Blogging Tips: How To Get More Blog Comments
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What is the one thing all bloggers want? More blog traffic and more blog comments!
Because the goal of having a blog is to build a real community of like-minded people who read your blog, leave blog comments and interact with you.
And here at Big Vision Business, we’ve recently made a major change to our blog comments so that readers can really open up and ask really deep questions without any worry.
You’ve gotta watch The Big Vision Show to find out what that BIG “blog comment” change was…
PLUS… in this video I’m giving you 3 quick blog tips to create deeper engagement on your blog (and increase your blog traffic).
So if you have a blog (or if you want to start a blog) you’ve got to watch this episode.
If you’re not already a part of the Big Vision Tribe, join us by signing up on the Right Side of this page.
And make sure you hit the LIKE button and SHARE this video with the world! And make sure you SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel so you can catch each new Big Vision Show next week.
Don’t Forget… What’s Working Now Live is THIS WEEKEND, so wish us a great event!
Does it make a difference to you to have this private, closed comment platform?
And leave your feedback on this transition and this change… Do you feel it’s a good move? Do you feel it’s better to be a good marketer?
Transcript of this episode:
In this episode, we’re talking about how to get more comments on your blog.
Hi there, I’m Max Simon, and welcome to the Big Vision show. This is all about how you can reach more people and thrive financially.
So, I’ve been online with the blog for over five years now, and over the years, I actually accumulated thousands and thousands of comments. But not too long ago, we actually switched our comments platform over to Facebook, which means that if you posted a little comment, it would actually show up on your Facebook page so that everybody else in the world could see it.
Now, I was thinking like a marketing guy, and as a marketing guy, that’s very smart. Because every time somebody sees your post, then they click on it, and it takes me to my website, and that’s one of the ways you get traffic. But as you know, and as I’ve been sharing with you in these videos, lately I’ve been wanting to go deeper and deeper into what I would call “alignment,” which is where every part of this business reflects the deepest calling of what I’m here to do.
And what I’m here to do is take you to really deep space where you feel your value and see your value and experience your value in greater ways than you ever have before so that your business thrives. So, I was feeling like having this Facebook comment thing was actually a little bit out of alignment, because you couldn’t really post this deep vulnerable thing on the blog, otherwise, like, everybody else would see it, “The company is failing, I’m so miserable, and I hate my life. Great post!”
So, in order to get into alignment, we actually decided to let go of the thousands of comments that were attached to the Facebook plug-in and shift into a private comments platform. What this means is that if you look below, you can post a comment and the only people that will see it is the people that are in our tribe. My intention for that was so you could really open up, be more vulnerable, more real, ask deeper questions, expose better parts of yourself without the fear of broadcasting that to the world.
One, because my hope is that this actually does inspire you to start engaging more deeply with us, but two, it’s because getting people to engage and comment on your blog is a very important part of your business. It’s where you develop a two-way communication with people so that you can speak to them and hear what they’re saying. It’s where you get feedback and direction, interaction. And it’s also where people come to see that you have a following that really loves you and supports you and thus, maybe they want to do more business with you.
So, I wanted to just give you three quick tips about the ways that you can create deeper engagement on your blog. Number one, just be more open and share more of your own stories, just like I’m doing here. You know, we might think that everybody wants our content, but what people really want is to get to know the leaders. They want to get to know the truth of what’s going on. So, share more of your own personal stories and be willing to actually go into what feels scary and alive to you.
Number two, ask great questions that you genuinely want answers to. A lot of times, people tell people to comment and it’s like on the lamest stuff. Instead, be really thoughtful and provocative with the questions you ask and then respond to them. You know, be willing to actually have a dialog with the people who engage with you on your blog, ’cause one, it respects the fact that they are taking their time to post, but two, it develops deeper levels of engagement with you and them.
