Commenting on blogs is as easy as filling out your comment, leaving your name and pressing submit. Or is it? Commenting on blogs can be a smart trafficking strategy . . .  if it’s done right.

Nowadays, bloggers hold a tremendous power and influence. Authors line up to take advantage of this trend in attempt to reach more readers. Guest blogging is not the only way to entice readers. The comments you leave on blog posts can also make an impact, not only attracting the blogger but their readers as well.

Bloggers read every comment. Repeatedly showing your support and offering insightful advice may mean the blogger will turn to you for a guest post or interview. On popular blogs, your comment may entice readers to seek you out if they view you as a resource. Other media professionals follow their blogs as well. Who knows? If they like your comment, they might ask you for interviews and guest articles.

Does position mean anything?

No.

Some race to be the first ones to comment on a blog, figuring their post will get the most reads. In doing so, many of these commenters leave incoherent remarks or it’s clear they either didn’t read the post or missed the point. If you haven’t anything valuable to say, it doesn’t matter whether you posted first or second. The reader will pass over your post to another more intriguing.

Okay, what if  you’re  not one of those guys? You do have something valuable to add to the post. Does position matter then?

Yes and no.

Don’t rush to be first just for the sake of being in the top five. Of course, it will help if you’re post provides value and it’s one of the first comments but it doesn’t always work that way. Focus on your response and what you add to the conversation versus the position of your response. You want your words to stand out. That is what you will be remembered by, not your position.

The secret to blog commenting that leads to traffic is . . .

1) Relationships:

Many people who comment on blogs are, not surprisingly, bloggers. Creating meaningful comments can lead to meaningful relationships with people who could send traffic to your website. Links, bookmarks and retweets are ways content spreads, creating the traffic you’re really after. Start your comment with praise, possibly pointing out a specific line or idea that you liked. Then, add an insightful response.

2) Value:

Suggest additional resources or other valuable insight to the conversation created by the post.

3) Leave out the Self-Promo:

Insert a hyperlink in your name, not in the body of your post. Putting your website in the post makes your comment appear self-serving. If a viewer likes your response, they will clink on your link to learn more about you.

4) Comment on Various Blogs:

Choosing a few blogs to follow and comment on creates a rapport with the blogger and his or her followers.  A blogger notices those who consistently contribute and support their success and will, in turn, find ways to return the favor.

The flip side of the coin:

Recently, I stumbled across an interesting article on 10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog. It’s definitely worth reading!

What I’ve posted is just a few secrets to blog commenting. What secrets have worked for you?