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How To Build A Community On Your Blog
September 25, 2008
Part of having a blog is having loyal readers. We all know how hard finding readers that are loyal can be.
However, according to some people, if your content is up to par loyal readers will magically make their way to subscribe to your FeedBurner, check their reader or email, and click through to drop a comment.
But is it really all that simple?
Can quality content be it? Will this bring people flocking to your blog again and again to read and comment on the latest post?
Unless you’re receiving over 100,000 visits a month, I don’t think quality content alone will do the trick .
There’s more to it.
Now, when I say “community” I’m referring to a group of people that constantly comment on your blog. They always come back to read your latest post and participate in the comment section.
This is a rarity.
But blogs like ImWithJoe.com and WriterDad.com manage to get over 20 comments on every single one of their posts and peak at about 50 comments — I mention these blogs because they’re relatively new, yet they grew their blog’s communities at an alarming rate.
So, how did they do it?
Well, that’s an art within itself. One thing I’ve noticed is every blog I go to I always see 3 people in the comment section: Normal Joe, Writer Dad, and Ryan McLean.
I’m pretty sure blog commenting has a lot to do with their success, if not, then you’ll be seeing interviews from them on this blog soon, and I’ll drag it out of them.
Here are some tips that I know for sure will help you build your community.
Extreme blog commenting
There’s definitely an art behind this, which we will touch up on more and give the topic its own post sometime in the near future.
When it comes to blog commenting, in my opinion, you can go one of 2 ways or go both ways.
The 2 ways I’m referring to are which blogs to comment on: popular blogs or beginner blogs from people just like yourself.
If you choose to comment on popular blogs, say, Problogger, it’s important that you “camp” the post.
That’s right; get your tent, marshmallows, and a lighter because I’m sure you can’t light a fire from 2 rocks like me —- 
What I mean by camping is to watch for when the post is published, then be the first to comment on it. But you’re not done; being first is just the beginning.
If you have quick wits and are a good with words, then you should try and make your comment as interesting as possible, and make it as far out as you can without seeming like you want attention.
How can you find out when a post was just published? Do I have to keep going back and forth to the site?
No. Of course not. Gees, you’re my readers. I wouldn’t do that to you guys.
Instead, get a MyBlogLog account. Many of you probably already have one, so most of you are already ahead of the game.
Then join the given blog’s community. Almost every blogger has a MyBlogLog. Find them and join their community.
Why? Because MyBlogLog tends to show when a post is published almost immediately after it was published. From my experience it’s faster than Google’s reader and my NetVibes reader, which are pretty fast themselves — but not faster than MyBlogLog’s.
Anyway, once you get the first comment and it’s an interesting one, you’ll get reasonable traffic back to your site from it. The more you do it and the more popular the blog you’re doing it on is, the steadier the traffic will be just from doing this — and it’s decent traffic at that.
Commenting on less popular blogs and blogs that are at your level
I consider this to be more effective for building a community, than trying to build one from commenting on popular blogs.
Why? Well, if you do the first example you’ll be getting visitors that are used to content that are of Darren Rowse’s caliber. If you’re not producing that kind of content, I don’t think you’ll get much feedback from those visitors — let alone build a loyal community.
On the other hand, if you go scouring for blogs that are around the same level of popularity as yours and comment on those blogs, then it is more likely the person of such blog will return the favor.
In fact, that seems to be the case every time I do so.
When I first started this blog I used to do the first example every day. That was my way to leverage traffic, and it did. Problem is that traffic barely converted into comments or RSS subscribers.
But, it’s the total opposite when you comment on blogs on your level — the love usually gets returned.
Social Bookmarking Networks
This is another great way to build a community on your blog. Recently, I wrote a post on StumbleUpon’s do’s and dont’s. If you’re on StumbleUpon, Digg, Reddit, or any other site like it, you can easily trade comments for diggs, reviews, and reddits.
The trick behind this, like all social bookmarking tactics, is having a lot of friends. And believe it or not, I’ve made friends with many bloggers via social bookmarking sites more than any other method.
But remember, when you search for friends make sure their interests are on the topic of your blog.
This is pretty much a no brainer, but when I search for people to make friends with I usually type into the search box “blogging” or “make money blogs”, and make friends with people who are like-minded.
