Blog Tip: You’re an Idiot If You Don’t Comment, Yes That’s Right Idiot!

by Franklin Bishop on August 22, 2008

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m about to call you an idiot if you are not commenting on other blogs. So if you are not commenting on other blogs, then start doing it you idiot! I keep getting e-mails that people are just not seeing any traffic from commenting on a “couple of blogs”. Well hello! Commenting just on a couple of blogs will only bring you minimal traffic.

Remember my blog post about how I comment on 36 blogs. Well now I am commenting on 42 different blogs and for one reason, they are constantly bringing traffic to my blog! What, you think I like taking the time every day to comment on this many blogs. I always feel like there’s something better I could be doing, but if this is a way to bring traffic to my blog then I have to do it.

I’m not sure why people do not believe me or other bloggers. I see all these people that are trying to help other bloggers by trying to persuade them to comment! Trust me, I’m doing the exact same thing. So I decided to do my own little type of case study. It is nothing extreme by no means. All I did was decide not to comment on another blog for five straight days. This was Saturday through Wednesday.

It was really hard not to do this because I already knew that would hurt the traffic to my blog and not gain me more subscribers.

Here’s what happened:

I actually lost subscribers. Obviously I was gaining subscribers and more than how many I was losing.

I received less comments on my blog posts because I didn’t have the traffic from other blogs. Usually the people that come to your blog from your comments are ones that will probably comment on your own blog. This would make sense considering they were reading other peoples comments.

I received less traffic! Amazing, who would’ve thought I would lose traffic when I’m not commenting on other blogs. That was sarcastic if you did not catch on.

Obviously, you have to comment on other peoples blogs. It can’t just be a couple of blogs. You have got to get used to commenting on a bunch of blogs. It is like anything else, you can train yourself to get used to it and then it won’t be any problem. Otherwise, if you don’t do this it is simple; you are an idiot.

It is okay if you have been an idiot for a while. It took me a long time to actually to realize that commenting on other peoples blogs is still the number one way of getting the “right” people to your blog. I was an idiot too.

{ 7 trackbacks }

Blog Tip: You're an Idiot If You Are Not Commenting on Forums | Franklin Bishop | Blogging Millionare | Blog Tips | Make Money Online
September 1, 2008 at 10:51 am
inalentagus.com » Blog Tip: You’re an Idiot If You Are Not Commenting on Forums
September 10, 2008 at 8:47 am
Listen Up You Panzees: Content is not King | Franklin Bishop | Blogging Millionaire | Blog Tips | Make Money Online
September 29, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Blog Comment Day 2008 — Lainie Sips
December 1, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Franklin Bishop | Blog Expert & Social Media Expert | Blog Tips | Blog Millionaire
December 15, 2008 at 8:32 am
Task Series - Task # 4 : Make comments on blogs! | Blog Design Studio
February 12, 2009 at 11:46 am
How To Still A ZERO Blogger | Blogger Instinct
July 21, 2009 at 8:32 am

{ 94 comments… read them below or add one }

DC August 27, 2008 at 5:05 pm

I’m doing my part to cure my own idiocy :) Fun post!

Reply

onlinetreason August 28, 2008 at 3:35 pm

Well thank you!

Reply

Permana Jayanta August 31, 2008 at 2:26 pm

Blogwalking .. i like to do that …
I wil happy if i got the first who comment in a post. I earn a lot of traffic from first commenting.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:59 am

Being the first comment on blogs is a huge benefit. You get so much more traffic than if you would have been in the middle or the end.

Reply

Eric September 20, 2008 at 5:17 am

Hey Franklin,

Have you done any case study or anything on the right way to leave a comment. I mean is there any commenting or style that is better than the other. Meaning do you comment open and honestly, controversially, speaking your mind, or do you leave an open ended question. Do you have you tried any of these and would you suggest any of them better than the next?

Just wondering!

