Blogging for Comments or Content?
So here is a question for you… Is it better to have more comments to prove the value of your blog, or is it better to provide valuable content despite the number of comments received?
I have found that although I read many blogs I do not comment on all of them. For those blogs where I see that my comment will just get lost in the sea of comments already left I rarely leave a comment. You can always tell because the comments do not contain replies from the author, or at least very few. The blogs where I see that my comment holds value to the blog’s creator I am much more likely to leave them one.
I started blogging in January this year and I can tell you that not only do I hold each and every comment valuable, but I respond to each of them. For those people who leave comments I try to visit their blogs and leave them a comment as well. I know how much time and effort it takes to create a blog and how much it means to have others find value in what you have done, so I try very hard to reciprocate.
This brings me back to the original question. Is it better to have more comments to prove your blogs value, or provide good content to prove its value despite the number of comments received?
For me I think I will provide content despite whether anyone else finds its valuable enough to comment on. If I get comments, BONUS!
I love trying new technology and apps! Like you did not already know that. LOL Sharing what I find with you my readers gives me pleasure. So to those of you who find value in this blog I say ‘Thank you!’. You are truly appreciated!
What do you think? Content or Comments?
Filed in: Blogging
Hi
Thanks for visiting my book review blog. I think content comes first. Only if you have good valuable content, will people continue to visit your blog.
I find that I really learn a lot from various blogs. Some blogs are personal (yet through the blogger's experience, I learn), some like yours' share technical stuff – which again is invaluable.
Yes, it makes me happy when people leave comments, I especially like comments on my book review blog, which is largely dedicated to Indie authors, but irrespective of whether people comment on not, content is king.
Post for content. If comments were the main motivation, it'd be easy to write something controversial and divisive. Easy does not necessarily result in emotional satisfaction.
I agree. I starting blogging for myself. When other people started following it was the 'icing on the cake'. Content is 'King'. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I'm with Wanda–if comments were the main motivation, just say something controversial. I also agree with you that if my comment is left unnoticed by the writer of the blog, I don't feel so compelled to leave a comment. To me, that's the main reason to have a blog that is out there for all to see–to create conversation around what you are writing, and maybe even relationship! I know that I for sure have enjoyed this new blogger-relationship you and I have.
For me, blogging is a chance to write without the approval chains, review cycles and constraints of my day job as a corporate marketing guy. It's my therapy. As others have commented, it's an added bonus when someone even reads my rants, let alone leaves a comment!
Oh boy do I hear you there. Not having to get approval to write… priceless. Therapy – totally agree. Me too! I appreciate you taking time to comment today! 🙂
Content is king! I agree I don't leave comments when there has been many others who have commented and all I would be doing is repeating them. And a blogger who doesn't respond to comments is not holding up their end of the conversation!
Hi Gracey – I agree totally. If you don't respond to comments no matter how many there are, then you are not participating in your own conversation.Sent from my iPad
It's always nice to get some feedback to see who your readership is and what they like or dislike but content that matters to you has to come first. Comments are always valuable to asses your impact but most visitors who read my blog don't leave comments. I will respond to people who have taken the time to comment and even take their advice to cater to their needs but it depends on the comment. If I feel I can improve my blog and people's experience while visiting my blog then it's worth taking advice from readers. I read all my comments but don't always necessarily reply. I should probably reply more to comments just out of courtesy.
I agree that posting content that matters first and foremost to you is priority. However, I do want my readers to participate in the conversation. I even want them to make suggestions for apps or gadgets they would like to see reviewed. I respond to comments because I want my readers to feel that their contribution matters to me because it does. I can tell by my stats that not everyone who stops by is leaving a comment. I wish they would because the feedback could be valuable in terms of meeting the needs of those I am trying to reach. Like you I may not follow the advice left, but I am still interested in reading it.And, thank you for leaving a comment. :)Sent from my iPad
I agree with you, comments are the icing on the blog cake. I've gone days without a single comment and kept writing and posting anyway!
It is nice, though, to have comments. They help you see that the hard work you're putting in means something to someone else and that you're connecting with people. Even if it's not the same people all the time (regular readers), it helps!
It's funny, I have been commiserating over this very subject. I am in agreement with you that quality content should come first and with that, a little luck and hard work the traffic and comments will come. The hard part is in having faith in the fact that patience and hard work will payoff in time.
:))) So true. I have visited a few blogs like that. It would be hard to get me back when I found nothing of value or interest existed. It's hard enough getting visitors as it is, so the least we can do is give them something worthwhile when they do show up.