And number three, which I would go so far as to say might be one of the most important is – consistency. You know, people will always post a blog like, once a month, and nobody really wants to read something if it just happens every so often. They want to get to know you, they want to get inside of your mind. So, get into a habit of consistency. It’s one of the reasons why we make these videos for you every week.
So, with all that said, this brings me to the sincere question I want to ask you today, which is first and foremost, does it make a difference to you to have this private and closed comment platform? I’d really love to hear if that does, in fact, make you feel like there’s a greater opportunity to go deeper, and secondly, I’d love to hear your feedback on what you think of this transition, or what you think of this change? Do you feel like it’s a good move? Do you feel like it’s better to be a great marketer? And I’d really actually like to have an open dialog around, you know, balancing, marketing, versus creating a closed community.
Please share your thoughts below as a comment, or of course always ask questions. I think me and everybody in the tribe would love to hear your thoughts here.
If you are not part of the Big Vision Business tribe, head on over to www.bigvisionbusiness.com, enter your name and email address. You’ll get private invites to trainings and exclusive stuff we only give you when you’re in the tribe. And, if you liked this video, since now the only way the others will see is if you actually hit that “share” button above and spread it throughout the interwebs.
Thanks so much for your time – look forward to seeing you in the next episode, and specifically reading your comments below.
And, remember: your big vision is possible. You simply need to keep going, keep growing and keep sharing your message with the world. I’ll see you real soon. Much love.
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READ THE COMMENTS OR ADD YOURS
Yes, Yes, Yes…..I have avoided posting comments because I did not want all my stuff posted on Facebook. So Thank You Max for making this a safe place for us to share freely and be ourselves.
so good to know. Thanks Christina. and glad to “see you” here now… much love, max
Max,
I love this new format. I actually never did get the FB thing, it made it impossible to be interested or voice anything that would be of true value as to not look like a struggling business person on FB. On my own blog i have never converted to the FB add and now I am happy I did not. Consistency is my issue for sure, I am consistent with my HUGS program but not with my personal blogs.
One suggestion – You might want to remind everyone that they have to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the comments to post their own, or like me, they might sign in again for your offer (again, again, again) and still not figure out how to post a comment. Don’t worry I am smart and figured it out
Have a great retreat wish I was there, but now I know why I am not. My husbands mother past, so we will be working on her memorial. Much success, Antiqua
Smart move, Max. I wanted to have choice about when to share on Facebook so I appreciate the shift and alignment.
Savvy tips on being personal and engaged emotionally on your blogs. Love your video blogs, Max. Your humor and casual style are mellowing me out!
haha… thanks Rhonda. Glad our videos are doing it for you! much love, max
Since I’ve actively gone out of my way to hide very personal comments on Facebook, I’d say YES, shifting back to a private comment forum like this makes sense. And, when you look at it from the alignment perspective, it makes me think about where I am being out of alignment with my use of technology too. Definitely something to think about!
A feature that I’ve seen cropping up recently that I really love is the ability to showcase a blog link below your comments. I like exploring what other people in a tribe like this are offering, and it’s a great way to put it front and center.
This whole idea of moving deeper, working to become more authentically who you are (who I am!) is really pushing my boundaries and making me think…A LOT. Where am I not being authentic? How can I move more fully towards who I am? And how can I do that while still growing a (soon to be) successful business? I don’t have answers right now, just a whole lot of energy swirling around waiting to settle into something amazing. I just need to be courageous enough to let it manifest.
Blessings!
Rachel, I’m in a very similar swirling storm. It is teaching me incredible lessons in self-advocacy, patience, endurance, perseverence, and gratitude. Your statement is a powerful mantra, “Be courageous enough to let this manifest.” A sincere thank you for sharing!
I think moving away from comments being posted on FB is a good thing, people have a love hate relationship with FB. I think most people don’t want their deepest comments out there in the universe for all to see, close friends yes, but everyone, maybe not.
