Being a blogger means being part of a larger community. You’ve put yourself out there on the net, and you’re (ideally) attracting people that are interested in what you’re doing. You love to get comments on your blog (you do have comments turned on, right? And you’re responding?) But what about commenting on other people’s blogs?
Well, obviously this is a great “do unto others” strategy. But you might be surprised what an impact this can have on your blog too.
This is the way it happens. You read a post that interests you. You leave a comment, maybe adding some helpful information, affirming a point, maybe even disagreeing. Now someone else visits the same post, and is interested as you were (common interest). They check out the comments, and, yes, they click on your name (which leads to your website, or your Blogger profile, right?). They find that they have more in common with you, and they’re interested in what you’re doing. Cool!
It’s becoming more obvious that commenting on other people’s blogs – good, relevant comments (not spam, or “here’s my site that might interest somebody” (which is usually spam)) is a powerful way to bring the right visitors to your site (see the video below as an example of the power of commenting).
Remember, we’re talking about helpful comments, not comments just added in the hopes that someone will click over to your blog.
This may not drive hundreds of people to your site, but it may mean those one or two key contacts that make a big difference. And there are more benefits to taking the time for relevant commenting. Simply, you make friends with the other blogger. You can discuss common issues, sharpen your thinking, maybe even partner in ministry. It’s worth taking the time to build relationships.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great tool. See I am using your advice right now. 3 have made many good friends in the blogging world this way.
I try and Set aside time for this each week, not only do I generate guys but I get to read a lot of great stuff as well.
That’s a great point! You can learn a lot when you read someone else and not just yourself.
Thanks for the comment, Johnny!
Good point you have made. I have found this to be true.
Good post with well made points.
I often leave comment on other Blogs but I’m not very good at responding to comments left on my own Blog. Need to sharpen up on that.
I have just opened up a new blog to voice some of what has been on my heart for a while. I would enjoy your visit!
Yesterday I opened up my first blog, your site has already been helpful. I am saving you to my favorites; I know that I have much to learn, being just bush missionary the once a week jot on the web has not allowed me time to explore this venue of communication before now.
This is brilliant! My last mission trip I actually was working with a fellow I met here. I was perusing the feed one day, read a post I liked a lot, and popped over to the site to leave a comment.
When I got there, I realized he is located in the same town I had on my heart to minister in. We emailed back and forth for about a year, and in April of this year I finally met him in person. Very unique, and it’s all because of a comment.
just found your tips for missionary bloggers! So excited! I am learning so much! Thanks! And yes, the connections I have made through comments are really amazing!
The golden rule does it every time!