What My Friends Taught Me About Blog Commenting

How to Use Blog Commenting to Grow Your Business

blog commenting

Blog Commenting – What Is It?

So what the heck is blog commenting and why should you do it?

Good question – glad you asked.

Blog commenting used to be a way for marketers to score some backlinks which in turn helped their Google rankings.

But let me tell you something.

That view is SO 2012.

Blog commenting is no longer primarily about snaffling backlinks.  This is largely because of the way Google changed the rules of the game a few years ago.

Modern blog commenting is now much more about networking and relationship building than backlinking and SEO.  And a nice side benefit is that you’ll get traffic and opt-ins on your list – the name of the game, right?

The other major benefit is that your credibility will dramatically increase for the simple reason that you’ll be showing social proof.  Visitors will be impressed when they see regular engagement on your blog posts.

A primary objective of blog commenting is to foster reciprocation from other blog owners after you leave an excellent comment on their blog.

Meet My Blogging Friends

Before I continue let me make one thing clear:

Everything I’ve learnt about blog commenting came from others.  I’m talking about people such as:

Ryan Biddulph (Travel blogger extraordinaire.  He’s kooky too.)

Adrienne Smith (The Queen of Blog Commenting, with so much more)

Donna Merrill (A first class tribe builder who will help you do likewise.)

Harleena Singh (Great blog commenter and networker, and a generous soul.)

Don Purdum (Marketing expert with an acute understanding of businesses and how to grow them.)

Peter Beckenham (A generous blogger with a deft marketing touch.)

Enstine Muki (Smart blogger with a generous spirit.)

Joy Healey (Transparent warts and all writing style, with a penchant for blog commenting.)

James McAllister (Young guy who has achieved so much – and he’s only just begun.)

There are others, but each of the people mentioned above walk the talk, and are consistent in doing it.

Does Blog Commenting Work?

Heck yeah.  This blog only kicked off in August last year.  Take a look at the first few posts back then.  Reciprocal comments started happening within 3 weeks.  It’s been smooth sailing since then.

From there I’ve met new people, attracted more traffic, generated leads, been featured on other blogs, and yes, I’ve done some  business, and got paid for it (consulting work).

So, let’s take a look at how you can become a great blog commenter, by doing it the right way.  Read on.

9 Ways to Become a Super Effective Blog Commenter

1. Not Too Big, Not Too Small – Just Right

First up, let’s talk about comment length.

Your comments need to be of sufficient length to add value to the discussion underway for that particular post.

When I am in serious blog commenting mode, I wouldn’t dream of leaving a one sentence comment.  If you leave a cursory one sentence comment, it means only one thing.  You don’t understand the potential of blog commenting, done the right way.

Maybe people who take that approach are unaware of the big picture.  Or maybe they’re just bone lazy and love to take shortcuts.  But just as so many things in life can’t be hurried, neither can blog commenting.

Like a good wine we have to give the activity time to mature, so it yields maximum enjoyment for you and your audience.  

How Not To Do It

In recent times, network marketers have jumped onto the blogging and blog commenting bandwagon, no doubt partly due to the influence of mavens like Ray Higdon.  But the problem is that when these bloggers try their hand at blog commenting, they invariably do a bad job.

Here is an example of a pointless blog comment made by someone who doesn’t understand the game she’s playing.  One short sentence will not build influence and attract the attention of people within the blog owner’s orbit.

 Michael McDonald - blog commenting

2. Edify and Add Something to the Conversation

What is edification?  To build up.

So here’s the deal when you visit someone else’s blog to make a comment:

Build up the writer of the blog post.  Give them a compliment or three. Even go so far as to suggest to readers that they should avail themselves of the offer being promoted by the host.

But you’re not done yet.  You must also add something valuable to the conversation. Check the post again and read other comments – you should be able to glean some nuggets that you can expand on a little.

Donna Merill is a first class blogger who knows how to structure a blog comment in such a way that it not only edifies the blog author but also adds something to the conversation.  Take a look at this recent example:

donna meril - blog commentl

3. When to Make a Long Comment

On a day to day basis, your typical blog comment might run to a hundred words.  But there is scope to craft a more lengthy comment when you are visiting an authority site.

My friend and master blogger Ryan Biddulph told me that there is a big role for ‘blog-sized’ comments when you are commenting on an authority site.

Here is the thinking behind it.

If you make a comment that adds significantly to the discussion people will notice.  And when it happens it’s highly likely that some will mosey on over to your blog and have a poke around. 

How long should the comment be?  Long enough to tell the story and make your point. Above all, you want to stand out and add to the discussion.

4. Eat Dirt and Die, If You Don’t Reply

Let’s project forward a year or two.  You’ve got loads of followers and a myriad of comments from people who just love your stuff.  What to do?

Assiduously reply to each comment, or give them the flick?

The best bloggers always take the first option.  My friend Adrienne Smith taught me that you should always remember the people who helped you get to where you are now.

Maybe a point will come where you need to outsource this activity, but you must always remember and take care of your fans.

al jarreau

Relating this point to the world of entertainment, often those who have the longest careers take special care to acknowledge their fans and cultivate them.

An example.  Over the years, I have been a big fan of jazz crossover artist, Al Jarreau.  After attending one of his concerts, I was flabbergasted when I got a personal reply from him (or was it?) in response to my glowing and effusive mini review of that concert. Was it him who made that comment?  I believe it was, I really do.  But if it wasn’t, so what?  It made me feel good just the same.

Here is a guy who cares for his fans, which helps to explain his successful career, spanning almost 50 years.  As bloggers, we can learn a lot from professionals in other industries.

How Not To Do It

I don’t like to put down fellow bloggers, but when you see a high profile guy like Jeff Goins ignoring his flock, something has to be said.  Here is an extract from the comments section of a recent post on his blog:

 jeff goins - blog comments

Is something missing here?  Zero response from Jeff.  By the way, I’m not being selective; this screenshot is entirely representative.

Interestingly it appears that the number of comments on Jeff Goins’ posts has dropped alarmingly in recent times.  Do you think there may be a connection?

But don’t think I’m picking on Jeff.  Others also seem to have a total disregard for their fans, including other blog luminaries like Derek Halpern.

Always take care of your fans.  It’s mandatory. 

5. Read the Goddam Post

Yeah I know – this is a case of stating the “bleedin’ bloody obvious” (in English parlance), but it’s surprising how often people don’t read the post before they make a comment. They just want to make their comment, and then they vamos.

