Are You Leaving Your Commenters Hanging?

| January 14, 2011 | 41 Comments
blogging community

Without discussions, there is no community

Today is not my typical way of posting. I’ve decided to let Fridays be the posting day that I let my hair down and share with you what’s on my mind when it comes to the various topics that I write about on this blog.  I haven’t decided what to call it as of yet.  Maybe you can give me some suggestions.

These posts are fun and stress free posts.  Sometimes, I’ll share something funny (videos) and other times who knows what I’ll share, but I will always keep it related to topics that I post on this blog.

Today, I’ll tell you how you can keep your commenters happy.

Subscribe to Comments on Blogs.

I read many blogs and sometimes I leave comments. Throughout my blog travels, I have noticed that some blogs don’t offer their commentators a way to stay in the loop of discussions.  Don’t leave your commentators hanging like that.

You love receiving comments on your blog and I love receiving replies.  But it is hard to follow the discussion if there is no way for me to subscribe to your comments. In order for me to follow the discussion, I must return to your blog periodically and check the comments, but I usually don’t do that because it is time-consuming.

There is a way your commentators can follow discussions on your blog without having to keep returning to your blog. Installing a plugin helps your readers follow the discussions, if they so choose.

Subscribe to Comments Re-Uploaded is a plugin that enables your commentators to sign up for email notifications of comment entries.

Subcribe to Double-Opt-In Comments is a plugin that allows your readers to receive notifications of new comments to an entry with the double-opt-in feature.

While you’re at it, make sure you install the CommentLuv plugin. CommentLuv is not a must have plugin, but it will help increase your comments and keep your commenters hanging around.

These days, there are some bloggers (not me) who will not comment on blogs that don’t have CommentLuv enabled. Give CommentLuv a test drive and see how it works for you. You might be surprised!

Make it Easy for Readers to Receive your Updates

Have you ever been on a blog and decided that you wanted to subscribe to updates?  You search the blog, but there is no RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed or a link to subscribe by email. Blog owners you are missing out on potential readers who want your post updates. Please add a way for potential readers like myself to subscribe to your blog.

If you have a feed through feedburner, grab the RSS feed code and/or the email subscription code and put the codes in your sidebar. You don’t need a plugin.

When potential readers decide they want to receive your blog updates, you’d better have a way for the reader to get your updates. If not you will lose potential readers and you don’t want that.

Have you noticed any of the above on the blogs that you visit?  Do you make those blogs your regular stops?

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Image: Salvatore Vuono

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 

Tags: , ,

Category: Blogging

About Evelyn Parham: Hi, I'm Evelyn and I write about healthy living, vegan and blogging topics. I obtained a Master's of Science in biology from Tennessee Technological University. I enjoy reading, writing, singing and dancing. View author profile.

Comments (41)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Reut
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 29, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Hi Evelyn,
    I didn’t even know about these plugins. I’ll try to install it real soon!
    Thank you for the great tips!

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 29, 2011 at 2:47 PM

      Hi Reut,

      Welcome to my blog! :)

      I’ve since switched to Comment Reply (not sure the exact name). The commenter only receives an email when his/her comment has a reply. I like this better because the commenter doesn’t have to subscribe/unsubscribe or receive updates each time a comment is made on a post.

      You’re welcome and thanks for stopping by.

      Evelyn

      Reply
  2. Mitch says:
    January 20, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    You called ‘em out with one of my major pet peeves, that being not receiving replies back on my comments when you know that person is actually commenting back to you. Anyone with a WordPress blog that hasn’t employed Subscribe to Comments is missing a great opportunity to share with their readers something great.
    Mitch recently posted..The Journey To My MoonMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Katty says:
    January 18, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    Hi! Don’t want to repeat it but thanks for the post. And I’d like to share one idea that I use. Subscription to the post and RSS are great and I use commentluv plugin, but also (of course if a commentor wants), he/she can get some info-letters from me to stay informed about what is goin’ on at my site.

    Reply
  4. Kissie says:
    January 17, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Hey Ladybug, didn’t know about these plugins.

    You’re forever showing me something new (different).

