“So how many people visit your blog everyday?” is a question I get asked by my friends sometimes. “Um, about 5,000 people a day, 7,000 on higher days…” Then they all gasp and say something like, “Whoa! That is a lot! I would’ve never guessed….” and they trail off before I finish their sentence for them. “Because no one comments? Haha, I know.” and it makes me wonder too sometimes.
But then I don’t comment on other blogs either. Not even the ones that comment on my blog. I don’t really follow any blogs regularly, or read many of them so that’s a big reason why, but on the few blogs I do read somewhat regularly like once or twice a month(I feel like I spend enough time on the internet as it is with my own blog so I try not to surf the internet), I leave comments on because that’s my own blogging etiquette. I feel like I am not being fair to the bloggers’ time and effort if I read and enjoy their blogs on a regular basis but never leave a comment. So I leave a comment maybe every few times I read their blog to let them know I appreciate what they’re sharing. But that’s just my personal etiquette rule and by no means do I want others to do the same. I want people to comment when they want to! I don’t do any advertising or sponsoring of my blog, and don’t contact other companies for sponsorship like a blogger is suppose to do, or spend that much time on the blog or take it very seriously, so naturally, my blog isn’t as successful as it could be but I’m perfectly okay with that. But I have wondered how I could get more comments on my blog, because of course I love getting feedback, what blogger doesn’t?
But I am recently finding out about this “secret blogging etiquette or rule” and I’m wondering, am I the only one that’s been out of the loop? How come no one told me? How come no one talks about it, is it suppose to be a big secret between the bloggers?
So the “secret” I found out about is this: if you leave a nice comment on someone’s blog and/or say “I’m your newest follower and/or have their blog address below”, then you’re very highly encouraged/should visit their blogs and leave a comment too and/or follow back. It doesn’t have to be all three of them, some do leave thoughtful comments with no link to their blog, but they know you can click on their name and find their blog. It’s like this secret exchange you have between bloggers.
I’ve read before that commenting on other blogs is a great way to make your blog successful but I didn’t know exactly why. But now I know what they really meant! I come across a blog and think, WOW! How do they get so many comments when I’m literally getting 10x-100x times more people visiting my blog? They just started their blogs not long ago, what is his/her secret because I want to know! I just figured they’re better bloggers, better writers, better photographers, (and some) have much higher number of readers than mine, advertise their blogs, and some even buy readership/comments/traffic etc. And many times it is true of course, I don’t consider myself a great blogger and there are so many blogs that are better at all those things than me. But it intrigues me when I see start-up blogs that get so many comments(like 100) when the quality and content is similar to mine with readership less than 10% of mine. So I click on some of their comments and almost all the comments are like this. “Thank you for visiting my blog, for leaving me a sweet comment, for following me, I’m following you back!”
So that’s the big unspoken secret people. I hope no one’s mad that I spilled what seems to me like the-must-not-be-named secret in blogging. And those people that visit plethora of blogs daily to leave comments to engage with other bloggers and have them visit your blog too, I say good for you! That’s not for me but kudos for your dedication.
Did you know about this unspoken secret exchange between the bloggers? What do you think about it?
a s h l e y b o y e r says
I love this! It's good to share the secrets of blogging π I've followed your blog for some time, but this is my first comment! There's a first for everything…
Wani says
Thanks for sharing!!
The Angles says
Interesting! I don't comment very often, but that's mainly because I like to hear back and when I do comment I don't get the feedback I'm hoping for. Also I'm not a "blogger", I have a blog but update sporadically, definitely not regularly nor do I plan to become so. But I read your blog regularly and I love it, so blog on!!
Kara says
I've been reading and enjoying your blog for some time so you are right, I should comment and tell you how much I enjoy it! Keep up the good work π
Emma says
I feel so dumb! I hardly ever comment either, however I read blogs all the time! So here's my comment: Hi Sarah, my name's Emma! I think we have a small connection… My brother (Tim Koide) said that he knew you and Jay when he saw me looking at your blog.. small world! I live in Springville, am attending BYU, and am a budding photographer. Here is my blog: http://emmamathesonphotography.blogspot.com/
I think you're great! π
xoxo
E
Ally Ebdon says
I've got to be honest, I'm not sure if I think those comments are worth as much as just simple honest comments. When I read a comment which is pretty generic and then quotes their blog address I always think that they're just fishing for blog views and aren't very sincere about what they're actually saying. I much prefer to read insightful comments on my blog and then if their view is interesting or they seem like a lovely person I will click through their profile to see if they have a blog. That's probably just me though.
