Comments Make Content More Valuable on the Web

On the social internet, 'content is king' is a phrase you will often read, but in reality, content is only king if it draws a readership. Comments on content are valuable for a number of reasons, but the biggest reason comments on content make the content more valuable is the interactive-ness of the content and how it draws a readership. People who surf the web like to 'do' things, and commenting is one way of 'doing' something on your content.

I have read an excellent article or blog post before and wanted to tell the reader so, only to find there was no way to comment about the post. Other times, I've read things I vehemently disagreed with or even thought was dangerous or flat out wrong and wanted to leave my comments on the post, only to find there was no way to respond to the author.

Even news websites are beginning to understand the value of comments and interactive-ness on the internet and are now allowing comments on news stories.

Comments Make Content More Valuable:
Because comments allow users to interact with the author...

Agree or disagree, kudos or constructive criticism, people like to give their opinion on your opinions, your writing, and sometimes even on you! Comments allow readers to do that, and that often leads to conversation on the content. Whether it's a blog, news site, personal website... comments lead to conversation and conversation is what human beings do with each other!

Comments Make Content More Valuable:
Because conversation leads to more page views, more money, more readers...

As people begin to have conversations on your content, others will come and see the conversation and leave comments too. No one likes to be the first to comment, but generally speaking, once a few regular readers leave a natural comment on your content, others will usually pitch in with their comments too. If you monetize your site, more page views and more money for you.

Comments Make Content More Valuable:
Because a lot of comments pique readers' interest...

Have you ever run across a blog post and saw 140 comments on it, and wondered, "What's so great about that post to get all those comments?" If you have, then you can see how valuable comments are on content! A lot of comments increase the curiosity level of the reader who stumbles upon the content, making them more likely to read, more likely to comment, and more likely to come back.

Comments Make Content More Valuable:
Because comments add value to reader and writer alike...

When readers can converse with each other and discuss your content, not only do the readers learn things and share experiences about your content's topic, but you learn more too, and will then be better able to provide the type of content your readership wants to read.

Comments Make Content More Valuable:
Because readers can ask questions and the writer can clarify things...

If you're a writer or blogger and you're not allowing your readers to comment on your blogs, you should seriously reconsider. I can't count the number of times I've hit a blog that had great information and I wanted to ask a question or clarify a point that wasn't clear to me, only to find the author didn't allow comments! I walked away frustrated, and determined not to return.

Delete Spam Comments to Keep Comments Valuable:

Spam comments and such turn readers off and make them think you don't pay any attention to the comments section, so they would believe you won't pay attention to them either.

Respond to Comments When Appropriate:

When someone takes the time to leave a thoughtful comment on your content, respond to them if it warrants a response. If someone comments on your content with a question, let them know the answer if you know it or tell them you don't know, but don't leave them hanging. They'll return to your content to see if you've answered their comment, and this will be increased page views, comments and potentially revenue for you.

Leave Comments on Other Content:

No one likes to be the very first person to comment on a piece of content, especially when it's a controversial topic, but you should go ahead and comment, especially when no one else has. You can help someone else get the conversation rolling on their content. Plus, if you enjoy comments, you can imagine others will too, and it's likely others will come and visit your blog or website or content when you leave comments on theirs.

Interactive websites are the wave of the future interactive internet, and social interaction on the internet is increasing exponentially. Comments on content are just one way the internet is keeping us all connected, all over the world. Allowing comments, moderating comments and responding to comments on your content makes your site, page, content, blog, etc, more valuable to you, to the readers, and to the advertisers.

Oh, and by the way, since this article is about comments on content, would you be so kind as to leave me a comment on this content? Thanks!