Personally it encourages me to be more open which I find a bit odd, in reality I know no one here in this closed comment section so why am I more comfortable posting here instead of FB when I know no one here either? It’s a interesting point about myself I just realized.
Blogging can be hard, finding something meaningful can be a struggle. Often I feel like what I have to say is trivial compared to everything else going on out there in the universe.
what you have to say is only trivial when you believe it to be Nicole… when you feel that your voice is important, it will be received that way. much love, Max
Max, I love this! I couldn’t agree more about the hesitation that people (me included) have about posting comments when they know it will be “out there” for all to see. I have always had a bit of an icky feeling about the marketing feel I get with that platform. It feels the opposite of personal – it feels more self serving for the one requesting response… especially when the question asked is somewhat irrelevant to engage in. I appreciate this post immensly and indeed, wouldn’t have been likely to respond with people on FB “peering in” . Love the switch. Rock on!
so good to hear your thoughts Alix!! thank you so much for sharing… much love, max
yes, I agree especially if it is a personal subject with deeper meaning. There are times though where those facebook plugins make sense like when you are promoting a book or a training or something. I am looking forward to seeing you this weekend. Max.
Great change Max! I am one of the people that stopped commenting (and not just here, other folks have gone with the auto post everywhere nonsense) because then you get people asking huh, what? I don’t understand, oh there was a link, oh is that work stuff?
rolling my eyes just remembering and thinking about it
And frankly not everyone is at the level to “get it” so then it also becomes, “I never have understood what you do online, how you are paying your bills and you never “work” .. ”
So yes good move!!
haha… I never thought about it from the angle of people not understanding… that just adds more fuel to this decision! so good… thanks for sharing Theresa. Much love, Max
p.s. I love that people don’t understand what you do!!
Pretty simple for me to say this, a true family grows from the tree, all connected to the one acorn that fell at the start. The bond is from the strength of facing the trials and tribulations together, swaying in the wind and storms and growing in the sun.
Such a treeline attracts attention because its strength, flexibility and stature and in times of trouble & opportunity, people need a place of truth to be vulnerable under
Bravo Max
thanks Derek. I like that analogy too. THANKS for sharing it… much love, max
I love this…and I would love to know how to create this for my blog. I was going to have a private facebook page for my peeps as I get into sensitive topics but this would be much better.
pretty simple Wendy… it’s just a standard wordpress comments plugin, nothing more, nothing less. much love, Max
Hi Wendy, I’ve used private FB groups with great success as well. I’m a member of some very deeply connected communities in private FB groups. They’ve been a great tool. Best of luck.
The ah-ha! for me came in a subtle statement about asking thoughtful questions. In the blogs I’ve written previously, I generally write stories or statements, ending without asking for feedback specifically. I ASSUMED IT WAS IMPLIED that I want comments…or maybe I didn’t. Maybe I wasn’t ready for them?! From now on, I will put intention in my creative writing and planning to craft a question that opens and inspires substantive dialogue. This is a gift I developed as a teacher — why have I not been using it as a blogger?! I’m seeing my role as a blogger and my goal of writing in awhole new light! A very shimmery and exciting light!
never assume. always ask for people to engage. always take the time to come up with useful reasons. it makes a world of difference. thanks Leslie… I appreciate your post. much love, max
I had thought on the previous FB comments, that you could choose or not choose whether they posted to your own FB page, and I always chose not to. And that was the only way that I felt comfortable sharing something personal or private. But maybe the comments went to FB anyway? Hmm…in any case, I think this is a good change. I like the questions that you ask. They are thoughtful and inspire someone like me to want to share. Thank you for this episode. I am considering starting a blog and I really like the idea of talking about your own stories and getting personal, that’s the only kind of content I actually enjoy writing.
