< It's not what you say, it's how you say it : Bulk writing: 5 reasons to plan several posts in one go >
All sites need content. Not just any content, either - it needs to be worth reading, otherwise why will anyone read it?
However, adding new posts is not the only thing to be aware of here. As it's so important to write good quality content, some sites don't realise that there's more to it than writing posts.
Write great posts.
Let's start at the start. Your posts have to be worth reading. If you're not already a writer, this may take some time to get right. But if you're just starting out, that's OK - you can spend some time honing your writing skills before people start finding your site.I have a few other posts that expand on this subject:
- Before you start blogging... Think!
- 6 ways to make every post count
- Subscription should be an offer your visitors can't refuse
Write great comments.
If you don't read other people's blogs, it's time to change that. Join Entrecard and start looking around to see what blogs there are on the network. It's a great way to find new sites.Sometimes you'll find sites that you want to come back to - I suggest using Google Reader to subscribe to them. Check out my Google Reader guide if you need help with this.
If you have something to say about a post on someone else's site, you might want to leave a comment. To me, a comment is an extension of my own blog entries. I put a lot of effort into my comments.
I'm going to build on this in tomorrow's blog entry with some tips for commenting on other people's blogs. Until then, I'll just say that it's worth taking a little extra time on writing your comments. Sometimes you don't have much to say, and sometimes it's already been said by someone else, but I like to post comments that are worth reading - just like my posts.
You might also be interested in this post:
Write great replies.
When someone comments on your blog, reply to them. Some blogs are simply too busy to do this, but I think this is a shame - I always try to reply to every one of the comments I receive on my blog.I have seen blogs where the author admits to not updating very often, yet somehow they get a dozen comments on a typical post - and they reply to one of the comments. That's it. What's the point in leaving a comment if the author doesn't reply?
I like to make an effort when it comes to replying to people's comments. I make an effort to reply in the first place, and I make an effort to write a good reply. Sometimes people comment to say that they really liked a blog entry - this is great to hear, of course, it's just hard to say a lot in reply to that (not that I mind). So it's not always possible to write a long reply to everyone - it depends what they say.
Do you have time for this?
If you get hundreds of comments and hundreds of emails every day, maybe you really struggle to find time to reply to every comment. But if you're just starting out and you don't have time to reply to a few comments on each post, or you don't have time to write a decent comment when you post on other people's sites, do you really have time to run a site?It DOES take a lot of time. Running a site is NOT a quick and easy thing, unless you're happy to not get loads of readers. Lower traffic sites can do well too, but it can be very difficult to build momentum if you're not writing great content, great comments, and great replies. Don't make excuses. Make the time, or consider if you really have time to run a site.
What do you think?
Do you do all of the above?Do you struggle for time?
How do you feel if you post a good comment on someone's site and they simply don't reply to you? (besides A-list bloggers who get loads and loads of comments, of course)
Tags: quality content, comments, replying to comments
Posted by Ben on February 29, 2008 18:19 / Edited: February 29, 2008 18:58
Comments
Thanks for the comment, Traveller. Ironically the photo at the top of the site is actually older! :)
I don't usually make comments.
thought you were older.
I make an effort both when commenting on posts and replying to comments left on my own posts, although sometimes it is really hard to reply to a comment I atleast thank them for the time they have taken to do so.
As far as leaving comments on other blogs, I do try to leave something that goes beyond, "great post" or "completely agree".
I believe the whole point in blogging, is building a relationship with your readers, if I feel a blogger consistently ignores his readers, I will probably just stop commenting ...
Have a great weekend!
Hi, Ben I agree about the photo. I was surprised to say the least. You know how much I love your site. I think you do. Something I have always wondered. I do try very hard to at least respond to my comments. Sometimes there is not a lot to come back and say, but I at least will tell someone thanks. Do you just reply on your site in the comment sections, do you go to their site? What is the proper etiquette? After you comment on someones site how do you remember which ones you comment on and do you go back to see if someone has responded? As for someone not acknowledging when I leave a comment, I have to admit I have less respect for that author. I will sometimes post again but after that I don't go back.
Great tips, Ben, as usual :)
bendzg - I'm 27. Leaving comments on other sites is worth doing - it helps to build some good friendships. Nice to see you made an exception for me. :)
Mirjam - I totally agree. In addition to writing good content, I want to make everyone feel welcome when they comment. Hope you have a good weekend too.
ettarose - seems like a running theme here! Now to your question - it really depends. If someone leaves a comment on my blog it doesn't necessarily mean I'll have something to say about their blog. I subscribe to some blogs, and comment on some blogs. I look at the latest post on any blog that drops their card on my site via Entrecard, but I only comment if I have something to say. If I want to follow-up comments, I subscribe to the site in Google Reader and click the "star" icon next to any posts I comment on. This is a really good way to keep track without getting flooded with emails (you can subscribe to comments on some blogs). Bit of a long answer, hope that is what you were looking for!
Scientist - thanks. :)
Thanks for all the comments!
Content is the thing that gets people to keep coming back. Throwing comments out there on other blogs is good for introducing yourself and engaging with other bloggers. As for responding to comments, I do if I think it is needed, and will help clarify a point or respond to something thats been said. I tend not to worry about replying to the "nice post" sort of comments ...I mean what can you say other than "thanks".
Thanks Ian. If I start getting more comments that basically say "nice post" then I may just reply to those all in one go, rather than replying to each person separately. Either way I often post one comment that replies to lots of people, but I split it by name.
I totally agree with everything you are saying. I subscribe to several blogs - some small but a few have a large reader base - like pioneerwoman. i've stopped writing comments on each of her entry because she never replies. she's a great writer - tells fab stories...and i'm not a slog when it comes to replies. but still not response. i assume that's because she has over 300+ comments a day - sometimes over 600 - more if she's giving stuff away.
my other situation is people leaving comments as 'anon' - can't quite respond to them in my current format.
i'm loving your tips on blogging. keep up the good work and say hi to my twin. and the furry one.
Hello again. :) Thanks for the comment, I'm not really sure what I'd say to the most popular bloggers about replying to commenters - there isn't an easy answer. If I ever get that many comments on my blog then I'm not sure what I'll do! I'm in the swing of replying though, and I'd like to keep doing it, so we'll see.
Thanks for the praise - the other members of the Barden family say hi!
Ben, you could have mentioned about headlines.. Different bloggers have different styles of posting headlines. Somehow I like your headlines.. They are just plain and factual instead of cosmopolitan type (copy blogger)
PS: I am having problem with verification string.. I am not sure if its because of my browser's cache. But I never get it verified first time I submit
nishu, thanks for the comment. I can't cover everything in one post - this is more to do with the text you write than how you structure it with headings etc.
The verification string is case-sensitive - that might be why it isn't going through first time. I'll make sure that is highlighted in the next update. Also, your browser needs to accept session cookies. If you are still having problems, please contact me using the contact link at the top of the page and we can try and figure out what's going on.
I have to agree with Nishu's point. I am fairly new to the idea of blogging from a "more than just personal reasons" stance and I appreciate your plain upfront language throughout your site. There are so many that I have read and left thinking I still didn't get half of it because of all the industry jargon used in the author's post.
Your copy is refreshingly free of the techno-speakage if that is a term even.
Thanks for commenting, Stacy. :) Glad you found my posts useful, hope you'll be back soon. Let me know if you have any suggestions for future posts.
Good advice all around.
You look a lot younger with the 3/4 picture than the "side" one on your logo.