This increases the chances of the friendship lasting.
- Make friends
- Return favors
That’s the key to social bookmarking success.
Using these tips effectively and under daily basis will grow the level of commenting on your blog. The same people will continue to return to your blog just like you return to theirs.
And slowly but surely, your blog will have a community of loyal readers that you can count on to always comment on your latest posts.
Whoa! What do you have to say about all this?
Have you grown your blog’s community yet? How long did it take you? And what other tips would you add to this post that will help people grow their blog’s community?
Second and third Image by: Striatic, and -Bast-.
Your on a roll now.
I like this post alot and encourage you to keep it coming !!!!
Thanks Luis
PS and responding to everyone that comments to get your comment numbers
artificially higher to me is lame.
I saw a blog where the dude say Hi and Thanks to everyone
I thought of doing that cause I feel bad when someone comments
and you want to say thanks but I just thought it was tacky
some guy has alot of comments just volleying back conversation
with one other person NOW that’s funny
You hit it on the head Luis, building a community is where it’s at. It’s not about running through the internet blasting shotgun comments on the most popular blogs and seeing which one’s stick. Honestly, I only roll on the blogs I like. Sure, Problogger is the man, but I don’t read his blog much, so…you won’t see me commenting much unless he writes something I’m interested in.
I don’t differentiate too much, if I like it, I’m there! If not…I keep it moving. Community is what you want man, it’s the same as building a customer base. You want those folks that will be around for the long haul. The readers that will constantly support you, it’s the same as finding customers that will buy all your stuff, simply because they trust you and you’ve built a relationship!
Great points man.
Luis,
The idea of “camping” is a good one. I’ve been using FeedReader for that, but it’s sometimes hard to handle the context switching that is required to go and post to 10 different blogs AS THEIR POSTS ARE MADE. Is this something you’ve tried, and have you honestly seen good traffic from it?
Susan
Ecommerce Blogs last blog post..Quick Tip: Easy Domain Switching for Miva Merchant Stores
My blog commumity core is around five readers at moment.
I indeed got them commenting on other blogs. Can’t say I target blogs of specific level (or specific anything else) – I only comment where and when I have something to say.
Sounds great. And I agree with every word. I’ll sit down and get to your interview tonight good sir.
Writer Dads last blog post..The Quan
POTPOLITICS – I totally know what you mean. Another blog I read has a guy selling phones who posted 170 times trying to win $100 for being the top commenter. It would take me much longer to post 170 times then it would to do something useful for a customer who would pay me $100 for actually providing a service! Versus just bloating up a site with bogus comments. Whatever
Ecommerce Blogs last blog post..Quick Tip: Easy Domain Switching for Miva Merchant Stores
I agree with you, and I’m also the same as Joe. I don’t run around blasting “hey that post really made my day” on all the popular blogs. Now and then I go to a few of the big guns, but it’s more out of curiousity to see if anything is actually “new there”. My only criteria for choosing blogs to comment on is “I have to like the author and the content”. This allows me to actually leave “real comments” because I’m actually “reading the post”.
Also, I try and “give back” by commenting on the blog of anyone who takes the time to come over to mine and comment. My mama raised me to be polite. lol
I think that helps build a community as well.
Cheers!
Jay
SuiteJs last blog post..Using Google Analytics To Find Hidden Gems In Keywords
John – Thanks John! You’re the best friend a stumbler could have
I know what you mean, and I think it has to do with the threaded comment reply plugin. I respond to every comment as well, but I tend to let a few go through before I respond so that I’m not after every comment.
However, I love people who reply to comments — it makes me feel special!
Normal Joe – I completely agree with you Joe! I haven’t read Problogger in a while as well. To be quite honest, there’s really no community feel there. Sure, posts get 40 plus comments, but have you noticed Darren doesn’t reply to comments nor do his readers reply to each others comments.
I’m like, “Why should I comment on this blog?” No one will respond back to me, so slowly but surely my interest strayed away from the blog. I still stop by once a week to, like you said, see if something interests me.
Susan – Yes. To be completely honest, you actually see decent traffic from it. The real problem is you need to comment on several blogs — that can be tiring. I used to do it when I started this blog, but I just got tired of commenting on 30 blogs every single day. But it does work.
Ryan, whom I linked to in this post, is living proof of it. Check out his blog.