I always say: “only start a blog if it is what you really want to do.” people always create them because they think they have to… and that never turns out well. if you have stories and messages you want to share that will help others, go for it. I’d sure love to see what you have to say!! much love, max
I’m a bit stumped as to why you would call this a private, closed, comment platform.. Anyone who comes to your site can read the comments and I imagine Google bots troll them as well. If all you’ve done is disable the FB plug then for me your statement of privacy is misleading. This is just a standard blog with comments…no? Am I missing something?
thanks for bringing this up Gloria… and I can see how your point makes sense. What I meant is that before this comment platform, we had a FB comment plugin which posted your comment publicly to your FB page which means that all of your friends would see it. But now, the only people who can read your comment are people here… in this tribe…. who are also sharing. I guess it’s not 100% private. But knowing the people in this tribe, I know it means your sharing will be kept amongst entrepreneurs who understand you and not broadcasted to the world without your permission.
Thanks Gloria and Max for your question and clarification. I was sort of wondering this, too. I’ve been blogging for some time now, and have just begun a new blog. I have no comments as of yet, but I still find this information really helpful. In terms of the way I should be thinking about comments, it puts me ahead of the game and more importantly thinking a little more out of the box.
I’m still wondering how to build that tribe … how to actually get people to comment. Do I need to also spend time with other like minded bloggers and ask them to … ??? I don’t know the answer to that. I feel like I should, though.
Also, another great tip was that it’s better to be consistent in blogging, i.e. every week. That’s a challenge for me. I blog about once a month. I can start to think of how I can contribute more frequently and most importantly, what I can share.
Thank you again Mx for your great tips. Also for being who you are and sharing.
I was kind of resistant when I knew that my comments would be on Facebook and at the same time my goal has been to share who I am authentically, all the time, everywhere, with everyone. So, I saw it as an opportunity to move toward my goal. That being said, I do feel more comfortable with having a private conversation with the many members of the tribe (meaning it is still not so private. Either way this move has made me think about how this might apply to my own business and my relationship to the tribe. Could I share more deeply? Yes I can and will.
Always a pleasure Max,
Mike
Thanks for sharing these ideas, Max. I have been Blogging every 2 weeks for a couple of years now and get very little by way of comment. I suspect it is because my blogs are too technical (I am a Divorce Mediator and often blog on legal issues) when perhaps I would be better off sharing my story and the stories of some of my clients (while still keeping their identities confidential).
I would love to hear about what happens if you SHIFT your content to being more personal Daniel… it’s a scary move to make, but totally worth it!! go for it my friend… and let us know how it goes. much love, max
Max, thank you so much for sharing this! I feel much better about my decision now. I have not put FB comments on my blog yet as I was afraid that it would push people away; I know there are some thing I am working through as an entrepreneur and I feel that a lot of my “friends list” on facebook question what I say a lot. After all, to them I do not have a “real job” and this is all just crazy. (I am in start-up and am not making large sums of money at this point.) Since I am a weight loss coach many clients struggle with letting their friends know about their journey, it is a sensitive issue. I can relate to these clients so I have only used the blog comments rather than Facebooks.
The problem I am facing is actually getting people to comment. There were great tips in this video, I will definitely have to start posing questions.
Max , you read my mind again! So funny with all the synchronicity and I just spoke openly about this the other night . I actually enjoyed the fact that when I posted something in here that it went to my facebook page and anyone could see my struggles and or triumphs! I am seriously trying to teach more people to realize that we are always on a journey so challenges come up for us to learn, even if we have to see something negative about ourselves in order to find that golden nugget!!! I also decided to share my personal stories on my radio show on voice america.com and those are the shows that people respond to because i talk about my ups and downs and my raw pain and how i got through it whether i read a book or hired a coach or someone to be my sounding board, so that I could see my own light with the help of others! It has been so powerful and it has taught me to take my business to a whole new level and to finally step into my power and share my experiences on a bigger scale. So next step for me is to change my website, create my blog, enhance my radio show, write my book and create the programs to incorporate all of this with my future clients. And I have to say that it was YOU who originally saw my potential and i have grown so much since last December, so for that I am truly grateful and I look forward to working more with you in the future . Much love back to you Max <3
This is the exact reason why I didn’t implement the Facebook comment system! It’s great for many businesses but when you’re in a space where you’re dealing with people’s most innermost fears and worries, I think the closed system is much more appropriate!