But you must read the post.  If you don’t, how else are you going to give a considered, meaningful reply?  You can’t.

The Right Way To Comment

Here is an example of an excellent comment from Adrienne Smith, someone who clearly read the post she was commenting on:

adrienne smith - blog comment

6. It’s Nice to Share

So now that you’ve finished making your comment on someone’s excellent post, your next step is to share the blog post on your favorite social media platforms.

Some people are hesitant to do it because they think they shouldn’t be giving kudos to others.  Wrong.  If you come from an abundant way of thinking, you should share other people’s valuable content.

One of my blogger friends is Don Purdum.  Don, just like the other people I’ve mentioned in this post, regularly shares other people’s content.

The best attitude to have is to be totally focused on your audience – if it benefits them, share it.

After a time, you’ll find that the very same people whose content you shared will do the same thing for you.

Reciprocity works like that.

7. The Good Blog Post Imperative

Blog commenting will work for you if you’re leaving meaningful comments, but only if you are creating good content yourself on your own blog.

Like that classic comedic duo, Laurel and Hardy, you can’t have one without the other. Without good blog post content, the people who see your comments on the blogs you visit will be reluctant to leave a comment on your blog.  When that happens, a critical part of this strategy will be missing, with the result being that things will unravel sooner rather than later.

Soon you may have a dead blog – unloved simply because your content wasn’t good enough.

I suggest you make the extra effort to create nicely written blog posts that totally resonates with your audience.

8. Be a Friend

How hard is this?  It’s not, so a natural extension of the blog commenting strategy is to move beyond blog engagement.

When the time is right, you should deepen the relationship.  I like to add people to my circle of friends on Facebook and Twitter.  You should consider doing the same thing.

9. Use the Right Commenting Software

I use Comment Luv on this blog and Disqus on my other blog.  Both are good, but if I had to choose I would go with Comment Luv.  Indeed, when I get the time, I will switch my other blog to Comment Luv. Serious bloggers often use Comment Luv, and here is why:

The primary benefits of using it are that visitors to your blog get rewarded for using it.

Specifically, their most recent post will be featured at the bottom of their comment.  This is a big deal.

So it encourages ‘more comments and social engagement’, no doubt about it.

How would you like to see your latest blog post title being featured on blogs that you comment on?  Here is an example:

blog commenting

Give it a try 

The Wrap Up

When it comes to blog commenting, the name of the game is influence through effective networking.  Just as networking is the way the game is often played in the offline world, so it must be in the online world.  Sure, the techniques are a little different, but the end game is the same – connecting with like minded people on a favorable basis.

As you expand your influence many more people will come into your world, and some of those people will seek you out and do business with you.

Enjoy the journey!

Your Turn – Time to Comment!

What was your biggest takeout from this post?

What results have you been getting from blog commenting?

After reading this post are there any ideas that you will now embrace?

Make a comment below!

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All at no cost to you.  All I ask for in return is a testimonial and the opportunity to build a valuable relationship.

Results matter, so that will be my focus for you – to give you useful ideas you can use straight away.

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53 thoughts on “What My Friends Taught Me About Blog Commenting”

  1. Hi Kim,

    Oh yes, I’m with you all the way regarding replying to comments. Do you know, nothing is as glaring as the absence of a blogger (usually a popular blogger, it has to be said) in the
    comments sections of their own blogs.

    I know life as a popular blogger is busy-like-crazy but where are they? And yes, I know that maybe not every comment requires an response. But most do, even if it’s just to let the commenter know their time is appreciated.

    I think the worst offenders are the bloggers who use Disqus, or have changed to using it from their previous commenting system/service. I’ve noticed bloggers who once made it a point to hang out with their readers in the comments sections, replying, or answering questions, have since got Disqus and show up a lot less frequently, if at all. I wonder if there’s a delay problem in letting bloggers know when a comment is left? Perhaps you can answer this one, Kim?

    I love comments on my blog!! I try to answer them all and in a timely manner. I also send commenters an email to thank them for leaving their comment and to let them know I’ve replied. I think this lets them know how much I value their contribution.

    Thanks for putting this out in the open and welcoming discussion.

    – Tom

    1. Hi Tom

      Excellent comment!

      And yes in the short time I’ve known you as a blogger I have noticed that you are quite diligent about communicating with your readers. Power to you!

      In regards to Disqus, I’m not sure for the simple reason that my other blog gets so few comments that I can’t draw any conclusions. But you may well be right. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a patch on Comment Luv.
      I think the biggest problem with that blog is probably the niche – network marketing. People in that niche (including those who have a blog) tend to be “wham bam thank ya ma’am” personalities, so the idea of building relationships by actually properly engaging with their readers is anathema to them. However, I am working on it!

      Thanks so much for your valuable comment, Tom

      Kim

    2. Hi Tom. What can I say. Spot on. I was taught early on to respond fast to any and every comment. Why would you start a blog unless you were interested in people in the first place. Yes, it takes effort. Yes – you have to do it every day. But so many people seem to forget why they started, in the swirl of success, they forget how they got there and who put them there in the first place and more importantly, who put them there. Forget your humble beginnings at your peril. best wishes- Ric

  2. Hi Kim!

    I love how much of this post led up to the ending. You talk about networking, not “getting clicks on my comment to my website.” This seems to be the fundamental difference between those who gain a lot of value out of blog commenting, and those who see it as a waste of time.

    When I first started out I was told to post blog comments for the traffic. And I do get a bit, a few clicks here and there, but this isn’t the real power behind blog commenting in my opinion. It’s, as you said, the networking. And if traffic is really your goal, the real numbers are going to come through networking anyway in the form of mentions, interviews, guest posts etc. Speaking of which, thanks for mentioning me here!

    If the only value I gained out of blog commenting was the direct traffic, well, I wouldn’t do it. I’d throw a bit more into Facebook ads or something each month. But the benefits are numerous and aren’t always directly measurable. It is however completely obvious that blog commenting is well worth it, and you’ve put out a good strategy here to make people’s time impactful!

    Thanks again Kim!

    1. Hi James,

      I agree with you, totally.

      If we did this just for the immediate traffic benefit it wouldn’t be worth it. But over time as we build those relationships and the influence that goes with it, we’ll get a back end (as opposed to a front end) traffic benefit. But more than traffic – our conversions will go through the roof as people seek us out and want to do business with us.

