SiteComments: I'm Crushing On Platform Improvements!
We can't discount the importance of comments on our websites. Evidence of user engagement and interaction are essential factors in our digital marketing success.
I honestly believe that when we respond and interact with commenters, we transform ourselves from "some nameless blogger who published a post" to a real human being.
Going forward, I think new readers will respond to evidence of engagement. I know I always scroll the comments on blogs I follow.
From a practical perspective, there's also some evidence that comments are a Google Ranking Factor. Here's an excerpt from a post written by Brian Dean at Backlinko.
SiteComment Improvements
For all these reasons, I'm excited by recent improvements to the SiteComment platform!
I had an excellent experience this morning, and I wanted to share for anyone who may be shying away from requesting comments. Early this morning, one of my newest referrals uploaded a picture and completed their profile.
So, I woke up this morning to discover I had 2 credits that I could use to request comments on my latest post. And, I jumped on it quickly!
Like others involved in the SAC challenge, I've been paddling rapidly to stay afloat with assignments :) So, I haven't been very diligent about offering comments through SiteComments.
Several of my colleagues in the challenge have been super about commenting on posts I've shared. Still, the comment section on my latest post was sparsely populated. Hence, I was eager to change that.
I was elated with the results of this most recent dive into SiteComments for several reasons. Theoretically, 2 credits should have garnered one comment. So, imagine my surprise when I received 4 comments.
But there's more!
Success in the Comment ArenaI was happy to approve all 4 comments because it was evident that all had read the post and they had something thoughtful to offer. Very cool, right?
I also observed something else that I really appreciated. Maybe this is just me. You can let me know if this is important to you or if I'm making more of it than I should. I loved the Gravatars!
Call me crazy, but I really struggle with Gravatars that are weird symbols rather than photos of people. And my biggest pet peeve is when there's just a string of characters associated with a Gravatar in lieu of a name.
I like to address people by name. After all, we are supposed to be having a dialog, and I feel pretty weird attempting to converse with a nameless image. Frankly, it tends to feel a little spammy and fake to me.
But all was well today! All of the thoughtful comments also came with names and photos of real people. So I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the continuous improvement efforts here at Wealthy Affiliate.
Are you also enjoying the improvements to SiteComments? Feel free to share your thoughts below!
Happy Blogging!
Linda
Recent Comments
14
I agree, since the recent update to Site Comments I’ve seen a big improvement. In fact, things have returned to normal with people giving well thought out comments. Thank goodness.
Hi Ann,
Yes, I'll echo that sentiment :) I'm glad you're also having a positive experience!
I like the Site Comments platform. I wish there were more people that would ask for comments because there is often none to comment on.
I hope my comments are helping people!
Hi Rhonda,
From what I've already seen in the SAC thread, I'm sure your comments are very thoughtful! I've also noticed that there aren't always sites to comment on but I guess we just need to keep popping back often. Good luck with the SAC!
Hi Linda, it’s good to hear you had a good experience with the new site comments. I’ve been super busy building a new site for SAC and haven’t had a chance to check it out yet. Hope to do so soon.
Hi Liz,
Yes, I completely understand. It has been challenging. But I think you'll be very pleased when you have an opportunity to request comments. Good luck with your new site!
This is encouraging. I got to admit I am a bit afraid to give SiteComments because I made a rookie mistake but guess I need to learn how go do it properly from the trainings.
Hi Brenda,
I think this will help a lot! SiteComments - The Benefits & Full Walkthrough Good luck,
Linda
Linda,
I agree, we do judge posts by number of comments- however someone needs to be the first to comment and so forth...
I am curious about Gravatars.
Keep up the great work.
Peter
So glad you added your name...was going to ask you what it was. am about to head to site comments my own self. Thanks for your info on the new improved platform.
Also, I so appreciate your comments on my posts for SAC. You are so good at noting where improvement or changes could be needed. Thanks for that, too.
Fran
Hi Fran,
You're very welcome! I'm glad my suggestions were helpful, and I've much enjoyed reading your posts!
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Hi Linda, I need to use site comments more often and note that there has been an improvement recently, Alan
Hi Alan,
Yes, I think you'll be pleased. Good luck!