Anyone who manages or owns a blog knows about comments and how many of them are simply spammers looking for links. After seeing so many “spammy” comments on your blog, it’s hard to imagine you can earn legitimate organic links from commenting on other people’s blog.
Well in fact, you can if you do it right.
If done properly, you’re really developing relationships with other bloggers rather than fishing for links. Over time, this is a way more beneficial and practical approach. Other bloggers will see you read their material and benefit from it and may even cite something you write in one of their posts, giving you another organic link right there.
So how do I gain organic links for my blog through blog comments? Continue reading for 5 steps you can use to do just that.
1. Read the entire post you’re commenting on
You wouldn’t think so but many blog comments have absolutely nothing to do with the material in the post…this is a red flag for a ‘spammy’ comment. Be sure and read the entire post before commenting and either have some constructive criticism or a question to ask.
2. Identify yourself
You will also want to include your name in the right field. Many spam links contain keywords the link builder is trying to get links for. If you must include keywords, be sure you have your name first.
3. Be friendly and personal
Another way to build organic links and build relationships is to be friendly and personal. Address the blogger by their first name and thank them for the good post…just a couple ways to be friendly
4. Contribute something valuable to the discussion
Don’t simply say “great post” or something like that. Add to the points they mention in their post or provide some constructive criticism or ask a question. If you disagree with their conclusions, respectfully state why…don’t be rude about it.
5. Come back again and keep in touch
Don’t simply leave a comment and never return. Check in often and comment when you have something to add. Consistent visits and comments help you build the relationship that will lead to a link. Be sure to subscribe to their comments so you can see if they reply to you or if someone has something to add to your comments.
Commenting on others’ blogs is a great way to network with like minded professionals and build your online presence.
Links signal to the search engines that your blog and website are important and view links as a vote of confidence from whoever is linking to you. The bigger the site linking to you, the bigger the impact it can have. But start small in the beginning and grow the quantity and quality of your links in tandem.