      People need to see the big picture. As you say the real value comes through mentions, interviews, guest posts and so on

      Thanks James

      Kim

  3. Oh wow! one of the most exciting reads today Kim. I love it when my friends are pouring out real value on their blogs. I’m just from Adrienne’s blog where she cooked and dished a wonderful post on making money while we blog.

    Here again is a “wow” post on a topic I feel so comfortable about. My friends are awesome and thanks for the nice mention. I’m honored to have you around and I can say boldly that you caught the fish 😉

    Now, there is no doubt, blog commenting is the master of networking in today’s blogging. Like you said, gone are those days when people hunted links through the activity.

    Ethical bloggers these days do 2 things;
    1 – The go out to comment for relationships
    2 – Any link-hungry comment on their own blogs is trashed

    Persuasionpursuit is relatively new and your approach to blog commenting over the few weeks has taken it from a ghost town to a busy street. I think that’s why people should listen to you when you talk about blog commenting.

    I totally agree with your 9 points and I must underline point 5. There is no attractive comments without proper knowledge of what is discussed.

    The error some bloggers commit is to try to leave as many comments as possible per day. The number is not important. If we run behind numbers, we rush over things and that’s bad. I’d rather prefer a steady commenting strategy that allows me to properly engage with other bloggers.

    Commenting on other blogs educates us and sparks off new post ideas. When you take time to read other blogs, you grow in knowledge. If you skim in order just to drop a “great post” kind of comment, you are the looser.

    I have had wonderful results with blog commenting – connecting with people, generating sales, getting editorial backlinks, etc

    Yes, blog commenting leads to editorial backlinks. I created a blog post about this I think last year.

    when you comment and create a relationship that grows and flourishes, the blogger you connect with will one day mention your blog on his post. Isn’t that an editorial link that has come in as a result of blog commenting?

    Look at what you’ve done here Kim! Most of the friends you mentioned above came to connect with you through blog commenting. Today they are getting juicy links from your blog.

    Finally, they’ve had a relationship with you, a link from your blog and a citation. Isn’t that beautiful.

    Thanks for the wonderful post Kim. You took the idea to a bigger level.

    Worth sharing

    1. Fabulous comment, Enstine!

      I love this:

      “Persuasionpursuit is relatively new and your approach to blog commenting over the few weeks has taken it from a ghost town to a busy street. I think that’s why people should listen to you when you talk about blog commenting.”

      Yes, you’re right – it is getting rather busy here!

      You’re also right, most of the people who are now commenting here came via blog commenting. It works!

      When I started blog commenting 6 months ago I was shooting for quantity more than quality. I was commenting on 24 blogs a week, including commenting on blogs that were not inclined to reciprocate. But after Xmas I had a rethink. Now I only comment on around 12 blogs a week, and now mainly focused on bloggers who are happy to return the favor. Commenting on fewer blogs gives me more time to read the post and construct a more meaningful comment.

      Thanks again Enstine – you rock!

      Kim

  4. Hi Kim,

    Amazing post! I gleaned three major things from this post and I’ve shared some of the same experiences and observations as you.

    #1 – Provide value and add quality through a comment – I love your quote by Ryan, it’s spot on! Adding to that thought… I define value as solving a problem, meeting a need or fulfilling a desire… every blogger ought to want great comments that add to their own articles and bring this perspective.

    When we offer comments this way… we open the door to building a relationship with the blogger and the bloggers audience.

    In my view, a comment is another form of creating content. Except, this time we all being allowed to create content on someone else’s site. If we do it right, we create the relationships and attract others to our own messages and ultimately to our websites.

    As you said, it also may be the entry to a business relationship!

    #2 – Don’t waste my time – If I see that the blogger doesn’t care about comments, neither will I. I’m not wasting my time on someone who may create great content but then leaves it there and won’t engage.

    It takes time for me to read it, digest it and then leave a thoughtful comment. I personally am offended when the blogger cannot even take the time to recognize the value I tried to create for them and their audience.

    #3 – Sharing content – I see this a form of extending my networking with a blogger. I’m big into sharing on social media when value has been created for me.

    I’m not a hoarder and I’m not insecure. For those who are insecure and think they will lose business by providing value… again, I don’t have time.

    I want to network and I know the fastest way to grow my social numbers, my blog visitors, my site conversions, sales, and ultimately my business… is to help someone else do the same thing.

    It’s not about me and the more I make it about me, the less I’m going to get back!

    I love your article Kim!

    Once again, you deliver big time!!!!!

    Have an awesome week.

    ~ Don Purdum

    1. Brilliant comment Don!

      I’m with you 100 per cent

      I couldn’t agree more with your view on bloggers who don’t engage. I don’t care who they are – if they don’t take care of their audience, ultimately they will lose it. I used to construct thoughtful comments on some of those blogs, but after doing it a few times and seeing little or no response from them (cursory engagement is almost as bad as no engagement), I thought ‘why bother?’. So now I don’t!

      Your point about ‘comments being content’ is also on the money. In a way, it’s almost as good as a guest post, but without all the work.

      Finally, sharing other people’s content is part of the deal. Blogger should not feel threatened by doing this. Instead of losing something they gain by expanding their own pie.

      Thanks again for an excellent comment, Don

      Kim

  5. Hi Kim,

    Love the way you crafted this post. When I seen the title of this I ran right over because blog commenting is so important. I always say it’s the backbone of our blogs. It is an honor to be here along with many of my wonderful blogging buddies. You have illustrated commenting so well.

    The very first thing we need to do is Read The Blog!!! There is nothing worse than getting a comment so unrelated to the post. I get them sometimes and just scratch my head! Where do they come up with this stuff? What are they thinking?

    Of course, those one liners don’t cut it. I only approve them if I met a new blogger and then will message them why they “met the grade” to be published on my blog once…but have a document written out that I share of why they need to elaborate. Sometimes people just don’t know so I give them the benefit of the doubt.

    The question is: Why do we comment? Not to get those 2012 backlinks, but rather to engage with others. Firstly to acknowledge their name: Dear…., Then to thank them for specific information we deem helpful. Then we can put our two cents in.

    We have to always keep in mind our ethics and good manners. When we are commenting we are in someone else’s house. That’s how I see it. We need to be respectful and keep our elbows off the table lol.

    Awesome write up and thanks again.

    -Donna

    1. Hi Donna

      Thanks so much for your kind words

      Yes, I think when people are focused on backlinks their behaviour changes. Rather than adding to the discussion all they want to do is make their short comment and move onto the next blog.

