In my last post, I talked about us as commentators and why we should and should not opt in comments via email.
Today, I’ll be talking about the commentators to our own blog.
A couple of weeks ago, 13-year old Joe Boyle of WebsiteBegin left a comment here. It was then that I learned he’s a mean commenting machine. He comments to about 75 blogs! Now that’s obsession.
It’s quite known in the blogosphere how commenting can be a vital tool. There are hundreds of posts out there that discusses this including a bit from this one.
Here’s 7 proven tactics to get more blog comments from David Risley.
Are they happy?
First, let me ask you these: Are your commentators happy? How are we going to make them ‘happier’ if they’re not happy in the first place?
What makes them happy are the reasons why they are there in your blog:
- You provide quality posts
- They like particular sections of your blog
- You’re their friend (or foe)
- They think you’re a God
- They like to add value to your posts
- They simply like to comment and commend
- They enjoy opposing your views
- They love commenting and leave a trace behind
In short, it’s the formula that you use to invite readers and make them come back.
This post is not about that formula. In fact, that would require more than 1 post.
We’re going to talk about after they leave your blog.
So, what would make them happier?
It’s not rocket science really. The following WordPress plugins will make commentators like Joe happier:
Top Commentator – Show your appreciation and showcase the top commentators of your blog. This one’s a widget really but you can still install it through your WordPress plugins section. Thanks to Lorna Timbah the WebGrrrl.
CommentLuv – This allows commentators to leave a link to one of their recent posts. C’mon, give your commentators some luv! Let them show what they’ve got. I’ve been using this one since I started this blog. Thanks to Andy Bailey.
DoFollow** – This removes the nofollow attribute that WordPress adds in comments. This means you’re giving them a link juice back. Thanks to Denis de Bernardy.
KeywordLuv – “Reward your commentators by separating their name from their keywords in the link to their website, giving them improved anchor text.” Thanks to Stephen Cronin. (Note: this only works with the DoFollow plugin enabled or the nofollow tag removed).
Twitter Link Comments – This allows commentators to add their Twitter username and then display it along with the comment. Again, thanks to Andy Bailey.
** Removing the nofollow tag is not tricky but the effect on your blog could be. Here’s something about the No Follow attribute from Semiologic. If you’re uncertain of this, come back for a more detailed discussion about DoFollow.
Am I using these plugins on this blog? I sure am!
So, c’mon, don’t by shy. Comment away. Leave your traces behind. Be happier 
30 Comments
First of all, Gines, thank you so much for all your support for my blog, you’ve been wonderful.
Secondly, is it possible to use some of these plugins with a free WordPress theme? I’ve struggled with this and can’t seem to get code into my blog posts, so what would you suggest?
Linda
@intelliGines
Hi Linda,
I support those who I believe in and you’re one of them. As with other bloggers, I’m here to help not just through posts. That’s also the same reason why I implemented these plugins.
As for your question, unfortunately:
This is stated on their support page.
You have 2 options, either upgrade your wordpress.com account or have your own domain and host and install the full-featured wordpress (the .org one; it’s free anyway).
I know it costs money but if you want to get more out of WordPress, that’s the way to go.
Oh, btw, widgets are technically plugins too. You just can’t add more.
You can read more about .org vs .com on WP’s article.
Hope that helps. Have a good one.
@xhezarian
The list of plugin suggestions is usually helpful, however, my recommendations would be trying to avoid using plugins if possible. i.e. Top Commenter.
You can retrieve the Top Commenter based on name, site whatever by a single SQL query.
Just my two cents.
Thanks for the helpful content, anyway.
From Arian Xhezairi@WordPress Tips for Ninjas\’s mind: Moving WordPress Blog To a New Domain Without Losing Traffic
@intelliGines
Hey Arian,
You’re right about that. Some plugins slows down sites too. But for our friends who’s not in to coding, queries, development, etc. plugins will have to do.
I like your site – simple, minimal, balance. By the way, I’ll be redesigning this site using Thematic (open source rocks!). Your inputs will be valuable throughout my journey.
Thanks for dropping by. Have a good one.
@xhezarian
Gines, I’d be honored to share my thoughts with you on your redesign process.
By the way, just implemented in my blog the Top Commentators feature without a plugin, preparing a post on how to do it for tomorrow. Thought you might want to check it out.
Oh yes, I’m glad you liked my site.
From Arian Xhezairi\’s mind: Moving WordPress Blog To a New Domain Without Losing Traffic
@intelliGines
Awesome! Remember, I ain’t no pro and I don’t do it for a living so it’s going to be fun. Our new journey will start soon (new post too after a long while).
I’m curious how you did it. I’ll check that post out when it’s published.
Thanks Arian.
@maria_muir
Hi, I use most of the plugins you mention except the DoFolow and KeywordLuv. I was under the impression that bloggers didn’t like the DoFollow or am I wrong on that? Will certainly give them a go. Thanks for the tips, have a great weekend
From Maria\’s mind: 7 Link Challenge – With ProBlogger
@michaelpedzotti
Maria, bloggers appreciate the link juice back to their blog offered by the DoFollow plugin. Spammers also like it and it does tend to increase the rate of spam a little.
