How to leave good comments on websites.
We have all been there, you see someone has left a comment and your heart is palpitating because you feel that someone has benefitted from your hard work. You rush to hit the comment button and find the latest comment. It is only then that you realize that the comment is completely useless to you as the website owner due to what they left.
"I like that you used the lager letters in you're page." Nope.
"I would add color to parts of the text to allow it to pop more for the reader." Nope.
"I could never do this." Nope.
"You misspelled several words in your page. I would also break up the paragraphs more. Where are your pictures?" Nope.
How to give good comments to a website.
Yes, the above examples are misspelled and terrible examples to leave for comments on a website. Some of which I have personally received.
So how does one leave a good comment that is actually useful?
Take a minute to actually read the content. What is the purpose of the material being presented? How can they improve? (In your opinion.) Are you being ugly because their site is better than yours?
What a good comment consists of.
Leave comments that support the author.
"I really like you word things in an easy to understand fashion."
This edifies the author by crediting them in two ways:
1: They have taken the time to make their material understandable to all. 2: They care enough about the audience that they don't try to sound super smart with big words and jargon that only people familiar with the lingo can understand.
"I love how you used pictures to help illustrate your points."
The author took the time to put together all the material including the pictures. If the site looks amazing, TELL THEM!
"I never knew this! I wish I had known about this years ago, it would have saved me so much time and frustration! Thank you!"
If it opened your eyes to something, get excited about it and tell them.
"I totally agree with you on..." Then go on to reinforce the author's point. It means so much more to someone when others agree with them.
Where to give constructive critism.
This is a delicate process. First, don't do it on their website. Give them something they can use. Secondly, either use the WA feedback page (if they are part of WA) or send them an email. This will allow your thoughts to only be seen by you and them. Thirdly, send them a private message through WA, social media, etc.
When you want to help someone with their website, take the time to do it right, they will be much more appreciative of it.
Thanks for your time. If you like this please spread it around, I feel like many could benefit from it.
Zavier Alexander.
Recent Comments
7
I wish I would have read your suggestions earlier. Thanks for taking the time to say what I should have known earlier.
Good post and so true as I agree with what you say. If you do say something negative, make it constructive as follows... "I think that your content is very informative, but I feel it could be even more beneficial with a few photos". Cheers... :)
Hi, Zavier!
Good advice for everyone to keep in mind. I do have one question though: Do you think poor comments are better than no comments, or would you rather have no comments at all?
See, my thinking is that even if you are only getting poor comments that do not add value to your site, if they leave a few words and you reply with a simple, 'Thank you, have a nice day', that is still adding about ten words to your website. Say you get five poor comments a day - over the course of a week that will be 350 words of content that you did not have to write. Over time, couldn't that end up helping your rankings?
Of course, I would rather have one real dollar bill over five counterfeit ones any day. In that respect I do agree with you 100%. Just thought I would play the devil's advocate. ;)
And look! I just added 170 words to your blog! LOL
I would answer with this:
If the person had an opposite view and expressed themselves in the manner of "Have you thought about in this way..." Not in the manner of uselessness but taking the other field, I would approve it and respond accordingly.
My main point is to avoid the things that the author will end up deleting. If someone wants to take the opposite opinion than I, I wholehearted accept their opinion. I will discuss it with them as an adult and not the selffish empty-headed approach that is plaguing the media now.
Thanks for comments.
Well put. Only good constructive criticism can truly help. Too many times we see, "great site, keep up the good work"...What??? I'm looking for some help. I really want to know where I can improve. And a little pat on the back too will help! And do it privately. Thanks, Zavier
Bill
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Thank you. This has been extremely helpful. I've left a few comments, but was wanting to know how I could do better because sometimes I really struggle with it, as conversing is not a real talent for me, but it's something I'd like to understand how to do better.
So thank you so much for this :)