      Fortunately, the penny is starting to drop with more people learning how to do blog commenting, the right way

      Thanks again, Donna

      Kim

  6. Hi Kim,
    It’s always a bit scary to leave a comment on a post that talks about good blog commenting! Haha. I think your title is a wonderful summary of what you’re saying. You’ve learned a lot from your friends about blog commenting. However, you made those very friends through blog commentating and then through social media connections. It’s about being authentic isn’t it?? We have to engage because we’re genuinely interested and not because we have some hidden motive. In the blogging world, we can all help each other to meet our aims.

    I consider blogging to be interactive by nature. If I didn’t want to interact, then I’d write a journal! If I see a blogger who doesn’t reply to their comments, then I can’t help feeling as if I were gatecrashing on some private piece of writing. As bloggers we don’t have all the answers and engaging with others shows that the blogger doesn’t consider themselves to high and mighty to be able to continue to grow and improve.

    I think you summed it all up very well. Because of the nature of my blog, I get some people writing private comments rather than public. For me that’s just as valid in that I understand that they may not be ready to make themselves that vulnerable yet. After all, as the blogger I’ve made that choice. Not all of my readers have, and yet they’re there reading. I hope that some of them will build up the confidence to comment publicly at some point.

    I wish you well as you continue with your blog. I know my blog isn’t particularly relevant to your niche, but I found your post helpful today and so I wanted to comment. For me that’s one of the wonderful things about the blogging world; I get to interact with all sorts of people writing about all sorts of topics. A post such as this is relevant to all of us who blog. Sometimes I find it sad that many bloggers just stay in their niche and don’t read a post such as this. What you’re saying here is important for those who blog for personal or social reasons and not only for those who are seeking to build a business through blogging.

    Hopefully I “passed” the blog commenting test! 😉 Have a great day Kim

    -Rachel

    1. Hi Rachel,

      Thanks for your beautifully written and constructive comment. And yes. you passed the test – with flying colors!

      You’re 100 percent right when you say that the strategies discussed in my post will work in any niche. The hard part is educating unreformed bloggers about this new way of building our businesses. Fortunately, an increasing number of people are starting to ‘get it’ now. I am one of them. Little more than 6 months ago I was doing things wrong, and getting zero engagement and very little traffic.

      One final point: if someone is in a niche that is comprised of people who haven’t heard the good news about blog commenting, it is our responsibility to lead the way and show them how to do it properly. Slowly but surely more and more people will embrace it – presto, another community in the making!

      I’ve taken a peek at your blog – looks great, so will add it to my list

      Thanks again Rachel

      Kim

  7. Hey Kim,

    Let’s see, what do I think about this topic!!! LOVE IT!!!

    I was interviewed this morning and of course she asked me why I have such a great community still to this day and so many comments on my posts that are actually more conversations then anything. I told her because I took that time early on to make those connections and my community are my friends. What do friends do for each other? Well we help each other out when we need it that’s what!!!

    I know that there are so many things that people say we should do where blog commenting is concerned but I honestly just started because I really wanted to thank the blog author for sharing such wonderful and valuable information with me. I think when you’re truly grateful for what you’ve learned, it just shows. Who doesn’t appreciate that right!

    Thank you for mentioning me by the way, I’m flattered. I remember meeting you I believe it was last year… You had one of those aha moments too when you understood the power and the benefits of commenting on people posts. You’re a fast learner, you applied it and you’re getting the awesome results because of it. Learn from Kim guys…

    I had this network marketer reply to one of my posts where I was talking about blog commenting and how you shouldn’t ever leave short comments like “great post”. He told me in his comment that if that’s what he thinks of the post then he should be able to say it. I told him you go right ahead and I’m not going to say I don’t appreciate it but he wasn’t grasping the value of not saying more. Can you honestly say you have absolutely nothing else to say? No one is in any hurry to connect with someone who doesn’t have much to say. Sorry…

    There is SO much about this post I love but I have to say that not reading the posts and not replying to comments, well those two are top dogs for me. I know that people are busy, I get that. My goodness, I’m getting so busy these days I can’t see straight but they have to remember that this is about the connections you can make, the people you can meet. Take the time to read the darn post – trust me, it’s WORTH IT… And not replying to comments! Why do you even have them if you’re not going to respond to them. Look at Neil Patel for goodness sakes. Just like you mentioned Al Jarreau up above. Whether that really was him or not, do you KNOW how special that makes you feel? Knowing how huge Neil Patel is yet he responds to all his comments too, that says something about the person that he is. NEVER forget who helped you get to where you are. Without them you would be nowhere. Yep, I’ll repeat that baby as many times as I need to.

    Okay, this comment is fixing to be a mini post so I’ll stop for now. Great share Kim and wonderful lesson. Thank you for taking the time to educate your audience and you KNOW I’m sharing this bad boy everywhere I can.

    Enjoy your week now. Here I go!

    ~Adrienne

    1. Hi Adrienne,

      Thnks for your mini blog post sized comment – awesome!

      What a good problem to have – so busy that you can’t see straight! But you’re getting new clients every week now – a nice situation for sure.

      But the point is that you make time for this most important of activities.

      I want to educate unreformed bloggers about this way of dong business. Slowly but surely the penny drops for more of them every day. It’s a mindset thing – when they make the shift mentally, the rest of it is easy.

      Funny story about the network marketer. Sometimes I feel like shaking them, or just giving up on them. But inside every network marketer is an engagement superstar, or is that just me looking through rose colored glasses?

      You richly deserve any success you’re having now, because you’ve paid your dues and helped a lot of people, including me.

      You mention Neil Patel. He is an outstanding example of a blogger who looks after his fans. For him, it’s not an option – it’s part of what he does, no matter how busy he is.

      Thanks for your awesome comment, Adrienne – love your passion

      Kim

      .

    2. Hi to Kim (and also to Adrienne and Donna!),

      I’m writing this as a reply to Adrienne primarily because I couldn’t see where to insert a comment anywhere else (that is probably down to me!) but also because I responded to one of Kim’s posts in Facebook and he asked me if I had commented on his latest post.

      Of course, I hadn’t! Primarily because I hadn’t seen it. However, that is a very simplistic response. If I had seen it, I probably wouldn’t have commented! Why? Because my mindset was all wrong and I have only just realised why and how.

      You see, my original comment to Kim (and I think, to Adrienne) was along the lines of “I’ve been writing this blog with all these posts and I’m not getting any engagement or comments!’ (Poor me!)

