One of the most important thing your online business needs is a brand, and funny enough, it does not need just any brand, it needs a rock-solid brand!
There are many ways to build a great brand, but this post will be talking about one of the easiest and most effective ways to build a great brand for your blog and online business.
Commenting on blogs can be used in so many ways, it can be used to get high quality traffic to your website and most importantly, it can be used to build a brand for your business website.
How to Build a Brand for your Blog through Blog Commenting?
1. Use an Avatar: This is where many people are missing it wrong, using an avatar is very important when trying to build a great brand for your business through blog commenting. Some people simply don’t care about commenters but when you use an avatar and the fellow sees your comment on many others blogs the fellow will be attracted towards you and will want to know more about you.
WordPress has a default avatar and this one has been overused, using it will do you know good. You can get your own avatar at en.gravatar.com, you can either use your business image or blog image but it is very important to decide properly because changing your avatar every now and then might have a negative effect on your brand.
2. Use Your Name: This is common sense but many people don’t observe it. I don’t know when they began naming people “web design company” or “seo company”.
Since it is all about your brand, people want to deal with real people and not keywords. Imagine the blogger or another commenter wanting to reply your comment, will they be replying to you or a keyword. Branding is about communication and if you make it difficult for people to communicate with you then I don’t know the essence of having a brand.
How you comment will greatly affect your brand, using keywords as name will simply make you look unprofessional and real people will not want to deal with you.
3. Make Sensible Comments: I don’t see any point in you making comments like “Great post Thanks”. You aren’t just commenting for commenting sake and the writer already knows his post is great.
There is nothing bad in letting a writer know that his post is great but when you do this, you should be able to give the writer the reasons that makes his post a great one because this is the main reason why we have a comments section.
4. It is About Discussion and Engagement: The more discussion and engagement your comment could bring about, the more potential it has on impacting your brand.
If your comment brings about a great discussion that challenges people or that arouses something in them, they will be more eager to check you out.
5. Relationship Matters: Many people think blog commenting is only for traffic but one of the greatest things you can get from a blog comment is relationships. The relationship you make in the comments section of another persons blog can make the difference.
You might be thinking there is no point in having readers who don’t buy, but have you ever though that those readers could spread the word about you and bring about more buyers? That is exactly how building relationship with blog comments are.
If you could build a great relationship through the comments section, either with the readers or blogger himself, they can even go ahead to spread the word about your blog and recommend you to others.
6. Be Professional: This is another great thing worth observing, being professional can make a huge difference, for example, two people made a comment. You can see their comment below.
Commenter 1 (linked name to website): Yeah! This is a really great post, it is very accurate….
(linked to his website here)
(name here)
Commenter 2 (linked name to website): Thanks so much for this post. I have been doing these things for sometimes now and I will have to rethink my strategy….
(name here)
You will discover that the second is more professional, the first looks like a spammer and might be deleted by a blogger at the click of a mouse while the other made an ethical comment.
The First impression
First impression is very important and the type of impression you give a blogger at first can affect your relationship with him, for example, someone used to spam my blog regularly (I was able to identify him because he uses an avatar), I later wrote a guest post on another blog and I saw this spammer make a real comment, I almost asked him how a spammer can be commenting on blogs 
Blog commenting is one of the best and most used way to get traffic to a blog, do you really think it can be used to build a personal brand? Or Do you think their is something to add to this post? Feel free to share your views in the comments section!
This post is part of our amazing Blogging Contest, plz add a comment and tweet it to support the author.
Article by Onibalusi Bamidele
Onibalusi Bamidele is a 16-year-old entrepreneur and founder of YoungPrePro. Subscribe to his blog and follow him on twitter.
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{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }
Well I agree using an Avatar while commenting will gain attention of ordinary readers while browsing comments. It is a wise idea to use blogger’s real name as it really matters a lot. Thanks for the tips
Usman recently posted..Top Best WP 7 Windows Phone 7 Apps 2011
Blog commenting always help, may be it is for backlink or for traffice or just to build relation one of the most effective method of seo if you used it in correct way
Nikunj recently posted..50 Space Wallpapers Collections In High Resolution
Hi Onibalusi,
No matter what blog I comment on I make sure I’m talking to the person for their topic. Overall why say ‘great post’ if you’re going to come back around again. Especially if you’re going to want to build a relationship with the blogger or community, being transparent and saying a few more lines won’t hurt. After all, who says that first impression starts with a few words.
