How to encourage readers to leave comments

In the past few months, we posted two articles on how to encourage audience response.

One article suggested a comment rating system to promote interaction with readers. The other article is about online polls to measure readers’ reaction.

But aside from these two, what else can a blogger do to encourage audience or readers response like leaving comments?

Let me share with you what others have written and which I have also found effective:

1. Ask your readers to leave a comment. I guess, this is the easiest part. You can end your post with statements like: “Please, leave your comment on this post before you go,” or “Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic” or “I would love to hear what you think. Why not leave your comment.” Most readers would be just too happy to comment if there is a direct statement them to do so.

Here is an example: “What do you think? Should we abandon the use of apostrophes when writing in Tagalog?”

2. Write about hot topics. An interesting article can capture your readers’ attention, and stir them to share their views about your post. What is a hot topic? Depends on your interest or rather your area of expertise. I’m sure you know the danger of blogging on topics that the writer does not know anything about.

3. Do not let your readers feel that they are alone. Respond to your readers’ comments appropriately. Thank them and make them feel that you appreciate their efforts in sharing their views.

Other techniques to encourage response and repeat visits include adding an auto-notifier link which allows your readers to subscribe to your comment page. An auto-notifier will alert subscribed readers when there is a response to their comment. This means when you or another reader has replied to their comment, they would know right away.

You can find an example of an auto-notifier in the comments box below. Why not demo it to see it in action?

So, which techniques have you found most effective in your blog? I am certain there are other ways that you know to encourage your readers to leave their comments? Why not share them with us. // Thanks.

Related (or closely related) posts:

• How to blog spam-free at WordPress.com
• How to encourage audience response