In order to get comments you need traffic, that’s a given. But even if you’ve already got the traffic, getting them to comment is another story altogether, and it’s a process that starts long before you write that post.

I remember when I first started blogging I had no comments at all. This was OK because I also had no traffic. Then the traffic started to trickle, and then it started to flow. However, I still wasn’t getting comments. I had some, 100 after 20 posts to be exact, but some of them we’re probably spam (I was desperate ) and at least 30 were mine. I needed to do something about the way I blogged, because clearly what I was doing wasn’t working.

I set about changing the way I blogged, both on the site and off of it, and now – with 69 posts and just over 2000 comments I think that whatever I did worked. I’ve looked at what it is that I think has had the most impact on the number of comments I receive and I have broken it down into three Key Elements that I think you need to have as a blogger. This is not about how to drive traffic, or the etiquette of commenting on blogs in general (if you want blog commenting tips check out the ‘Ultimate Guide to Effective Blog Commenting’ here) those topics are far too broad to be covered here anyway. No, this is about the way you blog, and learning to make the process more engaging.

The one not so secret secret to getting comments is engagement, and the key is to engage them in such a way as to promote INVOLVEMENT. Here are the three key elements to getting your readers involved

Personality

I could go on and on about personality, because it has so much pulling power in the blogosphere, and so many bloggers either don’t have it, or leave it at the door when they put their blog hat on. For the new blogger it is understandable, it takes a while to find your own voice amongst the screaming masses. But once you have settled in there is absolutely no excuse for blogging without personality, because what it does is create engaging content – instantly.

Personality is the one ingredient that makes your blog posts stand out. There are only so many topics one can discuss within a specific niche, and chances are someone has already blogged about it before, so the only thing you have left is personality.

The key is to make your readers feel like they have known you for years, because then they’ll happily tell you what they think, in fact they’ll WANT to tell you.

One of the ingredients I often see mentioned when trying to engage readers is to be somewhat controversial. I can understand the reasoning behind this but without personality it’s pointless. If I see a stranger being obnoxious I will go about my way and not worry too much about it, but if I know who that person is, then chances are I will say something.  If you haven’t first shown your readers who you are why are they going to give two hoots about what you think about XYZ? Write in whatever style you like – but make sure you inject some personality into it, otherwise chances are – I’ve seen that post before; and I already commented there.

Engage & Involve your readers

One of the reasons MacDonalds is so successful is that they engage their customers. Whether it’s a simple tray mat activity for the children or the ‘tell us what you think’ form at the counter – the whole process is designed to make you feel like you are a part of their brand, if even for a moment. You want this on your blog and the way to do it is through involvement. It is human nature to be a little tentative about doing something for the first time, in sales this is the reasoning behind the call to action – because it’s getting someone to do something the first time that’s the hard part.
But how do we capture this same ideology on our blog?

Ease them into it. Commenting is a pretty full on exercise if you think about it. You are giving up your email address, website (if applicable) and name so there is a lot for a new  commentator to go through. Provide them with other ways to engage and feel involved.

Polls and surveys are a plug-in away and are a great way to not only get your readers involved, but also to learn something as well. (I highly recommend PollDaddy plug-in, available through your WordPress Dashboard)

Link your posts and create post series. Getting readers into the habit of clicking links within articles is a great way to make them feel more at home when visiting your blog. It’s also a great way to ease them into the eventual affiliate link. Even though it is just clicking links, by including the links you are promoting a sense of involvement in your reader.

Ask questions at the end of the post. But ask open ended questions that provoke thought based on the post. If you just wrote about social bookmarking, for example – then end by asking what social bookmarking tools they recommend? Or what methods they employ? Don’t simply ask if they enjoyed the post.  We are all egocentric at heart, so

Give someone the chance to talk about themselves and you are increasing the likelihood of a response a hundred fold!

Blog layout, widgets, & plug-ins

Your overall blog needs to look inviting. You’d think this was a given, but I have been to many blogs that were going for the butterfly look but ended up with the moth. Making your content easy to find and your overall theme easy to navigate is important in general, but if you want to encourage comments you need to take it that one step further.

WordPress has a plethora of plug-ins designed to promote engagement on your blog so take advantage of them!  Plug-ins like the Top commentators plug-in to increase the link love and appreciation for the commentators, The Tweet MeMe and Digg Digg plugins that allow sharing with that big ol’ ‘look how easy it is to share me’ button – because let’s face it, people are lazy. And of course the now famous CommentLuv and KeywordLuv plug-ins which are VITAL to your blog if you want to encourage comments.

Creating a blog that encourages comments really only comes down to creating opportunities for them to become involved every chance that you get, and making it really easy for them to comment and share your content in the first place. Remember – everyone else wants to be noticed just as much as you do, so just give them a gently reminder that they are welcome to do so on your blog today.

They all provide the usual content:  guides on installing and tuning wordpress, selection of a webhost, and some brief overview of search engine optimisation.  The majority of readers find these resources because they have heard there is money to be made online through personal websites and blogs.  Everyone who has ever done these courses follows it religiously, usually because of the promise of it meaning you make money – easy money.  But sooner or later you realise that there is something missing.  The magical golden nugget of valuable information which you feel you have missed on your training course.  You’re pulling your hair out wondering what it is.