      What I have just realised is that I have been expecting people (others) to respond, to engage, with me! What I have to do is TO ENGAGE WITH THEM!

      I mean how dumb can you get!!!

      Here am I, trying to make some money online and, although I have been doing ‘WORK’, I have been expecting others to come to me and ask me if they can pay me for ‘something’! How bloody stupid!

      Reading your post Kim, and the comments of all of your ‘commenters’ has made me see that I have been going about this online marketing all wrong, and especially the blogging side of it.

      “Yea verily I say unto ye, I have seen the error of my ways!” Thank you, thank you, thank you.
      Chris

      1. Hi Chris

        No problem at all. I was doing it wrong for 5+ years! My other blog was lucky to get 10 comments a year. But with this new blog – using the blog commenting strategy as outlined in this post – I get more than that in a month!

        Welcome to the world of blog commenting and networking

        Kim

  8. Hi Kim,

    Wow – I’m so honored to have been mentioned alongside all those great bloggers. Thanks so much.

    As Rachel said – always a worry to leave a comment on a post about good commenting – but can’t let that stop me 🙂

    Yes, that’s me – writing about it warts and all!! I’ve got so many things wrong in my journey with a part-time online business, but I like to think I have learned from every mistake – because here I am, still standing, and even better, being featured on such a great blog as yours.

    Two or three years ago I was blogging to a silent world (in the health niche). The blogs were well researched and (I hope) well written. I spent many hours writing them, zero hours promoting them through commenting…. why? I just didn’t know how effective it was.

    I trashed those blogs very recently and was sad to see them go, but it was the right decision. (a) I lost heart with them (b) I am much more excited about my current blog where I share my warts and all approach to online marketing, in the hope that others may avoid the mistakes I made.

    No longer am I flattered when “mystery man” with an odd sounding foreign site tells me how “awesome” my post was, I now have the confidence to be brutal with the delete button. Although as Donna said, I will sometimes try a little advice if I think a new blogger may take note.

    My big “takeaway” is that you are focusing on about a dozen blogs a week to give a better quality of comment. This is reassuring to me – I had been berating myself for not doing more, but as a part-timer it’s often tough to fit in everything you know you want to do.

    I couldn’t finish this comment without mentioning the friendship I have found in commenting – I went through a really bad patch “technically” a few weeks ago and Adrienne and Enstine were just “there for me” with practical advice and encouragement.

    James is another great guy who has helped me a lot and we exchange emails about all sorts of stuff.

    Donna, Harleena – in fact I think every one of those bloggers on your list has taught me valuable lessons. Thanks to everyone.

    So many new people, including you, Kim, that I genuinely consider friends without ever having met them, yet I feel I know them personally through our interaction on blog comments.

    Forget 2012 and backlinks – 2016 is much more rewarding and fun 🙂

    Thanks again for the mention!

    Joy – Blogging After Dark

    1. What a sweet comment, Joy!

      Yes apart from the business related benefits of blog commenting, the relationships and ‘friendshipping’ aspects are big benefits. And aren’t the people in our space so nice? Yes, we ARE nice!

      Commenting on fewer blogs is working better for me. It frees up my time. Although there are exceptions (such as important authority sites), I now tend not to comment on blogs that don’t regularly reciprocate.

      Thanks Joy!

      Kim

  9. Well said Kim! And thanks for the mention.

    If I can pull you away from your Vegemite for a moment (saw FB update), it’d be to say, it’s been fun watching your transformation into a networking machine. We chatted for a lil bit on Facebook, then after you interviewed me for your blog, I seemed to see you in more and more spots. Leaving helpful comments. Sharing content. Honest to goodness, this commenting and blogging thing gets easier and easier when it’s just a chat between/among friends. All the tough-ness sprouts when you’re trying to force things, to manipulate, to strain and strive.

    But if you do it like the folks on this list, making best buds, darn will things come together for you, your blog, your brand and your business. I like to envision myself chatting with bloggers 1-1, making some point based on a specific tidbit I picked up in the post. It’s so dang easy when you’re commenting to connect, to build bonds and the like. Almost like setting the table for future success, but you’re not even concerned with that.

    Excellent stuff Kim! Thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂

    Ryan

    1. Hi Ryan

      You are so right. When we just kinda hang out with our blogging friends, doing business and growing our blogs becomes easy – and fun. Friends supporting friends is the way to do it.

      You led the way – one sentence delivered at the right time. Perfect timing for me for sure. At that point, I made the decision to totally change the way I do things.

      I’m very grateful for that

      I’m still learning, but I’m delighted with my progress to date

      Thanks Ryan

      Kim
      Vegemite Lover

  10. Hi Kim and thanks for the mention – truly appreciated this.

    Blog commenting is one of the special things I enjoy doing every week. This has absolutely nothing to do with back links or even traffic. If you’re even thinking like that before you leave a comment then you’ve already “missed the blogging opportunity boat”

    The very fact that we have the chance to share with our online friends, who come from completely different backgrounds and experiences, is a remarkable learning curve I enjoy every day.

    The opportunities we all have to build wonderful new relationships with folks is so important and so valuable – actually its priceless!

    The very fact that people don’t reply to comments left on their blog or approach their blog commenting with the simple agenda of trying to create links and traffic, is something I find incredulous.

    How can people be so stupid to ignore such a magnificent opportunity to brand yourself as someone worthy online?

    These same people pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars in paid advertising like FB ads or Solo ads in branding attempts yet they fail to see the huge free (and more effective) branding opportunites that are a direct result of doing blog commenting the right way.

    As you so rightly said the name of the game is influence via effective networking. This requires effort, integrity and a mindset that is geared to serving our communities.

    As a relatively new blogger I am constantly amazed at the way highly successful bloggers like yourself KIm, are prepared to go out of their way to hep others if they can see you are building a blog community along ethical networking lines – just like they have done!

    Brilliant post mate – actually printed it out for later reference

    Best wishes from the remote Thai village blogger who always replies

    Peter

    1. Totally agree with you Peter.

      It never ceases to amaze me how seemingly sane, smart and rational human beings can embrace all sorts of costly and often ineffective marketing strategies, yet ignore one of the most potent and effective strategies in cyberspace, blog commenting.

      Collective madness, I say (and I was one of the nutters for many years too!)