Rarst – You think just like me. I’m to the point where I comment only when I have something to say, and I’ve been that way for a few months now. But I’ve decided to go back to commenting, quality commenting—I don’t drop by just to say “great post!”—because I’m trying to grow a loyal community on this blog now more than ever.
Writer Dad – Glad you liked it! Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed — I’m honored!
SuiteJ – That makes three of us! You’re absolutely right Jay. I do the same exact thing. I’m practically a stranger on the more popular blogs. And darn it! You’re right, commenting on blogs of people who comment on yours is definitely keen to building a community — that one slipped by me. Thanks for sharing!
I feel like the whole RSS feed thing is overrated…the only people who use it are “computer geeks” like ourselves
a majority of the people who come to your site don’t even know how RSS works
Isaacs last blog post..JONATHON PAPELBON REALLY LIKES HIS CHAMPAGNE
Really good post! When I started blogging, I did more commenting, and didn’t see the payback… but maybe I wasn’t “extreme” enough. This is one area that you should pay it forward. I try to be active in some of the social networks, I wish the toolbars could roll up and down cause you really can’t have all the toolbars open at the same time. I found the Entrecard community to be very welcoming and have met alot of great bloggers through them.
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This is a great post lots of good ideas for bloggers to follow thanks for the tips, bookmarked!
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Luis I would always reply to you
But what I meant is just chit chat
anyway who cares every person is
intitled to their own style that is one of the many
benefits of having your own blog
Like the post I’m going to go with tonight is kinda off the wall
I’m going to ask people to tell me why my blog sucks and what they
would do to change it;)
That is the only way we can learn:)
So learn this your kicking ASS
Great advice! I love reader comments, and I find that when I take the time to respond to readers, I build a better sense of community. That way it feels more like a conversation and less like a blog post with comments.
Mirandas last blog post..Scam Alert! Time to Capitalize on the Economic Uncertainty
Great practical tips. I agree with everything you wrote here.
These are all great points, and you actually just turned me onto a few tactics I’ve been neglecting. Thanks for the tips!
Yes, I agree that building a popular blog centers around building your community, and at the same time keeping quality content on your blog for them to stay excited about so they continue to visit you.
The funny thing is, I’ve seen blogs out here that post not so regularly, but still manage to have a ton of comments from the one post they do make. I scratch my head about that one, because why would one continue to visit a blog that doesn’t update often? And these aren’t always earth shattering posts, either. I really can’t figure that one out…
Your suggestion of cultivating a community from new blogs and “mid range popularity” blogs is a good one. I know that when I first started, I was really appreciative of the one or two comments I got. It gave me the inspiration to keep on blogging, and I always commented those few people back.
I have tried to troll around on some of the more popular blogs, but from what I see from my traffic feeds, the return is very little. A couple curiosity seekers stop by, but rarely do they become regulars.
All in all, great post, Luis! You’re giving up some good secrets here!!
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Luis, Thanks for these tips. I am learning so much from you and John sullivan. This helps me tremendously, as I have been doing some of these for a few weeks. Now I have more to do.
Tony Cathey
Tony@Apostasy in the Churchs last blog post..Obedience To The Word
Another great post, Luis. I like the phrase “camp the post.” Never heard that one before.
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Cool tips, I guess this post will surely help me more……
AvidReader – Thanks! Likewise, I was the same way. Once I didn’t really see results, I slowly stopped doing it. But now that I’ve discovered the “art’ behind it, I’m applying it and it’s working very well for me! I haven’t tried Entrecard, but it sounds like it’s worth it! Thanks for sharing!
Fool – Thanks! I appreciate it!
John – LOL! Yeah, I definitely know what you mean bro! And John, your blog doesn’t suck! Don’t cut yourself short bro. PotPolitics is it! Keep it coming!
Miranda – Thanks! Yes I agree. Responding to your readers comments is great. And I think it’s really what makes blogs feel like “communities”. I stopped going to some of the top blogs because of just that; they don’t reply back. No one does for that matter.
Yet when I go to a lesser known blog, I feel the love. I almost always get a reply, and it gives me reason to come back for more.
Eddiego65 – Thanks!