As with many things in life, the answers to many of our everyday problems are staring us in the face.  The secret, or golden nugget, of blogging success is no different.  In fact, the three personality traits I am about to discuss can be related in many walks of life.  I use them on a daily basis to help with my career.  So what are they?

Determination

This is without doubt one of the most important attributes you should have. Without determination, you will find it difficult, if not impossible, to work through the turbulent times of your adventure.  Determination is something that you can teach yourself with plenty of effort – but it’s not easy.  The irony here is you must be determined to be determined. Each and every one of us has determination in us.  If we didn’t we’d sit at home and do literally nothing all day.  We all have hopes and dreams in life.  Some of us want a nice big house with a cool car, some of us want a family and financial security.  Regardless, the only thing that ever really holds us back is our own determination.  You hear excuses all the time – “I can’t afford that”, etc etc – But the reality is, if you are truly determined to do something, you find a way to do it

Personable

Anyone I have ever met who has had any form of success has an addictive form of personality. They are friendly, sociable people, who know how to network.  This is a core fundamental to success – as great as being knowledgible is important, part of the formula is made up of WHO you know.

You can get to know anyone with the right contacts.  But the important way to get those contacts is to network.  This is made easy by being an approachable person.  Say for example, you are at a conference, and you want to introduce yourself to one of the speakers.  You are not going to do yourself any favours by saying – I don’t agree with that point you made.  Something as sharp as that isn’t going to get you anywhere.  I’ve found situations like this are often best approached with a calm persona.  State you have a query about something they discussed, and suggest discussing it further somewhere more private.

This first contact is very important, so it is key that you get it right.

Passion

The final personality trait – passion is not necessarily going to guarantee you succeed, however it makes life a lot easier for you. You can challenge yourself to do anything, you want.  Even subjects you’re not interested in.

I’m not a big fan of history, for example – being more of an engineer myself.  But I’m intrigued by it, and know that because I am passionate about succeeding at anything I put my mind to, I could go places – but it will be difficult, because it’s not a natural interest.  On the other hand, I love making websites (coding). I find it relaxing because I don’t have to think much about it.  If I sought out a project to undertake doing this, my passion is much more likely to carry me through the tough times, because I’ve a natural interest.

Do you have these traits in your personality?

When you have been embarking upon your adventures, have you found yourself recognising these traits in yourself?

(As an aside, having just graduated college, the question of whether they’re more social or more animals is still up in the air haha).

As social animals, a part of us seems to yearn for connectivity; to share, to be acknowledged and to acknowledge others.

This, my friends, is blogging.

The Wrong Turn

Many bloggers view blogging as a means to an end, as a way to make more money, receive more praise, or achieve a goal they’ve set.  To me, this rips the heart out of it.  Of course blogging can be used for any of these three (I have to admit, I’ve never really been a huge fan of the word “use”) but when this becomes the primary purpose and motivating factor behind creation, then the creation itself becomes lackluster.

Friend Group 1 & Friend Group 2

Think about it.  We have friends, and then we have friends. What’s the difference?  The first group we use, not in a vindictive or evil sort of way, but they function as a means to an end for us.  They connect us to the information, sporting tickets, job performance rating, or free concert that we desire.

The second group of friends?  These are the ones that we call just to call, that we find ourselves asking “How are you” and then really listening for the answer.  These are the ones that mean something and who challenge us to grow, experience life, and… are you ready for it?  INTERACT.

Interaction is what makes a good blog.  Heck, interaction is what makes a good life.

Which friend group is more fulfilling and drives you to invest more, be creative, and discover your passion?  You know the answer.

Content IS NOT king

Contrary to popular belief, blogging isn’t a newspaper or encyclopedia and content IS NOT king anymore.  At least not the content most people are describing when they use this phrase.  What is king now?

Relationship.

If you want to build a sustainable blog, no matter the niche, you’ve got to build relationship.  This throws people off because relationship, just like in the real world, takes time.

A Sprint or A Marathon

Viewing your blog as a sprint to reach some imaginary finish line causes you to burn out just like it would with a “real” relationship in the physical world.

Picturing your blog as a marathon where there is no finish line and you’re running simply because you love to run?  Well, in that case, don’t be surprised if some other runners start running with you, if you make some friends along the way.  (The movie Forrest Gump comes to mind).

How To Build Relationship

Be Personal and Be Personality:

We all have our own personality. Whatever yours may look like, let it shine through.  Speak from a position of “I” and to the reader as “you” and “us.”  If you’re in a service industry or niche, tell people why you’re providing them with the information you’re providing; because you care about them and want to see them succeed.  Then, and here’s the clincher, actually care and help them succeed.

A Little Goes A Long Way:

With the fast pace of the world people aren’t used to others actually desiring to have a relationship with them.  What does this look like on your blog?  Slow things down, type the extra word, and respond to every commenter if possible.  Relate an old comment a user made with a new one they just posted.  Don’t get to know the comments, get to know the commenter.  Notice someone’s work, and yes, they feel proud.  Notice someone as a person, now that’s relationship.