      It’s great to see your progress too, Peter. You ‘get it’ and that’s why you’re moving forward too

      Thanks for your nice comment and glad you enjoyed this post

      Kim

  11. I totally agree! I’m lucky to have found you guys! I’m trying to get back into leaving comments but it’s hard to make a habit out of it, especially when they’re a bunch of websites to comment on. The part about people not replying is spot on too!

    1. Perhaps you should narrow the focus a bit Timothy

      That is, comment on fewer blogs each week.

      Irrespective, this is a long game, but if you put in consistent daily effort – as I have done – the results will flow

      Kim

      1. That’s a good idea. I actually just made a bookmark folder and added all the websites you mentioned in this article (and yours too) and I’ll try to leave comments on them at least once a week or whenever a new article is published. Thanks for motivating me to focus on networking more!

        1. Thanks a lot Timothy

          Networking is where the action is – creating the content is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle

          Kim

  12. Truly excellent and extremely helpful content as usual Kim!

    And what a spectacular line up, of nine truly exceptional marketers and blogging
    experts!

    I too am definitely influenced, one way or the other, by their proven expertise and willingness to say freely share their bankable know how with others!

    Both Enstine, Ryan & Don Purdum blow my creative marketing head off, whenever I
    read their totally awesome content!

    And who in the world, has time to consistently reply to every single comment they receive, the way Adrienne Smith & Harleena Singh do!

    That’s practically a full time job, for both of them!LOL!

    And both Donna Merrill & Joy Healey, always get my creative marketing juices flowing, anytime I read their excellent content!

    And both Peter Beckenham & James McAllister are two incredibly gifted individuals, whose content always leaves you, along with yours I might add, enjoying a creative aha moment or two!LOL!

    And let me also chime in on a very important subject that you raised! The sheer arrogance of some (both) on and offline marketers/business owners, when it comes to routinely ignoring their audience!

    What a joke! They’ll never have to worry about me hanging around waiting for a reply!LOL!

    How tacky! And I’m so glad you spoke to it!

    1. Hi Mark,

      What more can I say? You’ve summed it up pretty well – all of these bloggers provide value in one form or another

      Thanks Mark

      Kim

  13. Hi Kim

    Wow you gave a blueprint on exactly how to leave comments on people’s blogs. I was held captive from beginning to end and cheers.

    The tips you provide can be used on lots of social media, leaving a comment to just comment does nothing for making you look like a person of influence.

    If you are to be recognized as a leader then you have to provide a comment that will also contribute to the blog post.

    My results have been great with blogging ever since I decide to blog 5-7 times a week. Now I get leads everyday and sales as well.

    I also have started to write more for my audience and not so much for SEO, even though SEO is important.

    My biggest take away is to leave longer more valuable comments.

    Really good post so glad you came over to my blog to comment as you comment made me want to check out yours.

    Cheers

    1. Great to see you here, Michael

      And thanks for your long comment too!

      It’s good to learn that the daily blog post strategy is working for you. Do you think you’re getting daily leads is due to daily content, or is there another reason? I ask that because I’ve tried the daily post routine with my other blog (www.kimwillis.net, in the network marketing space) and it didn’t seem to make any difference in terms of traffic (I also found the extra time impost, burdensome).

      I guess it’s a matter of ‘horses for courses’, but I only launched this blog 6 months ago and only post once a week. The time saved let me invest in blog commenting activities, which has attracted some great people who leave wonderful comments, which of course gives social proof a huge boost. My influence and network of contacts continues to grow.

      I reckon if more network marketing oriented bloggers embraced long-form commenting, and started leading the way by leaving expanded comments on other blogs, they’ll get noticed and attract a new audience.

      You can be sure that I’ll return to your blog. I’ll do my best to leave valuable comments and edify you.

      Thanks a ton

      Kim

  14. Hey there Kim,

    What an awesome post. Blog commenting is powerful not only for traffic, but for relationship building as well. I’ve met so many amazing people that started off as a comment, then next thing you know, we’re engaging like crazy and become long term connections.

    When a blogger puts out so much effort on his/her blog post, a person commenting must recognize that and thank the blogger for that effort and not just give a one liner comment just to get a backlink.

    Thank you for sharing some awesome blogs as well. I will definitely check these people out.

    Keep it up! Thank you for putting up such an amazing post.

    1. Hi Pete

      Great to see you here!

      I was on your blog last week and watched the Conor McGregor Interview with Conan. Great idea for a blog post by the way (shared it on Twitter too)

      I like your ideas and have now added you to my commenting register

      Thanks for your nice comment about this post. It’s been well received partly or largely due to the fact that I have made this form of content promotion work on this new blog. The results speak for themselves.

      Most blogs – as you know – don’t get any engagement. Of the relatively few that are getting comments, the comments are often short and meaningless, even spammy. The long form commenting method takes more time for sure, but people notice those comments, so the circle of influence and contacts continues to expand. And of course, the enhanced social proof is priceless.

      Thanks again, Pete

      Kim

  15. Hi Kim.

    Excellent list of blogging friends and tips.

    As many others who have commented on this post, I agree that leaving comments which add value to the topic is key to building relationships with people. I’ll admit that when I first started, I basically left a “Great post” type of comment. I didn’t know any better and also didn’t have enough knowledge on the subject to add any value. A year and a half later, roughly, I’m much better at it.

    I’ve seen the results of leaving good comments come in the form of new visitors to my blog recently. They’ve mentioned where they came from and that they saw my comments. Then they came over to see what I had to offer for content. I believe I’ve had more comments in my last two posts than all my previous ones together. Like you mentioned, we need to have great content to share with them.

    I do make it a point to reply to every comment. They took the time to read my post and leave a comment. It’s the least I can do. It may not always happen the next day, but it does get done.

    I also have a good habit of going back over the post while I’m commenting to make sure I don’t miss anything.

    I’ve been on blogs with Disqus and, although I do leave a comment, I don’t particularly care for it. I’m a CommentLuv person, all the way.

    I will share posts in one or two of the Facebook groups I’m in which allow it. I tweet them as well. It’s all apart of building those relationships and should not be overlooked. We don’t know everything and any help is good help.

    I’ve actually interacted with a few bloggers on Facebook, no relating to blogging. I’d like to consider them friends and hope they come to do that as well.

    Thanks for sharing these great tips.

    Have a great rest of your weekend………..Chris

    1. Hi Chris

      Welcome back!

      Good to see you’re a Comment Luv person – much better than that other thing!

      Great to also see that you’ve been getting similar results to me from blog commenting. Certainly for the newbie blog commenting is almost a foolproof way of kicking off their business.