Thank you for this video and insight! Love everything you and your team do!
I’m painfully aware of what I’m missing out on this weekend – I will definitely be seeing you at one of your next live events!
Have an amazing week and event!
Derek
I welcome this shift. I’ve never been shy to comment when I thought I had something worth sharing. I have a very high regard for Max, his work and his love and intentions.
I joined the tribe earlier in the year and for a number of reasons have yet to complete the exercises. I expect to get back on track by January – or sooner, God (me) willing. As the Universe would have it, procrastinating has worked to my advantage and I now have a clearer understanding of my path which is quite different than when I joined the tribe. Also, a new friend with similar beliefs and passions wants us to work together which, for me, would be good as she has the entrepreneur gene I’m lacking.
It’s been a challenging year with 2 deaths that have impacted me deeply (Max’s Dad, and a nephew who committed suicide a few weeks ago). I know I have to simply jump in and get going one step at a time allowing myself permission to process at the same time…and get back to meditating daily!
One thing I like in members sharing is that some are brave enough to ask for help. Good for you! It gives the rest of us permission to do the same. Great role modelling!
You finally have my attention Max.
Okay, I’ll say it…I greatly dislike facebook. I’m a fan of some terrific coaches and industry leaders online but I never join these conversations when I see that they link to/through any of the social networking platforms. It’s just such a turn off for me.
This shift your team is making is much more congruent with me.
For what that’s worth…
it’s worth everything to us Darby… thank you for sharing. Much love… Max
Great move Max!
I detest Facebook – there I have said it.
I never ever comment on anything anymore because I really do not want anything I have an opinion about blasted out.
Anni
Thanks Max! It’s so cool to see you stepping outside the “norm” and going against the grain because that is simply what you and your tribe are about. Too often, we are encouraged to do certain things for the sake of “traffic” or exposure. I’ve fallen into that trap way too many times and find that when I escape from that trap, great things always happen. Best.
You know what’s also awesome about this comments platform shift? I don’t have to SIGN IN with Facebook. I don’t have a facebook account and it annoys me that most interactions I have on blogs call for a Facebook sign-in! This is doing it old-school. How it should be. Love your work.
haha! no signing in is the BEST!! thanks Dara… much love, Max
Max, First things first – I have to complement you on your change in how to leave a comment. Why? It’s like this…
You are one of the few “gurus” I still follow for the simple reason that they all know that they should promise to deliver “the internal game” but fairly quickly they fall back onto “Make a six figure income, yadayadayada…” and you find out that it’s about the money. I do what I do because I love it and wish to serve. Lately, you have been doing more service acts such as this. That’s why I’m stuck by you.
Now I’d love to make a bit more, if only to quit worrying about paying the bills and to even reduce my credit card debt.
One thing you could comment on. I’m hearing from many folks that they won’t be doing much of anything until after the election and that bit of uncertainty is cleaned up, one way or the other. Are you also finding this?
thanks Dan. your words really resonate with me. on the advice side, people ALWAYS have some kind of reason to stop doing what they most need to do. elections, kids, money, etc. Your role is to STAND FOR THEM in a bigger way than they could stand for themselves… so no, we are NOT finding this.
Thank you Max for another great video! You really have some amazing knowledge to share and I’m so glad to have found you and to be part of your tribe!
Hi Max,
I love this… at least the comments. I couldn’t access the video. Not sure why. Just upgraded to Lioness on my mac.. but the play button doesn’t work for me. Would love to see it!
try this link Rachel… it is where you can see it on youtube directly: http://www.youtube.com/user/bigvisionshow
Hi Max
Glad you took off the FB plugin… in the past if I wrote in, I would directly delete it off FB page because I didn’t feel that it was appropriate for my page. OK…..so now I’m happy to leave private, deeeeeper comments….Cool.