Jodi Ann says
I noticed this a while ago, but wasn't sure if it was a thing or just my imagination. So, glad you shared! π I rarely ever comment because seriously, between the kids and the laundry and life in general, I have just enough time to finish reading the blog post and barely any time to comment. Although, I really want to comment more because I think it's good to let the person know you appreciated what they're sharing. I noticed, some blogs that I follow have created a sort of online community within their own space and everyone knows everyone else and they all comment to each other as well as the blogger and i love that! I am always curious how to create that kind of community on your blog.
Melissa says
I sometimes feel a bit shy about commenting, but would also dearly love to know that people enjoy my blog since I put so much time and love into it. I guess that's a bit of a lesson isn't it. I love your blog and your beautiful photos and will make sure I comment on the posts that really strike a chord for me π
Pragati says
I agree with Ally – I like the genuine comments, not the ones that include a link!
And I love your blog, Sarah. I still get compliments on the dress I fashioned from a skirt based on your tutorial π
myorii says
Ah, the unspoken rule of blogging… you said it out loud so the blogging police will now have to come and confiscate your post π
I do know of this unspoken rule but only because several blogs I've read in the past have actually said that if someone comments on your blog, you should return the favor since it's common courtesy. I use to do the commenting exchange a lot because I wanted traffic on my own blog and because I felt guilty if I didn't comment back. Of course, that meant that I spent more time commenting than blogging and my family was started to feel neglected so I stopped doing it.
Plus, like someone else had mentioned, a lot of the comments I usually got usually were pretty generic (like "great post!") while mines tend to be epically long since I actually respond to the post contents. These days I read everything on my rss reader so unless a post really stands out for me and makes me want to comment, I just read and move on.
Bailey Nicole says
I am fairly new to blogging, and although I check the blogs that I follow multiple times a day, I am the same way where I almost never comment. Totally makes sense that you "get what you give."
Thanks, great advise for a newbie like me!
francophilehic says
I enjoy your blog and many others but rarely comment due to the fact I usually read as a way to decompress and don't want to feel pressured to do anything when I am just relaxing.
Sara Jolie says
ha ha..thanks for passing on the tip! I noticed other people doing that, writing their blog names down….now I know it actually works! too bad my blog is private π
Jensey! says
I hardly comment on other blogs and feel bad for not leaving you any love the past year I've been following you! Hiiiiii! <3
kimmie says
Hi Sarah! I enjoy your blog but rarely comment.. maybe because it's pretty clear that you put your family first (I remember you saying that you don't blog when the girls are awake, which is awesome!) and you aren't the type that blogs with the goal of page views and comments, but rather the type that blogs because you enjoy documenting your life with your kids. Some bloggers will add questions at the bottom of every post trying to create discussion and soliciting comments, but you don't give off the "I'm desperate for you to comment on my blog" vibe, so I've never really thought to comment unless I have something to say.
As for your "unspoken rule" I think that it's a trend that's been going around the blogosphere that I really despise. I would rather have one or two genuine comments instead of 100 copy-and-pasted "Hi come follow my blog! xoxo" comments. When someone leaves a thoughtful comment on my blog that makes me think or laugh, I'm more likely to go back and visit their blog, since it feels more like a discussion and a connection with another human being. If someone just left a generic "great blog I'm your newest follower" comment, it feels really spammy (because I know they're leaving the exact same comment on 50 other blogs that day as well), and I'm less inclined to actually visit their blog and comment back. On the other hand, if someone takes the time to actually read my post and write out a thoughtful comment, I'll definitely try to visit their blog back and leave a thoughtful comment for them as well.
I think it's nice if you are able to leave a return comment for everyone who comments on your blog, but seriously that takes so much time, and with time as precious as it is already, I would rather use that time to comment on the all the blogs that I love, and the people that I've formed connections with, and not these generic blogs that don't do anything except for leave one comment about being a new follower and then never return.
Whew! that was a totally long comment, hope that made sense π
Christy says
I wish Bloggers weren't so caught up in the #s. It's a reason I never have tried to grow my own blog! I'd rather get three sincere comments than 33 insincere ones. I don't comment all that often on most blogs, I just enjoy from afar. π
Kayela says
I've always wondered about this too. I know that blogging shouldn't be about how many comments you get, but it can feel a little like a one-sided conversation when you're pouring your heart out and not getting any response. I always appreciate getting comments;)
I like your rule about leaving one any time you view a blog. I think that's a nice way to give a small "Thank you" for all the time and effort they put into it. I'm going to start doing that too;)
aimlesslastwords.com says
seriously, who has the time for that?