I agree that starting a conversation will kick off the ice. I find it intriguing thought that you would take out the time to input in your information and then not say anything contributing to the author’s topic. That’s going in halfway and leaving the conversation undone.
Thu Nguyen recently posted..What Games Mean and Why It’s Necessary To Succeed
Exactly Thu,
You are absolutely right.
It does not take you anything to add more value to your comments, just saying great post e.t.c. won’t help.
Thanks a lot for commenting!
Twitter: MurrayLunn
August 1, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Blog commenting is amazing for branding, traffic and just to talk with other great people (such as everyone here!).
Adding value is always key but it’s just as important to question and challenge ideas because that’s what gets a conversation going.
In the grand scheme of things, however, I believe it’s very important that you don’t forget to spend your time building your brand on your own blog because that’s your base of operations. Commenting can be great for promotion but you have to have something for people to discover once they come visit your blog.
Murlu recently posted..7 Ways Social Media Is Destroying The World
Exactly Murlu,
You are absolutely right.
Depending on how it is used, blog commenting be be a great way to build a strong brand.
Hey Oni,
I think it is very ironic what the topic of this article is about. If i had of just took a little more time out of my day to see what you were talking about, I would of had my answer to a my question i asked you.
In this great article you explained the importance of branding your online business very very well. I had been passing the opportunity to upload my own avatar because, i simply didnt know how. I had the idea that it was a stupid question for me to ask someone that.. lol.
Then the very second i ask you, i read your article and it was to help me with the very problem i needed help with most at that moment.
Thanks for the wonderful article!
God bless,
William Veasley
Great William,
Yeah, everything has been detailed in this post.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
I love to recieve your advice each week. My site content is about aromatherapy but so mch of your advice and tactics work…I’m so stealing your retweets idea. Barefaced cheek and brilliance…keepp up the good work, oh and of course don’t forget to follow me on twitter too!
Hi Elizabeth,
Glad you loved the post and also gained something from it
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Thank you for the post. As someone who works with branding for clients online and off it’s always good to get insite and helpful tips from other resources.
Keep up the great blogs.
Hi Dr. Ande,
Great! I am glad you loved the post
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..7 Reasons Your Blog is Bound to Fail
i will also add that …
1.graphic logos and web design can also add to your brand.
2.your ideals and ideas (intangible things) can also add to your brand
mk akan recently posted..12 Bloggers Reveal How and Where to Get Blog Post Ideas
Exactly MK,
You are absolutely right.
Having a strong brand is very important to a bloggers online success.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Hi there Onibalusi,
It seems I do need to design myself a good enough Gravatar now, thanks for the tip. You are right Blog Commenting can give a huge boost to your blogging since blog comments can not only give you backlinks but also provides you a platform to connect with other bloggers and readers.
Regards,
Shiva
Shiva recently posted..3 Easy Tech Solutions For The “Deal Hunt”
Hi Shiva,
That will be great!
Glad you enjoyed the post
Thanks so much for your support, I really appreciate it,
-Onibalusi
Comments play an important role. Gravatars and emoticons add meaning to the comments. I just love’em.
Earlier I used to brand my comments to gain traffic, now am branding my blog through commenting.
Nice article!!
Hi Pradeep,
You are absolutely right.
I am glad blog commenting is working for you
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..The Ultimate SEO Guide to Dominating The Search Engine Rankings
thanks for this tips on how to comment…it is also good to comment with ur real name because i believe it will make u get connected to bloggers.
thanks for sharing ur comment and ur willing to help me on my blog
Hi Babajide,
Glad you enjoyed the post
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..The Ultimate SEO Guide to Dominating The Search Engine Rankings
Great tips, yea blog commenting i mean( Good comments using real name ) can help build a personal brand.
Hi Bro,
I am glad you loved the post.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..The Ultimate SEO Guide to Dominating The Search Engine Rankings
Great tips, Yea blog commenting, i mean (good comments using real name and not spammy ones) can help build a personal brand!!!
Twitter: HollyJahangiri
July 22, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I don’t know about building a brand by commenting, but it certainly helps to build credibility and make a great first impression, if only people will follow these tips. Good post!