I’m so glad your making your business more intimate because I typed something to a friend on FB and I didn’t know it was for anyone to see. Luckily, it was a general enough statement. But since then, I have not wanted to share much with even my friends on FB…I would rather email them or call them on the phone. I would rather share our tears and laughter on the phone anyways-there is just something about
hearing someone. I agree there needs to be a balance between marketing to as many people out their but then being selective with who I share myself with and remembering the whole point of my business. I’m really only going to go to those deep scary places if I feel safe doing so. So creating safety is the best way I feel like being a little vulnerable. Me being an art therapist and facilitator and knowing the whole point of my business is about holding a safe space for people to have anything show up and be there for them. I have learned safety and trust is key in my business and the money is the icing on the cake.
I love this format, however, with me, I try to post as much as can each week. I want to post more and have more traffic. I also try to have related stories when I post, but I still have very little followers.
Ditto to Christina-the first commentor to this blog post. I have not commented due to privacy issues as well.
Hi Max,
Yes, this for me is far better. I am new to on-line business and am also a new customer of yours (Proven 6 Figure Path via Noah St John) Ive always been skeptical about using facebook for anything with business but I.m not a business expert. Thank you for all the info you have provided.
Kind Regards,
Louis
OMG! I was actually writing a ezine article just about that! I really think that the FB comments works best on launch pages. Blogs should be about community and creating a sacred place for the tribe to contribute. When I see the FB plugin on site, I actually don’t like to comment and just leave the site. So this is a good move Simon!
Hi Mark,
I agree with the privacy. I have always been told that everyone is NOT your customer. I am a Personal Wellness Coach and Independent Distributor for Herbalife International. Not everyone knows about Herbalife, not everyone likes Herbalife, and not everyone is compatible with my coaching style. However I know that my company has the best nutritional products in the world and that when followed my coaching methods works. By keeping it private I am able to control who can be in my club, because i don’t want people to be able to just come in and plant doubts into my clients head about this not working or try this or this or this. People can find research and data to support just about anything they want. It is like the scriptures warn “to the making of many books [blogs, ebooks,etc] there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh” So, yes, I agree keeping it private is the best way to go because it gives you more control. It may take longer to find the number of clients you are looking for, but by choosing things like the right keyword and phrases, you will get there. And best of all you will have the right people for your niche.
Yes, I am more inclined to post when I know that I am communicating with like minded people and not the general public. It makes me feel more like I belong to your “tribe” and have a relationship with your people. Thanks for this tip as I plan to use it and give my group this same sense of security and belonging.
Hi Max
I am so happy and grateful now, that i am a part of your tribe. I am excited about our future together as I become an Enlightened Entrepreneur . Blogging is a brand new thing to me, so I am looking for the best and most effective ways to get started because I have so much to talk about. Your What’s Working Now Live event was the best event I have ever attended, most importantly, “showed up”. Any tips and direction would be appreciated.
Warmly
Alana
WELCOME TO THE CLUB ALANA!! It’s going to be an amazing journey… much love, max
Hi Max. I think this will make a big difference for a lot of people and it’s a new perspective that’s worth serious thought.
As someone who is very open, commenting so it shows on Facebook never bothered me, but as a marketer I don’t spend a lot of time on my personal page anyway. Plus my life is pure bliss, so I’m never afraid to share that! (Truly it is, at least most of the time! LOL)
It would also depend on your niche and how much of a following you already have! For those just starting out, the Facebook option could bring in more traffic, for those who have a tribe and do want to build a stronger more personal relationship with them, this makes a lot of sense.
Thanks again for sharing your story. Building trust and being open and honest is so important in building any business and relationship!
Cheers,
Marguerita
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