One of the more effective but labor-intensive content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies is to comment on blogs and leave a link back to your own website.
Of course, a lot of people comment on blogs simply because they want to engage in the conversation. Most bloggers welcome comments, regardless of the poster’s motivation, since comments are good for the site’s ranking. But not every comment will get published.
Some bloggers will allow any comment to immediately go live on their site; others (like me) moderate comments. The decision to moderate and even edit is a privilege that comes with owning the site. No website owner is required to post your comment.
These tips will increase the likelihood that your blog comments will be published and – more important – that they’ll have a positive impact on your search engine rankings:
1. Comment early. Follow your favorite bloggers and be one of the first few to comment. Most readers are not going to scroll down past the first few, and many don’t even bother to do that. Don’t get lost in the crowd.
2. Make your comment meaningful. Be specific and authentic. Praise a particular concept; offer an alternative thought; expand on the information provided. Don’t just say “great blog” – write something that shows you actually read it.
3. Be respectful. It’s fine to disagree, but be courteous as you state your opinion. When you are posting a comment on someone else’s blog, you are a guest in their space, so put on your company manners. If you are rude and insulting (especially to the blogger but to anyone else as well), don’t be surprised if your comment either doesn’t get published or is published with edits.
4. Link sparingly. Most blogs will allow you to include your own website in your identification, so you get a backlink from that. It’s okay to add a link or two in your comments, but be conservative, because many bloggers won’t allow a long list of links to other sites (it’s too much like spam). Also, don’t just leave backlinks, explain them. Example: “This blog makes some interesting points about the subject. I have some additional perspectives on the topic in my blog at [link]”
5. Avoid profanity. This tip shouldn’t be necessary, but in today’s world, it appears that people need to be reminded to avoid using certain words that many still consider unacceptable in polite conversation. Some bloggers are okay with profanity in comments; others may edit and still others won’t post the comment at all. If you’re not sure, the best approach is to not use any questionable words, even if they are a part of your everyday vocabulary.
6. Proofread. Check your comment for typos, spelling, punctuation and grammar errors; don’t let your published comment be a poor reflection on you.
Want to practice these tips? Join the conversation by commenting below.
Jacquelyn's latest book is Christian Business Almanac: The Ultimate Daily Guide for Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneurs and Leaders.
She is the author of the nonfiction books Simple Facts About Self-Publishing (Second Edition), Words to Work By: 31 devotions for the workplace based on the Book of Proverbs and Finding Joy in the Morning: You can make it through the night as well as the novel Choices (A Joyful Cup Story). With her husband, she is the co-creator of several coloring books for adults and the novelty My Book About series.
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