Fitness Diva – Thank you! I see what you mean. Like I point out in this post, it’s more effective if you comment on blogs that are less popular. Commenting on popular blogs just brings visitors but no action. Most of the time they never comment. It’s the complete opposite when you come to blogs like this one, however.
As far as the people who don’t post often, I used to think the same exact thing. Believe it or not, this blog used to publish a post every single day. But I had to cut back for 2 reasons: My posts were always long and they didn’t get seen by everyone, because they were on top for only one day. So a lot of good posts went straight to the bottom of the archive.
The best thing to do is feel out your audience, and decide what posting frequency is right for you. If you have a new blog, that receives little traffic, you shouldn’t post everyday until you have a larger audience. This way your articles get the attention and exposure they deserve.
But it can also depend on what your niche is. I wrote a couple articles on the subject that can help you decide what’s best for you.
Check them out:
Should Posts Be Short and To The Point or Long and Detailed? and How Often Should You Post On Your Blog?
Hope that helps!
Tony – No, thank you for stopping by Tony! Yes, it definitely is worthwhile. I myself am going pretty hard at it! It works!
Clickfire – Thank you so much! You do? I made it up myself!
Kristrr – Thanks; I’m sure they will.
Great tips. You’re such a good writer: Concise, clear, and remarkable advice and tips! Thanks.
By the way, it looks like you’re building quite the community.
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Great post, very useful. I’ve struggled to comment on other blogs because it seems like a lot of work for not much in return. There is a one blog that I spend a lot of my time at but not many others. I might have to rethink this though!
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Bill – Thanks; I’m flattered!
It looks like I am.
And all I’m doing is exactly what’s in this post.
Dave – I used to be the same way. I used to only comment on 3 of the top blogs, but that simply returned visits — that’s it . . . visits. No comments or subscriptions.
If any, they were very few.
Take a shot at what’s in this post, and see how it works out for you.
Great post, Luis! I think I’ll add it to my weekly links post…
I think a great follow up post to this would be about writing posts that attract comments.
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One thing I notice is that posting more often does not bring more visitors or comments on my blog. I seem to have the same handful of people that visit once a week and leave comments, so I just make sure that I have 2 or 3 posts up for them to choose from. Being one of the less popular blogs, I do tend to leave reciprocate.
I’ve tried the ‘comment on popular’ blogs with little success — seems everyone knows how to get there first! But thanks anyway for your tips on MBL, LOL. It seems every popular post gets over 75 comments so you have to be first and ‘extreme’.
Your second method, “comment on less popular” works much better if you’re in a different niche than the A-bloggers (as you said, referral traffic is probably not interested in your content). My blog is new but I have two ‘community’ readers who always seem to comment on my blog at the right time — I gained one by commenting on their blog and another through a discussion where I challenged something on their blog and ended up writing a post about what I learned (favorable). I’ve received referrals for both blogs.
Regarding ‘social bookmarking’ as a community, I find it’s time consuming to match the right ‘friends’. I’ve had to turn down requests for review if the content doesn’t ring for me or for folks who might visit my Stumble log. But I found you on SU, so it’s not all bad!
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First of all, this is a good post.
I think it’s a good post because, I can identify with it through my own personal blogging experience – and by the way, this is what determines where I comment on. I like sharing my own experiences.
At the moment, I belong to a blog community of about 11 people. We don’t all comment on each others posts. We only comment if we have to, but because we have related interests, we comment every now and then.
The truth is that as a result of this community, our individual blog traffics has climbed into the realm of a few thousands.
This post is not just good, it’s true, it’s relevant.
By the way, I found this post through the Stumble site of one of our blog community members!
I really like this post because it is very informative. It is really true that quality content doesn’t work alone. Good Job!
Good stuff, Louis!
I was wondering how people, okay Ryan, was getting to be the first or second commenter on like EVERY BLOG that I visit. Amazing! And all of this time, I have had a MyBlogLog and Google Reader account and never used them.
Well, enough of that, i am going to get after this. I have a new goal of commenting regularly. As said above, I don’t want to shotgun comment, but take my time and get involved in different communities, build relationships with the bloggers, and see what happens.
Got you in my Reader now, so you won’t be able to get rid of me if you wanted to!
Really useful info Luis Thanks!!
It’s so useful having clear explanations to things sometimes.
Thanks for these tips, I sure this post will help me more.