Lindsay says
I agree with Kimmie above. I'm not a big fan of the "I'm your newest follower, come follow me" comments — usually because they a) are not actually following my blog and just cut and pasted it, which is totally insincere and annoying and b) they didn't read my post and are just trying to boost their own blog.
That said, I do think that leaving thoughtful comments on people's blogs is a great way to gain followers and to find new friends. And I do love it when people leave return comments on my blog or follow me back. π
Jackie says
I NEVER get comments. Haha, but I know that it's only my mom and mother-in-law really reading. Oh well, I guess no one else in the world wants to see the cutest half mexican kids ever made. Their loss. I read you all the time, so I'll start commenting more π Love ya Sarah.
Haylee says
Amen, I couldn't have said it better and I completely agree. It's not just you!
Sini says
I don't get many comments on my blog either. I do try to encourage people to tell their opinion, if they have any or their experience. I like to comment on blogs that are interesting, sometimes i mention my blog address but in most of cases people will find the link behind my name IF they want to find about me more and they thought my comment was interesting enough.
Mishqueen says
Okay, so now you really have me interested! I mean, your kids and clothes are plenty cute enough to keep me READING, but get to actual blogging details and you get me writing, too. Well played Sarah, well played!
I don't know much about blog writing, but I'm basically a professional blog reader. π I'm sure I keep half these ladies and gents in business. Um, maybe that's not something to brag about…anyhoo!
–So, how do you know how many followers another blog gets?
–Does having a lot of comments benefit bloggers somehow? Does it optimize their search standing or something? Or is it more of an intrinsic rather than extrinsic reward?
–Would you either be able to answer my comment (haahahahaha! I thought it was funny too), or write a follow-up post explaining this to the dummies (me)? π
comtesse says
Hi, i usually don't write comments en your blog because :
a) I fear my english is too bad.
b) I do not have the time to do that on every blog I like, it would take the all day ! So I just read in the morning or the evening.
c) I like the post but just have nothing to say (actually, I try to write a comment twice or so when what you were saying sounded very true to me, but never send the comment, shy, shy, shy) (I'm pretty sure this sentence is not correct)
I love what your blog is, go on !
Talitha Richardson says
ok wow, tonnes of comments already!
I agree with you. I had been blogging longer than a friend and within a month of them starting up they were getting like 50-100 comments each post. What the? How did that happen? I was struggling to get 1 or 2!
But it's not just about the comments, its about posts, and I'm just happy if someone reads mine π
Enjoy reading yours! But don't feel obligated to comment back if you don't want haha.
Talitha xx
GIVEAWAY – http://ttimechatter.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/giveaway-from-oasap.html
Gemma Cleaver says
Great post! I write a blog too (I get no where near as many readers as you though) but very rarely get comments, and when I do is normally from someone I've featured or a friend who only reads it cos I wrote it!
I do exactly the same as you, I read blogs sporadically and comment even less occasionally. I have started to leave a link to my own blog, but I do only comment when I have something to say. However I've never done the whole 'following your blog cos you commented on mine'. I might look at it, and if it draws me in and I keep reading I might then follow, because I'm interested in many of the posts.
I guess it depends why you write your blog. I started cos I read somewhere it was a good way of promoting your craft business. Mine wasn't doing very well so I started a blog. However, I'm not very good at promoting my stuff, and I still wasn't getting sales. Now my Etsy shop is empty but I try and blog twice a week, because I enjoy it. I like seeing that I'm getting more views, it's a challenge each month to do better than the previous one, but I do it for me, because I enjoy writing it, so really, as long as someone reads it makes it worthwhile writing!
Gemma
(http://yousewshould.blogspot.co.uk)
Paula says
I'll share with you my honest opinion. I started following your blog for the refashion projects, so I'm not likely to comment on personal posts. Also, if the post is really long, I won't read all of it because I have a ton of blogs I like to follow. Could it be that your blog has changed from being a fashion blog to mostly family-oriented? There's nothing wrong with that change, but it could be a reason why people are not commenting.
lizard says
I've always assumed that most people brows anonymously without commenting, no matter how good the post is, haha. It's kind of how I am too, but it has always kind of made me sad that my friends don't comment more. They'd comment if I were saying it to them in person, right? π
Anyway, in the spirit of good blog etiquette, I'll be leaving my first comment on your blog today–tada! Love your outfits and especially your bags! I think we must live near each other because I take my kids to that huge Castle playground by the W.J library sometimes that you mentioned in one of your posts back in the day!