Eric

Erics last blog post..$200 For Being a Commentator It’s Just That Simple – Keep it SEO Simple

Reply

James September 20, 2008 at 6:04 am

Hmmm…’better’ in what way? Seems to me that this would depend on what exactly your purpose for commenting is. If all you are doing is responding to someone’s post – then there is no ‘right’ way to comment. Just say what you want to say. If, on the other hand, you are commenting to promote your own site in hopes of attracting visitors, then it depends on what compels other people to read comments. Again, I doubt that there is any one ‘right’ way. Sure, being near the top is good – but your comment should be relevant, unique, and maybe even insightful.

If I read a comment and am impressed with the content of what that person had to say, I am probably more likely to click over to that person’s webpage. However, not everyone is like me. For some people, it may simply be the ‘name’ you use or your avatar that prompts them to click – neither of which has anything to do with the content of the comment!

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:58 am

Well try to write at least three sentences. Writing anything less than that looks like comment spam. It is fitting that I try to make my own comment three sentences.

Reply

Keep It SEO Simple September 23, 2008 at 8:06 am

Sure leaving comments can help, I try to do it as much as possible. But it can get annoying reading comments that consist of nothing more than “Great post!” or “Thanks for the information!”. It makes you wonder if the person actually read the post.

Reply

Tiffany Silvers September 24, 2008 at 10:01 am

I think that we all should be commenting no matter what. We need to make it so that people think that we want to be part of a blogging community so then they will want to be part of your blogging community. I just think that people don’t want to think that someone is a robot and that they might actually talk to them.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:57 am

You’re so right. If people realize that you want to be part of other communities they will likely want to be part of your community.

Reply

Blake Raab September 24, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Good stuff. Commenting builds backlinks too, but I agree that the community aspect is very important. Just started my blog not too long ago, so I haven’t seen alot of traffic yet.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:56 am

The community aspect is really important. Check out my latest blog post about how to build a community on your blog. I really watched over some blogs for the past two months to get my information to try to help you build a community.

Reply

Digerati - SeizeThePage.com September 26, 2008 at 4:19 am

I love me some comments and commenting om nom nom nom.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:54 am

LOL, everyone does.

Reply

Keep It SEO Simple September 26, 2008 at 6:08 am

Ok, sure leave a comment if you must. All I am saying is it would be great if the poster at least takes the time to read through the post before commenting. Far too many posts are nothing more than “Great post!” or variations thereof. Community is great but not at the expense of content…at least that’s what I think!

Keep It SEO Simples last blog post..Application Letter For Copywriting Position

Reply

James September 28, 2008 at 11:27 pm

I know what you mean. However, I’d rather a person leave me an encouraging or complimentary comment than none at all. It helps to reinforce that what I am doing. Of course, if I am presenting an argument in a post and all I get are comments like “You’re wrong” or “I disagree” then I will be disappointed. Such comments are neither encouraging nor helpful.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:54 am

Yes, the whole great post thing is really annoying. If you have something to say, then say it. Atleast try to write a three to five sentence paragraph.

Reply

mapalabs September 26, 2008 at 10:50 am

Guilty.

I hadn’t realised the importance, but I am definately going to be giving it a go after reading your blog, and everyone’s comments.

Look, I started already :)

mapalabss last blog post..New SMS services continue to increase across the UK Financial Services sector

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:52 am

Good job! Comments will largely bring traffic to your blog and I’m sure you’ll love that. I mean if you can get 50 to a hundred visitors to your blog just because you’re commenting it is worth it.

Reply

goldfries September 29, 2008 at 11:26 pm

Some people just comment spam. I detest that.

I prefer constructive comments. One that adds to the discussion. :) So I think it’s better off that people practice constructive commenting instead of comment spam.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:51 am

Yes, that is very true. Comment spam is really annoying, however, getting all those comments seems to get everyone else involved in the conversation. I guess you just have to decide for yourself.

Reply

James October 1, 2008 at 3:49 am

Constructive comments are always the most satisfactory to receive as a writer. Thoughtful and engaging questions are also a pleasure to receive, as it is an indication that readers are generally finding the writing engaging or thought-provoking. Of course, I don’t mind the occasional quick compliment, either! Sometimes you will receive comments that indicate that the person either didn’t read all of or didn’t understand your post – which can be frustrating. But it may also be a sign that you need to write more clearly. So yes, comments of various kinds can all be quite helpful.

