start connecting with others, so I totally understand. So glad you found this helpful and that you’re connecting with other bloggers! 🙂
annisbeautyboutique says
May 20, 2019 at 12:06 amI really did. There’s lots of lovely people out there to connect with. X
Hunida says
May 28, 2019 at 4:30 pmYes yes yes! I loved this post. I agree with everything you’ve written. I have stopped commenting & following blogs who don’t acknowledge me, too. It’s like… no matter how good the content is, it never feels good to be ignored! It makes their content less appealing somehow lol.
The Newbury Girl says
May 29, 2019 at 12:21 amlol! I’m so glad that you agree – I was nervous that people might think I was being petty hahah 😂 😂
And I agree about the content seeming less appealing – I know I’m guilty of delayed responses, but I try my best to get back to everyone lol (eventually)!
Hunida says
May 29, 2019 at 8:17 pmYou are not being petty in the slightest, in my opinion but maybe we both are LOL. Delayed responses are better than none. 😀 I love your blog & chatting back & forth with you!