By Cheryl Pickett
It is well known advice that if you want to be able to write anything well, you need to read a lot. If you’re a blogger, you absolutely should spend time reading other blogs in your niche. When you do, my advice is don’t forget to read the comments and even try to subscribe to follow ups if you can. Why? Because sometimes comments are just as helpful if you’re reading to jumpstart your own idea and writing process. They really can be a goldmine of opportunity. Here’s how they can help:
1. Compliments
Some comments in this category will be a simple “I like this” or “this is great” and those are not of much use to you. However, sometimes people are more specific. They may add a short note such as, “This is useful to me because I’m just starting out” or “I’d love to see more of these kinds of articles”. When you read something like that last thought, the light bulbs should start firing in your own mind. How can you talk about the same or a closely related subject at your blog?
2. Complaints
In one way, most bloggers don’t want to get into their comment file and see a lot of complaints. However, sometimes people will “complain” in a mild sense that is helpful. Someone might write, “I enjoyed this, but I wish you would have also included…” That’s your cue to write about whatever was left out.
On the next level, people may actually complain quite directly (just hopefully not rudely). If they’ve read a post they really disagree with or even find offensive, a few may speak their mind. That type of comment gives you a cue to express your thoughts and opinions at your blog. As a bonus tip: If your post idea was sparked by a particular comment, especially if you agreed with it, see if you can contact the commenter and invite them to see what you wrote because of them. If they’ve commented via some kind of i.d. system (like Gravatar), you should be able to click on their picture and find out how to reach them.
3. Questions
While compliments and complaints within comment sections are definitely useful tools for your writing, questions are true gold. It doesn’t get much easier to find out what people are interested in than having them state it for you in black and white. Pay close attention if you see one and give some thought to what you can do with it. Maybe it will spark a post and that’s good, but maybe you could run with it in another direction too. Either way, you will be well on your way to benefiting your readers, customers and clients.
If you would like to learn how to create quality content and write your B.E.S.T right now, I invite you to visit my website http://www.cherylpickett.com.
Cheryl Pickett has been writing articles, blogs and books for well over a decade. Her mission is to help message driven entrepreneurs, authors and other thought leaders create their own compelling content faster, easier and with less stress.
Related Post:
- – Blogging Tips by Cheryl Pickett
– 8 Blogging Tips to Grip Your Readers
– Closing comments on old posts
– 5 Things Your Blog Should have
– Check Your Akismet Spam Folder Often
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