Feel free to check me out over @ http://www.wonderfullybalanced.com
Liz π
Kathleen says
I can appreciate this post a lot and share many of your same thoughts. My blog has been on sabbatical for a few months due to other obligations;however, when I am posting on a regular basis, I do wonder why nobody comments even when I am soliciting feedback. Blogging is a hobby for me and I do enjoy it when a reader posts a thoughtful comment / remark about a topic that sparks their interest. On the other hand, comments can be motivational and energize me to keep posting. I only comment on another person's blog if I have something meaningful to say regarding their post or another commenter's remark.
shaileej says
In the spirit of good etiquette, I'll leave my first comment,
1st, your family is absolutely beautiful and I love the effort that you put in to parties, and adventures and everything else
2nd, I love your diy's,
3rd- I been constantly checking out your blog whenever im online, which is alot for new posts π
-shailee
Deb D says
The reason I don't comment, is that most blogs ask for some account that I don't have to have permission to post. It's annoying and fairly rude to make me create a account just to post. I end up using my husbands account— I already have enough accounts and online presence without adding another.
Sarah says
Thanks for commenting, I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment. π
Sarah says
Do you mean me particularly when you say you don't get the feedback you're hoping for? If that's so, I apologize! But thanks for reading my blog! π
Sarah says
Thank you for reading and commenting! I don't want you to ever feel obligated to comment though, that's not what I meant at all!
Sarah says
Hi emma! Small world, yes I do know Tim Koide, how awesome! Thank you for your comment!
Sarah says
I agree with you too Ally! While I think it's great for other bloggers if that's how they bring in comments, it's not for me. π Thanks for sharing your opinion!
Sarah says
You do comment, I always remember and enjoy reading your comments! And I totally understand, and yes, it's crazy how they've created this family. They probably all comment on each other's blogs and support each other and over time have come like a community. π
Sarah says
I feel the same way. π And I always appreciate your comments, thank you!
tin says
I do know there' some netiquette going on over the whole internet, so I assumed there was one regarding blogging as well, but I just didn't know the details.
I used to have a fotolog (something like a blog, with a limit of one post per day, meaning one picture per day) and it had some netiquette as well, but I just didn't follow it too much haha
If you ask me, I think it's totally lame to comment around in order to get some "Thanx for posting, I'm posting you back" comments. Feels false. If I had a blog, I'd like to get comments based on my contents. One netiquette comment is ok. Two, three are ok. A hundred? That's lame. That's trying too hard for popularity.
Have a nice weekend!
tin says
Agree, all the way.
Those comments linking to the commenter's blog feels like there's a lot of copy+paste action going on. You know what? If you're going to comment that, just don't comment. Save it. Haha
Desiree says
WOW! Thanks! This really helped! I have a blog that I started not too long ago and I would appreciate if you can check it out? It's http://www.pink-lush.net/
Kat McEachern says
Thank you so much for this AMAZING post!! I really appreciate you sharing this!!
Your blog is super fun and your have such a sweet family!!
Would love for you to stop by my blog!
http://www.aandfphotos.blogspot.com
Blessings and In Christ,
Kat
Sarah says
Yay, so happy to hear that! π
Sarah says
I totally understand that. Thank you for taking the time to comment! π
Sarah says
Kimmie, I understand! I think for the people who blog with the main purpose of making a profit for the blog, the number of comments are important since it's kind of like currency for them. The higher the comments, more likely you'll get sponsors and charge them more money. My blog is not for profit so I don't care about that, but it's very nice to get comments and know that people are reading and they appreciate what I'm sharing. π
Sarah says
haha, it is their loss! π I need to start reading your blog!
Sarah says
I know how many followers or readers other blogs has because they usually have the follow button with a number of followers already following them. And not all, but a lot of blogs have statistics on their blog under the "advertise/sponsor" page on their blog. And the number of comments does benefit bloggers if they're going for the "for profit" blog. It doesn't optimize search standing but it's like currency for them, you're able to charge more for sponsorship or it looks better if you get lots of comments when there are companies interested in sponsoring your blog. If your blog got 0 comments or very few on every post, it's easy to assume you don't have many readers so sponsors won't be interested in sponsoring you. I hope that makes sense! π
Sarah says
Your English is very good! And I totally understand about not having the time to comment so thank you for taking your time to do so! π
Elizabeth says
Thanks for this post! I'm one of your 5000 who hasn't commented. I found your blog a few weeks ago, and my favorite posts are your refashion ideas!