Holly Jahangiri recently posted..Guest Blogging: 8 Ways to Get More Blog Comments
Hi Holly,
Glad this post could help you
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
These are some great comments that a lot of commenters could stand to learn from. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen a response like “Thanks so much! Great article!” Way to contribute to the conversation. They should make all commenters take a seminar course on how to comment
Laura Davis recently posted..3 Top Retail Credit Cards
Exactly Laura,
You are absolutely right here.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Hey, Oni
) Love the way you promoted this to your list as well, BTW.
Great Post! (the truth but I am also being a smart@ss
Commenting has done a lot for me as a blogger. It has helped people get to know me and has helped build relationships with other bloggers that are paying off in spades, so to speak. I am just hoping I can help as well.
I totally agree about the avatar! Having one that is you..even if its a brand logo, etc. It helps people find your comments more easily than having to read for a name, which can be great for building your brand I think.
Thanks again for sharing some great points, as always, Oni.
Gurl recently posted..Site News- Splitting the content
Hi Gurl,
Yeah! I want to get the best out of this contest and promoting it to my list will do some help
I will be sending you your ebook now 
Exactly! Concerning the avatar, you are absolutely right, it also helps in building a great brand.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
I have come to view avatars as much more important since my traffic increased. Very few spammers have avatars, so scanning for them helps me quickly see useful comments. I also start to recognize the avatars as much as the name.
Stephanie Smith recently posted..ComLuv/FamousBloggers Contest Benefits Garden Bloggers
Exactly Stephanie,
Very few spammers have avatars, if I want to check my spam comments for legitimate comments, I just browse through the long list and I only stop when I see an avatar (except on rare occasions).
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Hey Onibalusi,
I actually read this post on 20th July, and I did not comment. Do you know why?
Because your number 1 point was ‘use an avatar’. Your point really hit me, and I was too embarrassed to comment without an avatar. So I went on to hunt for an avatar, and now I have it, and now I can finally comment on this post!
Thanks a lot for telling the advantage of using an avatar and motivating me.
Kindest,
Nabeel
HI Nabeel,
Well done!
Yay for taking action on something that will help you build your presense on line! Having an Avatar will make it easier to find your comments on other sites, so we can get to know you better
HI Nabeel,
That is really great attribute every blog reader should have.
Thanks a lot for taking action, keep it up!
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Very good Onibalusi. Your points on developing relationships are well received. I agree with the real name and most of the time it’s just ‘Colleen,’ but with KeywordLuv we have the best of both worlds, eh!
Colleen recently posted..45th Annual Columbia Cup Hydroplane Races on the Columbia River
Hi Coleen,
That is really great!
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
I commented so much I gt blocked by akismet man! this sucks!!!
It’s a great list, and can work as a mental checklist (i.e. “remember to be professional”). There’s been a lot of discussion about writing quality comments, and I obviously think that’s important. But quantity on a diversity of blogs has been working for me; quality works best when another blogger is receptive to that quality.
ashok recently posted..Margaret Levine, “A Man I Knew”
Exactly Ashok,
Thanks so much for the quality comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Twitter: indblog
July 21, 2010 at 5:59 am
I always use my name when leaving a comment. I’ve never used the name of my blog or placed in a keyword. I find it slightly more personal if I use my real name.
A lot of the time I fail but I do try to make a decent comment. As a blog owner it really annoys me when people lave a comment on my blog with “great post” or “very helpful” as it is obvious they are just leaving the comment for the sake of a link.
Dean Saliba recently posted..Recycling Old Content
Exactly Den!
And this you left is a really valuable comment because it adds to the post.
Keep it up,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Twitter: heydevesh
July 21, 2010 at 5:58 am
Hey Onibalusi,
Nice Post man. Some awesome tips.
Blog commenting is much more then just getting links and traffic.
Anyways, Thanks for sharing this great Post man.
!!
You’re doing awesome work everywhere.
~Dev
Exactly Dev,
You are absolutely right!
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Your brand is your talent and name and your face its logo.
Giving valuable comments which help people and also further improves the conversation make people envision you as an expert.
Write a comment on someone else blog with the same intensity you write it for your own blog.