    As usual, thank you! :D
    Kissie recently posted..Surrounded by Good PeopleMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Susan
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 17, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Hey Evelyn! Awesome idea, and I think i do that too! What I have been doing to keep discussions going is when I reply to a comment, I ask them a follow up question. If they are into it, it will bring them back and comment again, then another comment from me!
    Susan recently posted..Plant Based Diet An Actual Cure For CancerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 18, 2011 at 10:53 AM

      Hi Susan,

      A good way to get readers involved in the discussion is to ask questions. I didn’t realize that when you replied you asked a follow-up question. That sounds very good and a good way to keep the discussion going. I think, I may try that. :)

      Thanks for sharing,

      Evelyn

      Reply
  6. Ching Ya says:
    January 17, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    To be able to speak one’s mind is another essential part in keeping us healthy. :-) Very smart idea, Evelyn. And a great topic to start with – I do feel the same way when I landed on such blogs, thank goodness it doesn’t occur much on the regular blogs I visit. Two-way communication is what makes commenting meaningful, why not make our digital footprints count?

    @wchingya
    Social/Blogging Tracker
    Ching Ya recently posted..10 Social Media Apps to Watch in 2011My Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 17, 2011 at 9:59 AM

      Hi Ching,

      Yes, you’re right! :) Re: Speaking one’s mind keeps us healthy.

      It doesn’t occur much with me either, but when it does, I get a little frustrated. Yeah, make our digital footprints count. Love your statement. :)

      Take care,

      Evelyn

      Reply
  7. Zengirl says:
    January 16, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Evelyn,

    I think this Friday’s Musing is a great idea to share whatever you are thinking about.

    I think while all help to provide commenter chance to be part of a conversation is a good idea, many blogger might be too busy to follow up. Unless the discussion becomes interesting and passionate, some want to move on. I think it is a great idea to have those choices if people want to subscribe to it.

    I have been such slow blogging lately, I missed many of your posts so I have to catch up.

    Preeti
    Zengirl recently posted..Car-Free or Car Owner – Finding A Happy Middle GroundMy Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 16, 2011 at 10:10 PM

      Hi Preeti,

      Yes, there are some bloggers who are busy and find it hard to follow-up. Making options available for the reader is good. It helps create community.

      That’s fine. I have some much needed catching up myself. I’ll try doing that on Monday.

      Take care,

      Evelyn

      Reply
  8. Tia says:
    January 16, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Hey Evelyn – This post was featured in today’s weekly newsletter for BCB. Awesome! It is amazing how these small things end up really adding up. This year, it’s all about creating a better experience. The more we can find ways for readers to interact with the content, the better!
    Tia recently posted..The “Synergy of Business and Blogging” – a Collaborative Effort of 31 BloggersMy Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 16, 2011 at 10:07 PM

      Hi Tia!

      Woohoo! :) that’s great!

      Tia said, “It’s amazing amazing how these small things end up really adding up.” I totally agree. The small things do add up and it makes things so much better in the long run.

      Take care,

      Evelyn

      Reply
  9. Dia says:
    January 16, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Hi Evelyn,

    I agree with you that blogs should have RSS and email subscription so the readers can stay up to date with the new posts. Part of what makes blogging enjoyable and a success is interacting with others and building relationships, so commenting on other blogs and on what your readers write is crucial. I don’t have any of those plugins installed, but I will check them out. Thank my friend :)
    Dia recently posted..You are responsible for your happinessMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Lisa says:
    January 16, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Evelyn,

    Once again thank you, you have given me a wealth of information! Your commenters as well, thank you too. I am having the darnest time trying to figure out how to install all these different plugins/feeds/links. I just recently signed up for CommentLuv, but don’t know how to add it to my site. Any suggestions, anyone? I’m wondering if I’m experiencing all this hassel because of my choosen theme, which is Quentin. A labor of love I know, but this is becoming a daunting task.

    Peace and blessings.
    Lisa recently posted..Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King- JrMy Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 16, 2011 at 10:01 PM

      Hey Lisa!

      CommentLuv is a plugin. When you are in your dashboard, click on plugins, add new. WordPress plugin search will appear and you can type what you’re looking for. For example, if you are interested in CommentLuv, just type that in and it should come up. Look at the details to see if the plugin is compatible with the version of wordpress that you are running, if so just click install. That’s about it. There are other plugins too. If you are curious, just google wordpress plugins and you will find a ton of blog posts of others sharing plugins. You can get an idea what you’d want to add.

      I don’t know about your theme. You’ll have to play around with that. And if you think that the problem is with your theme, then you can play around with others. Are you a self-hosted blog, or free. That also makes a difference too.

      If you have further questions, just shoot me a message via the comment form or send me an email. You already have my email, and I don’t mind you sending me a few questions.