I think there is a lot of aspects to this blogging secret, and some of the comments above have touched on this. I've read that some bloggers get irritated with all the identical comments. I've also read advice to comment in a way that adds to the conversation or brings a new dimension. But all the advice I've read is to comment often if you are looking for more traffic.
So here I am! Commenting! Love your blog!
Feel free to check out my blog if you have time: 325elizabethavenue.blogspot.com
Elizabeth says
Oh and would it be alright if I mentioned this post in one of my blog posts?
Sarah says
Yes, of course! Thanks for asking!
Mishqueen says
Hmmmm…thanks for the reply! So do people like me…who follow almost exclusively by RSS feed (Google Reader, I will miss you), and only click Friend Connect if they make me do it for a giveaway…skew the numbers for the blogs I follow? Or do they know how many feeds are going out also?
Keep up the good work! Show them this post if they want to see your comment numbers, ha h!
Mishqueen says
*whisper* I don't think this was ever a fashion blog. I think it is a family blog where she posts her clothes, and we all came in on the white pleated skirt refash. π *end whisper*
SupaFlowaPowa says
I used to consider myself a blogger and then I learned people make money off of it – those are real bloggers. People with sponsors and those who drive traffic to their site. Not me, I just blog cuz I like it and cuz I can and I don't think anyone reads it except family and maybe stalky creepers like myself. I'd love to make money off of my blog but I make more money working a lil so why change a good thing right? I do envy girls who make moola off of blogging if theyre already going to or freebies but how to get there would seem like too much work. Haha. But you got a great thing going if you are making money off of it!!! That's so radddd!!!!
Tyler says
No, not you! Just in general. π I just wonder if it gets read, you know. But look at that, you read it! Haha. My sister referred me to your blog, she put your braces on or works there anyway. I will keep reading, it's fun to watch your girls grow, aren't girls so much fun?!
Summer Rivito says
I am a new blogger and did not know about this secret etiquette either. I always wondered why I would have 300 people look at my blog, but no comments. Now I have my answer. Thank you for the heads up.
http://creativelyonawhim.blogspot.com/
She SAYS says
I possibly knew that, but was too distracted to follow the process. I'm glad to read this today. I was looking at an old photo of an orange dress you added lace to that I found on pinterest and then I hit HOME. I hit HOME because some blogs just make you want to find ot what ELSE is going on…then I found this. Now I'm trying to figure out how to FOLLOW. Thanks for the "secret". Gave me incentive!
http://www.eurahearts.com (my blog location…need to be a better blogger)
Hillz says
Thank you very much for sharing. I am constantly on your site, I think I even inhaled every entry you posted the very first day I found you on Pinterest! I love your blog! Because of what you have written I look at my closet very differently now! In fact my mom and I have a lunch date this Saturday to run through some ideas I have (based on your tutorials) about altering 4 dresses that I bought (for last pregnancy) that I never wear anymore. When we complete those I would love to send you pics! I also followed your advice while at Wal-mart one day and bought myself this super cute size XXXL shirt (I'm a size xs) wish me luck on altering it into a new fitted cuteness.
P.S. Thank you so much for sharing your new found info, I am preparing to launch a blog soon too and this info will definitely help. I didn't know about the blog etiquette but I know that on Pinterest they suggest following others in order to get followers! Keep up the beautiful work!
Michelle says
I started blogging to document my thoughts and creations. I'm discovering how much the blogging world has to share. Thanks for your suggestion for increasing comments. I'm going to try this and am hoping this will also help to make more connections in the blogging world.
Also, I have tried some of your projects and have enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks!
Best wishes,
Michelle
http://www.CraftingInCalifornia.blogspot.com
Michelle says
I like this post! Sometimes what the blogging world has become makes me cringe. I don't read anything daily anymore either. Thanks for this post and great delivery!
Moss Momma says
Well I should admit then, I read your blog very frequently… Like all your posts. I think you are cute and a real person and I like that. I don't usually comment but here it is. You are great!
elegantweddinginvites gu says
Ha-ha, really not big secret!
http://www.elegantweddinginvites.com
Fabiola says
I just started blogging myself and hearing this was interesting. But as much as I've gone on your blog more than 30 times I've never left a comment maybe because I'm too lazy. Just wanted to let you know I love reading your blog and looking at your pictures. Don't worry about the comments. Your blog is amazing!!
Fabiola says
I just started blogging myself and hearing this was interesting. But as much as I've gone on your blog more than 30 times I've never left a comment maybe because I'm too lazy. Just wanted to let you know I love reading your blog and looking at your pictures. Don't worry about the comments. Your blog is amazing!!