Popularity has a price: You’ve got to do some Work

Some of my students have started blogging, and one student asked me today [actually in a comment on my first post]:

“How can I get my blog noticed?”

Interestingly enough, that question was answered in a blog posting today, April 25, from Problogger.net, one of the most popular blogs around. Blogging expert Darren Rowse said that adding comments on other blogs, especially the most popular ones, is a great way to build traffic.

Darren’s article referred me to a 2007 post listing 11 tips for getting your comments noticed on a popular blog. Would you believe there were 136 comments on that one article?

No, I couldn’t read all of them . . . had to stop myself somewhere around comment 93. But I learned a lot and wanted to share some of Darren’s tips, some from his readers, and just a few I’ve picked up along the Revolutionary Road we’re traveling.

Tips to get your blog noticed

• First off, social media is really all about conversation, so the comments are every bit as important as the post. IMPLICATION: Be sure your comment adds value and doesn’t just say “I agree” or “You suck” or “Read my blog.”

• When you read a blog, you ought to consider leaving your comment. Lots of people have set goals for themselves to comment on every blog post they read. Of course, if you read someone’s opinion every single day and you comment every single day, you could be getting a bad rep as a stalker.

• Commenting gives you a chance to show what you know. And that’s always fun; plus you really can contribute, especially if you stay on topic. Very important. Stay on topic; don’t talk just to be heard.

• If you want to connect with people, then your comments should show some of your personality and/or sense of humor. A comment has been called a mini-resume. You can be establishing your personal brand in your comments.

• Actually, I’d read advice early on that commenting was the best way to find your voice before you started to actually blog.

• In the business world, lots of comments are complaints — and this isn’t always a totally negative situation. Actually it is an opportunity for a company to handle a problem that they might never have known about otherwise. Handling disagreeable comments in a polite and respectful manner goes a long way to building better relationships and the community that companies are now trying to establish.

• One last tip: Ask relevant and thoughtful questions in your comment, so . . .

What kind of comment can you add here?

PS I did want to add a link to the Air Force’s “Blog Assessment” flow chart which offers suggestions on how to deal with comments on their blogs. Good for business people, particularly, to Think before Replying.

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