      Take care,

      Evelyn

      Reply
  11. Amr Boghdady says:
    January 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Great tips Evelyn
    Usually I don’t bother commenting on blogs that don’t have a subscribe option within them.
    The way I think of it is, its unfair that the blog webmaster gets a notification every time somebody replies to his post, while I have to check his blog a dozen times to check if my comment has gotten a reply or not..
    Amr Boghdady recently posted..Dative Case GermanMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Dr Natura says:
    January 15, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    I always tend to stop commenting on blogs that I dun get a response to.. It makes me ask what’s the point of even commenting in the first place?
    Dr Natura recently posted..Medifast WikiMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Patricia
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 14, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Hi Evelyn

    As you know I have introduced “Patricia’s Ponderings” on my lavender blog and had an amazing response. I was a bit nervous as it was a new venture. Going to continue as it is something my loyal readers are enjoying. Also great opportunity for everyone to express their viewpoint on blogging subjects.

    I am trying to think of something that goes with your name or your blog title. If I come up with something I will tweet you :-)

    Patricia Perth Australia
    Patricia recently posted..Are You Lurking Behind The Lavender BushMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Cindy Bidar says:
    January 14, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    I don’t have the “subscribe to comments” plugin simply because in the times I’ve used it on other blogs, I’ve been inundated with email – sometimes getting updates a year later. Perhaps I should let my readers decide for themselves, though…

    I did recently discover a the ReplyMe plugin, which automatically sends an email to the commenter whenever someone replies to his or her comment. I think that’s a much more elegant solution.
    Cindy Bidar recently posted..5 Article Marketing Mistakes that will Kill Your ConversionsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 14, 2011 at 6:11 PM

      Hi Cindy,

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Yeah, I know what you mean. I sometimes forget to unsubscribe which results in me getting a lot updates.

      Thanks for sharing the information about the ReplyMe plugin. I’ll check it out!

      Take care,

      Evelyn

      Reply
  15. Dandy says:
    January 14, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Hi Evelyn!
    Thanks for these great tips! I’ve got to try that comment love! My favorite thing about blogging is all the interaction with people! In fact I’ve stopped leaving comments on the blogs that don’t reply to their commenters. What’s the point? It’s like talking to a wall. I love having the discussion open! Thanks again Evelyn!
    Dandy recently posted..Live out of your imagination- not your history!My Profile

    Reply
    • Evelyn Parham
      Twitter:
      says:
      January 14, 2011 at 4:08 PM

      Hi Dandy,

      You’re quite welcome!

      Yeah, CommentLuv is pretty cool.

      I did the same thing, Dandy. I hated to do it because the blogs were in my niche. It’s very hard to find blogs in my niche and when I come across some, I sometimes leave comments. But when they don’t respond I don’t return.

      Thanks and I’m glad you chimed in!

      Have a great weekend!

      Evelyn

      Reply
      • SmittenbyBritain says:
        January 14, 2011 at 5:39 PM

        I liked CommentLUV but experience a major increase in spam comments after installing it, even while running the Akismet plugin as well. If you think about it, it makes sense that it would attract spammers since anyone who comments gets a link back. I just deactivated it so it will be interesting to see if the spam goes down.

        I find that I don’t bother subscribing to comments because more than not I’m only interested in replies to my comment and not everyone elses comments too.

        Reply
  16. Bryan Thompson
    Twitter:
    says:
    January 14, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Evelyn, doggone it, you’ve gone and made me feel guilty. :)

    No, I actually did have the Subscribe to Comments plugin active on my old URL (the now defunct Thompsonland.tk). When I changed over and switched hosts, I forgot to install it. Now, my server’s undergoing maintenance for 5-7 days. (I know, I know, I need a new server.) I will get it, though. I will get it. :)

    I am with you completely on the Email Subscription option. I know some people swear by RSS, and although I am tech savvy and have used it, I don’t have much time to check RSS feeds. If they interrupt me by EMAIL, though, I respond every time. :)

    Have a great day, my friend.
    Bryan Thompson recently posted..Are You a Social BananaMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Tweets that mention Are You Leaving Your Commenters Hanging? : Become a Healthier You -- Topsy.com says:
    January 14, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Project Swole. Project Swole said: Are You Leaving Your Commenters Hanging?: Without discussions, there is not community Today is not my typical wa… http://bit.ly/hFbFpK [...]

    Reply

Leave a Reply




If you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a Gravatar.

CommentLuv badge
You can add a link to follow you on twitter if you put your username in this box.
Only needs to be added once (unless you change your username). No http or @
This blog uses premium CommentLuv which allows you to put your keywords with your name if you have had 3 approved comments. Use your real name and then @ your keywords (maximum of 4)