From Michael Pedzotti@blogger affiliate software\’s mind: A simple solution to a bogged blog
@maria_muir
Thanks Michael, the spammers would be a problem but, I installed the plugin to approve your own comments on other blogs using a valid email and it does work.(your recommendation) I have had one spam comment get through in the past week compared to ten a day.
From Maria\’s mind: 7 Link Challenge – With ProBlogger
@intelliGines
Hi Maria,
Michael is exactly right. You give your commentators a link juice but the downside are those pesky spammers.
Have a good weekend.
@michaelpedzotti
I am glad to hear that my recommendation is working out for you. I have had many comments since installing the “approve your own” plugin and have had to manually approve only a couple.
Most people like having the ability to do things themselves. There was one spammer but the rest are genuine and valuable comments.
From Michael Pedzotti@blogger affiliate software\’s mind: Approve your own comments!!!
@intelliGines
Spot on Michael. Thanks for that.
@bigredtomato
Thanks for the suggestion on top commentators plugin, I’m going to have a look at it now!
Thanks for this!
From Matthew Needham\’s mind: How to Write your ebook part 5
@intelliGines
My pleasure Matt! Have a good one.
@dragonblogger
I use virtually all of those plug-ins and there is a plug-in to remove the nofollow tag from all of your comments to so you don’t have to edit your own WordPress php files to do it manually.
Remember one thing though, once you DoFollow and KeyWordLuv your blog you will see spammers come out of the Woodwork and abuse the dofollow links and especially the KeywordLuv. Sometimes I regret using them from having to filter out hundreds of spam comments per week.
From Justin Germino\’s mind: Think Blogging is Easy Money
@intelliGines
Hey Justin,
You’re right, the DoFollow plugin will remove the nofollow tag for all comments. You’re also right about the spam. I guess that’s the price we have to pay just to make our commentators happier.
Thanks for dropping by. Have a good one.
Great plugin links for newbie bloggers. I have installed the first 3 for now.. I’m focusing to write great content and love to receive comments and feedbacks. Thanks for sharing your tips. I am a happy commentator.
From Kent Chow @ In Marketing Tips\’s mind: 5 Free Ebooks you should have
@intelliGines
Haha! That’s good to know Kent. I’m glad you’re happy.
I suggest you use KeywordLuv as well since you’re into IM.
Thanks for dropping by. Have a good one.
@Shekhar_Sahu
These plugins always help to increase the comments, also comLuv increases the keywords of the blog(I have seen)
@intelliGines
You’re right about that Shekhar.
Oh and thanks again for the opportunity.
Have a good one.
@Alexwhalley23
Hey Gines,
Nice summary of posts relating to the commentary. I like that you kept it short and sweet – awesome.
And you are right, Joe is a commenting machine.
But you should be listening to the teacher and not surfing Joe! LOL
I am the keyword blogger, I really should get the keyword luv plugin, thanks for reminding me
From Alex@Keyword Research Blogger\’s mind: The Keyword Research Pro Review
@intelliGines
LOL! You have a point there. Well, I used to teach and you’ll be surprised what you can learn from your students.
Oh, is that 2 points for me? 2 plugins I helped you remind about. I’m honoured.
Have a good one Alex.
@michaelpedzotti
Thanks for the tips. I have just added the Twitter Link plugin.
From Michael Pedzotti@blogger affiliate software\’s mind: Looking for great blogging advice
@intelliGines
Cool! Thanks for dropping by.
Have a good one Michael.
Hey, good post.
I recently wrote a post like this, but I used 11 plugins
From Kharim\’s mind: 11 Plugins To Enhance Blog Comments
@intelliGines
That’s a nice roundup you got there Kharim. I’ve looked into the other plug-ins you mentioned but I’ve narrowed it down to my list here plus Subscribe to Comment which I talked about last time.
Actually, since I read your post, I might reconsider Thank Me Later and @Anywhere.
Thanks for dropping by. Have a good one.
From Gines\’s mind: Why You Should and Should Not Follow-Up on Comments via Email
@websitebegin
Haha, thanks for the mention!
I don’t really believe in the whole Twitter linking idea for 2 reasons;
1) I don’t ever get many followers from it.
2) I usually don’t scroll below the comment box to find the Twitter user box. It’s just something I don’t do very often.
Otherwise, great list of ways to make readers happy. Great post, too!
@intelliGines
You’ve got 2 good points there. Maybe we can do a survey on this.
Thanks Joe. Have a good one.
@websitebegin
It’s funny that I detest the plugin, yet I keep it on my site. That’s my George Bush coming out.
From Joe Boyle\’s mind: The Problem With Goals
@intelliGines
LOL! So the next Boyle Gates has a George Bush in him. Ha!
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