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 28, 2008 at 10:49 am

You hit it right on the nail.

Reply

Scott October 5, 2008 at 2:45 am

Wo Great blog, check out my site if your interested in making some money :) Realcashmoney.bravehost.com

Reply

Franklin Bishop October 5, 2008 at 3:47 pm

Thanks a lot. I’ll make sure to check out your web site. Nice having you here.

Reply

anouar November 1, 2008 at 1:56 am

Ok, i have been an idiot for a while, but listen to me bishop.
if you don’t bring me some traffic, i will suck your blood like dracula.

thanks great post

Reply

Mark November 4, 2008 at 1:39 pm

Maybe someone can tell me how to find lots of blogs which are popular and have lots of commenting. Is there a blog directory in particular I should check. Most blogs I find have very little commenting.

Reply

anouar November 5, 2008 at 1:46 am

you are on the right place, mark;

77 comments is a lot.

Reply

Franklin Bishop November 5, 2008 at 12:09 pm

Well, what is your blog niche?

Reply

Mys November 14, 2008 at 9:35 am

I’ve been an idiot far too long. Thanks for this wake up call. I will try to devote more time to commenting.

Reply

Franklin Bishop November 16, 2008 at 9:22 pm

Hopefully you will devote more time. I think it will really help with getting more traffic.

Reply

Whateverebay November 14, 2008 at 10:54 pm

I totally agree with ya! I have been so busy with other things, that I have not had time to focus on my blog or commenting. Anyhow, yes, without commenting traffic does decrease. Not off the charts, but enough to make you appreciate the value of commenting. I would say, that was my mini-Idiot phase :) – This new template really works for you! ~ Laura

Reply

Franklin Bishop November 16, 2008 at 9:11 pm

Well hopefully commenting will help you also. I really enjoy commenting and I get to know a lot of great people.

Reply

Linda December 12, 2008 at 8:06 am

I think the point needs to made that you need to make a “valued” comment and not just comment for the sake of getting someone follow you back to your blog.

I tend to only leave comments on blogs that I actually enjoy reading.

Reply

Jeff Goins December 21, 2008 at 4:16 pm

Um, I’m commenting, because I don’t want to be an idiot. Good blog, and great point. Totally experienced this awhile back. Realized that I would get more out of my blog by investing into others’ blogs.

Reply

Franklin Bishop December 21, 2008 at 5:05 pm

It definitely does work. You can get a lot of good traffic and new subscribers. I basically went on a commenting rampage for two days and increased my subscriber count by 200.

Reply

Jeff Goins December 21, 2008 at 5:43 pm

cool

Reply

Shirley December 21, 2008 at 6:06 pm

Haha. What an inflammatory headline! Yes, my personal philosophy is: ‘If I take time to read it, I will comment.’

Reply

bet December 24, 2008 at 2:35 am

I didn’t realize how important it is to comment. I have been commenting only on blogs I really like, and have something to say, but now I realize one should comment on every blog for back-links and positive feed-back. I just found you tonight, kind of late in the game.

Reply

Trader Mom December 25, 2008 at 12:51 am

Nice Blog. I book marked your site

Reply

Leoney December 29, 2008 at 8:07 pm

I don’t want to called idiot, so I commented your site here….ha…ha…

Reply

Vidhya January 13, 2009 at 8:28 am

I never knew that commenting will give traffic to our blog. Okay I will try from now onwards.

Your site is too good. :)

Does the design of the blog affect our traffic?? I am not good at designing a site. So have just used a default template. I am really impressed by your design and just realized that even the design matters. Lol.

Reply

Vince January 14, 2009 at 5:32 am

I definitely like your approach. Hehehehe… funny… but true.

I love commenting to other people’s blog. And may I add that in my experience so far, commenting on other people’s blog and by placing a link in their comments just like what I did here in this post, in some ways it can add a traffic on your blog. So better not miss posting your blog link as well at the end of your post. :)

http://www.wsmuniversity.blogspot.com

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post: Vacation Day & My Best Articles

Next post: Blog Tip: Do Whatever It Takes (Like John Edwards!)