How Much Ham is in Your Blog Comments?

Image by joelogon via Flickr

Okay, you've installed effective anti-Spam measures and spammers can no longer drop comments on your blog posts. You can now boast that your comments are real Ham (i.e. 'not spam')! But is that enough? What is the nutritional content of a comment?  Based on a daily blog nutrition pyramid, is yours malnourished or well-balanced? Does your blog need 'dietary supplements?"

Comments are an important part of your blog for many reasons from personal to promotion related.  You may use comments to fuel your blogging or get ideas for other posts. First time visitors and advertisers may judge your blog by the volume of comments and the level of interaction with the author(s) and with other commentators.  As to quality of comments (nutritional value), I agree with Daniel in his Daily Blog Tips post that

"The comments themselves might become a valuable part of your content, and a reason why readers visit your blog. Commentators will often expand your thoughts, complement specific topics and offer another point of view, enriching your articles."

The standard measure of healthy commenting is the ratio of  number of comments to  posts. If you have  200 total comments, excluding your own, and 20 posts, then your ratio is 200:20  or 10:1.  Said another way 200 comments/20 posts =  10 . Let's look deeper at the quality of comments. Just as 200 calories per serving of french fries is different from 200 calories of fruit, a comment ratio of 10 may not be as healthy as you imagine.

We need to factor in the amount of  fat, sodium and protein, etc. Blog comments need all of these, in varying degrees. A comment rich with compliments may contain fat and sugar, but it's just as enjoyable as ice-cream.  Some comments make your blood boil, having the effect of sodium or cholesterol. Others are full of great tidbits of information/carbs  --- fiber and starch.  Some of the most filling comments are like protein when they expand on the post and take it to another level.

So, let's examine some comments found on another blog which shall remain nameless.

Post A about an ad network

1. "Very interesting post. Thanks for sharing!"
   High in fat content, but soothing taste, especially for a new blog that has few comments.
   If you leave a comment like this, consider saying why YOU found it interesting.
2. "adsense simplified for beginners. nice one !!"
   Comment confirms the post is on target, like a ham appetizer.  Could be richer and more satisfying by adding more about the commentator --- is he a beginner? Is he going to use the information or refer to friends?
3. "Hey, this sounds really great. I am new to all this but eager to learn and try. Im so sick of working retail and can’t find anything else…I was wondering however, Which one would you really recommend? Could I make just as much if I did do the short version? And as far as blogs, could it pertain to daily life? Or does it need to be more of how-tos and advice to specific things general ?…sorry just trying to get a better idea."
   This is aBoar's head ham sandwich, coming in many flavors and variety! Sliced thick it can make a meal!
   If you leave this type of comment you're opening the door for real interaction about the topic --- some of it may be off-topic but that's where the mayonnaise comes in!The blog owner's response will determine the next steps in the relationship.
   

Post B about advertising on Facebook

1. "Then" and "Than" are very different... I quote:"But, I suppose there are worse things then this...""how can it be any better then that?" Both very incorrect uses of "then". think about it please in future. Otherwise, great blog!"
   Seems a bit salty to me! With a bit of sugar on top.
   I'd leave this type of comment in a private shoutout to the blog owner. The post is not about grammar and the misuse did little to obscure the content, to which reader failed to respond. Blog owner graciously responds.
   
   
2. "Get the facebook coupons advertised on the web...I got 250 dollars worth. Otherwise it is quite expensive. (link included)"
   Wow, the commentator left some smoked ham!
   Leaving tips  is very classy and says you're willing to share/give back to the blog owner and the community.

Conclusions

Take a look at the content of your blog's comments and see if you can make them more 'nutritional' for everyone's benefit. Don't just rely on the comment to post ratio,  since smart advertisers and readers will judge the quality of the ham in your comments.

• If you're getting too many empty calories look at how you can draw out more substantive comments. Ask questions at the end of your posts to start a focused conversion.
• Graciously accept compliments, but also contact the person outside of the blog and learn more about why they like the blog so you can keep improving in that area.
• Pick out a comment or question to write a post about. This lets readers know you're listening and what type of comments get you and other readers energized.
• Encourage readers to sign up for the RSS feed for any post that they comment on --- a useful way  to see your reply and continue the conversation.
• Take a look at your own comments on other blogs to see how you can add more protein.

Review your five most recent posts.  We'd be interested in knowing what type of ham you have in your fridge.  Do you have a favorite comment?