      But they have to do it right – they must remove all temptation to take the lazy approach by leaving meaningless comments like ‘nice post’, as you rightly say.

      It’s a no-brainer!

      Thanks again Chris

      Kim

  16. Hi Kim,
    it’s funny how people approach things from a robotic style. Trying to find out what and how to do something by researching what people would like. At the end of the day, it is actually a totally natural process.
    I see blogging as many things and one of those is like having a conversation with someone from a distance.
    You are engaging
    You are interested in the topic
    You are listening
    And you are expressing yourself.
    This really should be normal and simple in life and yet people look at it from an “only make money online” kind of view, and they complicate it. I guess for some it is too much work to do and so they do look for those shortcuts.
    Of course I am not talking about any of the people that have commented here. They are engaging and taking the time to really focus and understand what you have posted here.
    I blog from the heart and try to respond to people from the heart.
    I think if people who were struggling with blogging tried to do that, then they would see a change in the behaviour of their posts.
    You have hit it on the head really in what you have said about what to do and what not to do. And it’s interesting how many times we need to remind people of what to do and not to do.
    If we shoot straight from the heart, then we are giving something true.
    I enjoyed reading this post and the comments people left. It also confirms that my approach to my blog is coming from the ‘right’ space after reading this post.
    Some of those bloggers that have commented here I am aware of and have learnt a lot from them.Thankyou Chris Dewaard for sharing this post-Jennifer
    P.s I love comment luv as you can learn more when a topic catches your eye. It is a brilliant idea.

    1. Hi Jennifer

      Thanks for dropping by. And thanks for your great comment too!

      I’ve taken a peek at your blog – it looks impressive. I shall return soon.

      Glad you like Comment Luv! It’s the bomb.

      I agree that people sometimes complicate the blogging thing. They do the same thing in the broader internet marketing space too. The reality is that our primary objective should be to connect with people, to resonate with them and help them solve problems and improve their lives.

      If we do it well, the money will flow. But the problem is that the amateurs focus on money and how to get it, rather than focusing on people and their problems.

      When bloggers and marketers take the focus off themselves and direct it to real individuals who are looking for help, the magic begins to happen.

      I like your point about writing from the heart. That’s the way to do it – people will sense your authenticity and will respond accordingly.

      Thanks again Jennifer

      Kim

  17. Hey Kim,

    This was a nice break down of how to be an ethical blogger and how important leaving a genuine comment on blogs.

    There were two points that stuck out to me.

    #5 Read the blog post. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten a comment that had nothing to do with the topic. They’re wasting their time for leaving a comment on my blog and they’re wasting my time to give it any type of attention. If there’s no interest in my blog post, or any blog post then why put up the energy to comment.

    #6 It’s great to share other people’s post. One thing I like to do is to mention them before I hit the share button. This lets them know that I shared their post and also it may indicate that I left a comment.

    One thing I also do is share other blogger’s posts whether they share mines or not. If this blog post has a lot of value that I feel that my audience can use, then I feel it’s my duty to go ahead and share the knowledge just in case they don’t come across it.

    I also use commentluv on my blog. I was getting a lot of spammy comments and bad url’s, so I created a policy for bloggers that come to my blog to leave comments. Unless I already know you, they have to leave a certain amount of comments before they get a backlink to their latest post. This tends to separate the serious bloggers from the not so serious ones.

    Thanks for sharing Kim! Have a great week ahead!

    1. Hi Sherman

      All excellent points you make here

      You are right, if they don’t read your post their comments are going to be ill-informed dross – of no use to anyone

      Yes, it’s great to see a seasoned pro like yourself walking the talk. I know for sure that you are generous when it comes to sharing other people’s content. And plenty of people share your content too, me included.

      I too tend to take that approach – I’ll share other people’s post, even if they don’t share mine. Like you, I try and think of my audience and if I think they’ll like it, I’ll share it. Obviously, there’s a limit to this freewill giving but I know for sure that the audience likes it, which is the main thing.

      Good point you make about Comment Luv and the commenting threshold, before they get a backlink.

      Thanks Sherman

      Keep on dancing!

      Kim

  18. Hi Kim

    Thanks for that great post.

    It’s a funny thing, you know, but the most inspiring and uplifting things I do in my online business don’t involve earning a living at all! I seriously believe you have to leave income generation at the back door with the shopping when you come on here.

    We are always been encouraged to find our ‘why’, and my why is to do with understanding how this amazing internet machine works, and encouraging and motivating other people to appreciate and enjoy it too. I’m sure that’s not why I started out with this business. The parameters seem to have changed somewhere along the line. 🙂

    So I focus on the task and allow the process to produce the inevitable income which will result from good strategy…

    As you pointed out via Ryan Biddulph, the important thing is to know when NOT to comment. “Only speak if you have something useful to say”, as my grandmother always used to tell me!

    I also do a bit of forum commenting, and when I started out, I tried to make a mind-blowingly pertinent comment on Warrior Forum. I was shot down in flames, but you know what? I saw what I had done wrong, ate humble pie on there and learned some valuable lessons, with the result that the experienced marketer who had shot me down, actually apologised profusely and gave me some great support ongoing. I made many friends that day by admitting my mistake with humility.

    The bottom line on that lesson is that we should always be ready to learn, which is another of my ‘whys’.

    There have been some tremendous posts in this thread, and I wanted to say so much in my response. But everyone else has covered it 🙂

    I will be visiting here often…

    1. Hi Richard,

      Thanks for your considered and thoughtful comment.

      Totally agree with you about ‘leaving income generation at the front door’. While its fine to have those thoughts in the back of our minds when it comes to creating content and engaging with people one on one we must always put their needs to the forefront. I always like to refer to the old Zig Ziglar statement – ‘help enough people get what they want, and you’ll automatically get what you want’ No doubt about it.

      Fascinating to learn of your experience with Warrior Forum. Glad you redeemed yourself with that motley crew of deadbeats (only half joking). (A few good ones there too.)

      I’ve taken a look at your website and will revisit soon

      This was an excellent comment, Richard

      Thank you!