“Thank You” Are Your New Favorite Words!

Plain and simple, people want to be heard.  When you take feedback and implement it, when you take a comment and turn it into a post, when you acknowledge a contribution, no matter how big or small, people feel heard.  They feel important and they feel that their relationship to you matters, that it makes a difference in the grand scheme of things.  Pick a reader and send a personal email of thanks once a day.  Over time, it’ll change your community.

Pulling It All Together

In the end, there’s no magic pill.  Blogging isn’t a different form of communication from what we experience in the real world, it’s simply an extension.  To create something you’re truly proud of, you must create a relationship that isn’t self serving.If you want to be successful, be patient and invest in others.  You don’t have to “use” your community to achieve your goals.  Treat them right, and they’ll work with you.  Content is only still king in as much as it leads to relationship.

So, leave me a comment, I’d like to know what you think.  More importantly than that, I’d like to know who you are

The competition is getting hot everyday, everyone want to be the first at Google SERP and the world always changing. How we dealing with the wind of change? We know Google always improve their system, before today, Google taking seriously about keyword meta tag, today Google doesn’t care about it, lol!

Do you really want to be the first in Google SERP? Do you want to get tons of traffic? or Do you want to making money online? Lots of questions for everyone of us. The only answer is you have to know how to do that guys. You need to have all the skills to get what you want.

The one and the only way to get what you want is by up grading your skills. I’m talking about you as a blogger your self not if you pay someone to blog for you, as Jenny’s last article here, she talking about a blog with personality, yes your blog is a mirror of your personality. So I’m talking about you as a blogger with your personality in it and what you need to do to stay on the cruel competition here on the blogohspere.

The question is how to upgrading my skills? I know I can’t answer this question by my self, here on FamousBloggers there are so many experts and my tutor with their amazing blogs, and I hope you all guys can help me with the answer by leaving comment at the comment section.

There are few subject that bloggers have to improve their skills, let me try to make my list:

1. Writing. Blogging is a bout writing this is very basic skill on blogging world.
2. Codes. How to use HTML, CSS, java script, etc. Even we are not a webmaster, I think its important to have this skill.
3. SEO. This skills will make your blog have its place on the top of search engines. Like using meta tag, keywords, etc.
4. Social Networking. Using network to have more friends and traffic.
5. Graphic Software. Using graphic software to create your picture for every post.
6. Promotions and Marketing. Content is the king, but with no promotion your content won’t be a king anymore
7. Socialize. How you interact with another blogger and visitors.
8. Let’s share your list start from here

I’m sure we can’t be an experts on all fields, sometimes we need to specialize our skills but at least we know about the basic, do not walk in the dark. So feel free to enrich this article and sharing your knowledge to the world.

This post inspired by “Cherish” one of the famous song from Kool and The Gang : “The world is always changing nothing stay the same….”

By subduing the personality it can make blogging taxing and at times like very unpleasant.   Lack of personality can cause a blogger to continually rethink their post, wonder if it is good enough, and can even cause posting anxiety.  I have fallen into the lack of personality within my blog and have found some ways to incorporate your personality without losing professionalism.

1. Redo your theme and plugins to what really feels like you, not what everyone else is doing
2. Start being yourself when writing your post, let your own language come out and then proofread.  If you find that your posts are not professional enough or to your liking, tweak it, but only slightly, don’t let your personality die.
3. Add your own humor, one-liners, slang, whatever you use on a daily basis, once again tweak if necessary
4. Start your own personal blog.  If you find that you cannot (which I am sure you probably can) incorporate your own personality into your current blog, then start a blog where you can let it all out and just be you, you may find that that blog will be more successful

By adding your own personality into your blog and posts you can take the drudgery out of blogging.  If you find that you enjoy blogging (like most of us) adding personality can make it more fun for you and your readers.

Do you think you blog has your own personality?

So choosing is important. Decision making skills can help you here. Think Twice before you act.

Choosing A Post Title

You may think it’s silly, but to a Blogger, promotion is the key, and Wise Decisions = effective promotion. If the Post Title doesn’t get that much of attention, even if you have good body content, the Reader/Visitor may ignore that post, Which affects your Blog.

Wise Decisions really help. Another thing is that if you are a young Blogger like me, These Decisions may later help in your life (To make better decisions)

The Wording Effect

Yes, wording matters. Consumers are more attracted to an ad showing 75% lean than an ad showing 25% fat. Not enough evidence, then search your mind…..

The wording effect can also affect you while commenting. The wordings would reflect your personality or individuality. So you have to be careful while commenting.

Advertisers usually take advantage of this wording effect. As I said before, We are more attracted to 75% lean than 25% fat. Isn’t that amazing ? We have to blame it on Our Brain..Poor Brian, He/She does all the work for us and still we scold him.

Conclusion

That’s it. Yes, That’s all what I got for you Today For the conclusion, I would say

Wise Decision making skills can help you to be a Better Blogger. Remember you need these skills throughout your life. We, humans make decisions everyday. How ? Arguing with me…Then here is my answer : Don’t you make Decision about Going to work, Brushing your teeth etc. Be careful with your Wordings.