Nice tips mate.
iPhone App Development recently posted..Application market review
Hi IPhone App Development,
Thanks a lot for the nice comment (I doubt if you read this post though
),
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
On the second tip you give about using name for your comment, I agree with you. You are also right that using name like “web design company” or “seo company” is not going to brand you or get others excited or interested to click through, but there is a tricky way to use your name.
Although famous blogger can’t use this trick, but I have been using it on other blogs, which not just be able to brand myself but also be able to get people excited and interested.
Here’s an example of a name I use on other blogs, I have many different style of wording but this is just one (Sorry, I can’t reveal everything here): “The Bad Blogger – Content Not For Losers”
Will you click the above name? or will you click just my name “The Bad Blogger?”
The Bad Blogger recently posted..An Important Marketing Concept I Learn From Marrying A Women That’s Not Of My Country !
Hi Bad Blogger,
That is really a great tip and I have seen others say it works
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Nice tips here, and like the heading too.
For me, one of the first things I look at when I see comments on my blog or anyone else’s blog is the avatar, that’s my first impression and I think to myself, have I seen that before? So yes, I agree you really don’t want to be changing your avatar much, especially if you’re trying to build up a brand.
After avatar, I consider everything else…
Tola recently posted..Pages vs Personal Accounts on Facebook, Which do you prefer?
Great Tola!
Glad you liked the post.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Avatar does help. It is a must for everyone. Why? Most of the spammers don’t have it. (but some do have)
Jayce recently posted..Top 10 Sprint HTC EVO 4G Tweaks and Hacks
Yeah Jayce,
Having an avatar is very important when trying to build a brand through blog commenting.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Hi Onibalusi,
Cool title… The very moment I saw the post title, I was prompted to read this very post. And about the content, you explained the need for branding very well. By the way, I don’t prefer the blog-image as avatar. And, I would recommend the same for those who own multiple blogs.
Jakes recently posted..Run Commands for IP configuration
Great Jakes!
I am glad you enjoyed the post
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Hi Onibalusi,
Great Tips here, I have been adhering to many of these. I do believe that building relationships with like minded persons to build both one’s blog and brand through consistent and worthwhile comments is key.
Deidre
Deidre Brathwaite recently posted..What Every Newbie Ought to know about Social Media: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Great Deidre,
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Onibalusi,
Blog commenting is something that many people miss out on as they read and go. Commenting is not only a means of thanking the author for their efforts, but also a means of starting a conversation and also getting to know people.
People talk to people not a blank avatar. We like to know who we are speaking to as it brings a sense of trust and of course an identity to the person.
Some people just do not comment and that is their loss. The Great Post folks are looking for the link most of the time and how can you possibly start a conversation in reply to that. You cannot.
I guess it goes to putting in the time and effort of reading , comprehending and then sharing your thoughts in comments.
@SuzanneVara
Exactly Suzanne,
You are absolutely right, blog commenting is far more than traffic, it can also lead to relationships.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
What a great read Onibalusi! I have recently even stopped using the KeywordLuv plugin on blogs that I comment on, so that the focus is on branding myself. And since then, I have been able to build much better relationships with blog owners because now my focus has shifted from the amount of comments that I make each day, to the quality of comments that I leave.
Hi Thomas,
That is really great
Relationship is more important than anything.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
Hi Onibalusi,
Great read on commenting and branding, thanks for making a clear connection between the 2.
I feel that commenting is the most underrated network marketing strategy. Sometimes we are in a rush to move on to the next post and don’t give much thought to the art of the comment.
When I began to take my time crafting thoughtful comments I noticed my blog readership increase. In addition I built network marketing relationships for the first time in my career.
Devote a few minutes to reading a post and making an insightful comment, watch how it affects your blog. It’s easy to forget that with each comment your work is in front of the eyes of a whole different network. Make no mistake, everything you do carries your signature, whether you pen one or not. Make your words count.
Ryan Biddulph
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Do You Carry Reminders Of Your Goal
Hi Ryan,
You are absolutely right!
The more thoughtful and valuable comment you make the more respect you gain.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi, I definitely agree with leaving your real name. If I see any hint of a keyword in the name field, it gets sent direct to the trash bin. I also like your example of a professional comment vs. a generic one. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Aaron recently posted..Free Blogs
Hi Aaron,
You are absolutely right, that is very important.
Thanks a lot for the nice comment,
-Onibalusi
Onibalusi Bamidele recently posted..Great Reads From Around The Web
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