      Kim

  19. Hi Kim. Another great post and well said. While scanning through the other comments, Chris Hooker’s caught my attention. He said that he’d been waiting for other people to engage with him, then realized that it was up to him to start first. That’s a great realization, the best reason to start commenting on blogs. As you said, blog commenting isn’t just about getting links back to your blog anymore, it’s more about engaging with other bloggers and building relationships. The rest comes from that. When you are the latest person to walk through the door at a networking event you can’t expect everyone to notice you. They are already engaged in conversations. It is up to you to introduce yourself and join the conversation in a meaningful way. That’s how networking works, and commenting is the blogging version of networking. Everything you said applies in both environments and I’m sure the people you listed (most of whom I follow too) are equally effective in both.

    I also agree with you about CommentLuv. I don’t much care for Disqus. My first visit to your blog probably came from one of the people you listed above having CommentLuv on their on their blogs (most likely Adrienne or Donna).

    1. Hi Ben

      Thanks for your well-considered comment. You are right about Chris Hooker. I think last week he had his big ‘aha’ moment. The key is to take the first step and just start commenting. I like your networking analogy – perfect!

      And of course, blog commenting is just another form of networking. When people finally get that, they can move forward and embrace the concept. I’d heard of blog commenting for years, but the penny only dropped last year. Since then it’s been plain sailing.

      Tools are important too, and Comment Luv is a helpful networking aid.

      Thanks, Ben!

      Kim

  20. Hi Kim,

    Awesome post indeed 🙂

    Let me start by thanking you first for the mention, so kind of you. And so sorry for hopping in late, just been a little overwhelming this end, but glad I made it. I loved going through your post and was nodding in agreement to all that you’d written, as it’s one of my favorite topics of discussion.

    Reminds of the time, which I think many would relate to, when I started blogging and my blog was literally a ghost town! There were hardly any visitors or comments. But things changed within a few months and there’s been no looking back. That is the power of gradually building your community of blogging friend’s, which for me (and for many others) has only happened through blog commenting, so I know for sure, it works!

    Yes, those are some amazing blogging friend’s, whose comments match the size of a mini-post! (Yes, it includes me too!). However, I think we people are the ones who’d take our own time to convey our feelings about the post, and wouldn’t mince words – just go all out and share out thoughts with the blog author, thus the length of the comment goes overboard in most of the cases. You are right, it needs to be not too long, nor too short. Ah! Those one liners – I know what you mean 😉

    I’d just add that do justice to the content written and the efforts put in by the author by taking time to read the post, and then comment. Also, comment with your heart, as I always say, because what you write then will be your true feelings. Yes, always add value to the post so that others reading your comment can take away something from it, besides the post matter itself.

    I agree with your points mentioned. Yes, CommentLuv is awesome, especially for new bloggers and I had it for the initial two years at my blog too, but then didn’t feel the need for it, for various reasons (beside the spam). True – always reply to your blog comments, as those are like mini-conversations you have in the online world, an exchange of ideas, so we shouldn’t ignore those, though to each their own.

    I think I’d better stop here, or else this would create yet another mini-post, and I think you’ve had lots to deal with before mine already. LOL..

    Thanks so much for this wonderful share, and yes, always share good content, reciprocation always works! Enjoy the rest of the week as well 🙂

    1. And what an awesome comment you’ve made, Harleena!

      I sure can relate to your early experiences. When I got started in August, this blog was ghostly quiet. Fortunately, within a few weeks, soeome people ‘moved into town’ and more and more are stopping by for a visit each week.

      Contrast this with my original blog. I still add content each week, and yet after five years it’s still largely a ghost town. Why? Not much networking was happening. The contrast between one blog and the other is stark and turns the concept of ‘content is king’ on its head. We need good content, but without engagement our good content is wasted.

      Now that I’ve finally ‘seen the light’ I can fully endorse your statement about ‘the power of gradually building your community of blogging friends’. I still can’t believe how long it’s taken me to come finally to this realisation.

      I see your comments on other blogs like Adrienne’s and am always impressed. You’re a role model for many bloggers, including me. Power to you for being a leader in this blogging niche – you have a remarkable generosity of spirit

      Thanks Harleena

      Kim

  21. Kim, Thank you for sharing this. I so much agree. Comments with others is one of the best way to interact and be social with our blogs.
    Comments are the best way that I get traffic to my blog. I love the points that you make and how you demonstrate others. I did pick up some new stuff to try.

    Thank you
    Sandy

    1. Hey Sandy

      Thanks so much for dropping by. It’s great to learn of your success. I will visit your blog soon

      Kim

  22. Hi Kim,

    Thank you for this great article. Blog commenting is not only about backlinks and SEO but also about creating connections in or out your niche. Personally, I have learned so many things by visiting fellow bloggers and commenting to their posts.

    When I am not aware of a topic, I won’t pretend I am expert. I will ask questions because the conversation is interesting. I also love reading what other people wrote on their comments. Interacting and meeting new individuals creates new connections and I am all up for it. 🙂

    Zaria

    1. Hi Zaria,

      Thanks for your positive comment.

      When it comes to commenting and engaging, you have the right attitude. And by the way, you don;t need to be an expert. All opinions are worth voicing.

      Thanks again,

      Kim

  23. Hi Kim…Guess it is confession time. I use blog commenting as a method to create backlinks. Or, I should say, I did till I read your post. There is so much value and education here it overflows! After reading your post, I can NEVER look at blog commenting in the same light again. Thank you for sharing your wisdom on this topic.

    One aspect I enjoyed and I hope everyone who reads your post walks away with is to “share the blog post on your favorite social media platforms.” When I have brought this subject up in the past, people told me they considered “sharing” a post was like helping the competition! REALLY? I look at it as searching out great content to share with my fans and followers!
    It has been a privilege to have gotten to connect with you and can’t wait to draw more of your wisdom and share.
    Thanks again

    1. Hi Bubbie

      Well, you’re off to a great start with this comment!

      You’ve made lots of good points. First up , doing blog commenting in the way we teach will also give you backlinks, but look at it as icing on the cake – not the cake.

      When people say that sharing other people’s content is helping competitors they are – of course – wrong. They’re coming from an old style view of business which just doesn’t wash in the new era. Today it’s all about collaboration and mutual support. That’s the model that Google uses for their Android software – they virtually give it away to manufacturers, which in turn expands the pie exponentially. Value flows back to Google because the millions of android devices sold will be using Google search – of course. So the way to go is to expand the pie.

      Your point about putting the fans and followers first is right on the money. When I am about to share someone else’s content I always ask the question: will my followers get value from this? If the answer is yes, I share. Simple as that.

      Let’s grow the pie – rewards will flow back to us anyway

      Thanks again, Bubbie

      Kim

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