SEO Basics: Writing good comments for your business

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 19:29 Written by Sebastian

dt-construcitonconceptKeyboardClients often ask how to write good comments on others sites to link back to their own. This very basic SEO strategy is one of the most effective. Once you've placed a back link to your page, it's there forever: generating traffic to your site indefinitely. The key to getting people to click through your link is being sure to not appear as spam and to make thoughtful and useful comments. Here are 7 guidelines to get you started:


1. Be useful.
This is the best way to make an interesting and beneficial comment on any blog or website. If you have information that can offer something to other readers, they will come back looking for more. Get creative: you can post links to other websites, videos, coupons, Google maps, post recipes or instructions, tutorials etc.

2. Keep it relevant.
Commenting on similar sites or forums discussing content related to your business is best practice. Posts on other sites should discuss the content on that page first and foremost. When you bring up your business, tie it into the current conversation as best as possible to make it more relevant. It's even better to avoid appearing like you are a business altogether. Here are two sample comments; the first example should be avoided:

#1: Comment by Bobby's Business:
LOTS GOOD DEALS! COME IN NOW! We are having a huge sale on everything in the store. It won't last long. Starts today, ends tomorrow!! 5555 Main Street, Big City. You can call us 444-666-5555. Shirts, jackets, pants, clothes, it all has to go!

#1: Comment by Bobby:
Bobby's Business in Big City is having a huge sale. My buddy got some jeans there for %30 off yesterday. They were brand name too! I know they have lots of other clothes and pants; I'm definitely going to check it out. I love Bobby's – right off Main Street. Here's the website in case anyone wants to check it out: www.bobbysbusiness.com. I'm pretty sure the sale is only thru tomorrow. Probably going out for drinks on Main Street after too – anyone have suggestions?

3. Be thorough.
Don't simply respond to another post with, "I like it." Explain what it is you like or dislike about something. Provide links and references for the comment you've made. The more information you provide, the more others will appreciate your comment. Examples (again, avoid the first one):

#2: Comment by Mary:
Cool Bobby.

#2: Comment by Mary:
Bobby, you're brilliant. Thanks for posting the clothing sale on here! I need a new jacket. I missed all the other spring sales, so that's something I'll put to use!

4. Subscribe to your post.
On most sites you have the option to be informed when another user replies to your comment. This will inform you via email that a reply has been made and allow you to promptly follow up, which you should always do.

5. Ask a question.
A simple and great way to get other people involved and interested in your comment is to ask a question. What do you think about.... Where can I find.... People have a natural inclination to share their knowledge.

6. Use proper grammar.
On the internet today, it's becoming increasingly more common for people to cut words short, leave out punctuation and create their own acronyms. In fact, it's much easier to read and more attractive for viewers when content is formatted correctly.

7. Use the 'quote' feature.
When you are responding to another comment usually you can choose to 'quote' the post you are replying to with your comment. Otherwise, when someone sees:

#18: Comment by Michael: Bobby, I'm so glad I got on here and saw your comment – I just tore my favorite jeans last week! Perfect."

...they are forced to go looking for Bobby's comment if they wish to know the topic of conversation. The quote feature would have included Bobby's comment along with Michael's and it would have been easy to know exactly what Michael was referring to. If Bobby's comment was made right after Michaels's this wouldn't be necessary but for comments half way down the page it's good to use this feature.

Remember, one comment that takes 10 minutes to create could generate 1000s of hits during its lifetime!

How to write good comments on The Buzz Line

1.Be useful. This is the best way to make an interesting and beneficial comment on any blog or website. If you have information that can offer something to other readers, they will come back looking for more. Get creative: you can post links to other websites, videos, coupons, Google maps, post recipes, etc.

2. Keep it relevant. Posts on Old Town Buzz should discuss events, first and foremost, followed by news and topics pertinent to Old Town Park City. When you bring up your business, tie it into the current conversation as best as possible to make it more relevant. It’s even better to avoid appearing like you are a business altogether. Here are two sample comments; the first example should be avoided (keywords are bolded):

#1: Comment by Papa’s Ski Shop:
LOTS GOOD DEALS! COME IN NOW! We are having a huge sale on everything in the store. It won’t last long. Starts today, ends tomorrow!! 5555 Main Street Park City. You can call us 435-666-5555. Shirts, jackets, pants, ski clothes, it all has to go!

#1: Comment by Josh:
Papa’s in Park City is have a huge sale. My buddy got some ski goggles there for %30 off yesterday. Spring skiing isn’t over yet, not in Utah anyway! Wahoo! I know they have lots of other ski equipment and ski clothes; I’m definitely going to check it out.  I love Papa’s place – right in Old Town just off Main Street. Here’s the website in case anyone wants to check it out: www.papasskishopparkcity.com. I’m pretty sure the sale is only thru tomorrow. Probably going out for drinks on Main Street after too – anyone have suggestions?

3. Be thorough. Don’t simply respond to another post with, “I like it.” Explain what it is you like or dislike about something. Provide links and references to the content you’re creating when you make a comment.  The more information you provide, the more others will appreciate your comment. Examples (again, avoid the first one):

#2: Comment by Stacy:
Cool Josh.

#2: Comment by Stacy:
Josh, you’re brilliant. Thanks for posting the ski sale on here! I need a new ski jacket. I missed all the other Main Street sales, so that’s buzz I’ll put to use! J

4. Subscribe to your post. On Old Town Buzz you have the option to be informed when another user comments on your Buzz. This will inform you via email that a comment has been made and allow you to promptly follow up, which you should always do.

5. Ask a question. A simple and great way to get other people involved with The Buzz Line is to ask questions. What do you think about…. Where can I find.... People have a natural inclination to share their knowledge.

6. Use proper grammar. On the internet today, it’s becoming increasingly more common for people to cut words short, leave out punctuation and create their own acronyms. In fact, it’s much easier to read and more attractive for viewers when content is formatted correctly.

7. Use the ‘quote’ feature. When you are responding to another comment on The Buzz Line, you can click the ‘quote’ button to include the post you are replying to with your comment. Otherwise, when someone sees:

#18: Comment by Brian: Josh, I’m so glad I got on here and saw your comment – I just busted my ski goggles last week! Perfect.” 

…they are forced to go looking for Josh’s comment if they wish to know the topic of conversation. The quote feature would have included Josh’s comment along with Brian’s and it would have been easy to know exactly what Brian was referring to. If Brian’s comment was made right after Josh’s this wouldn’t be necessary but for comments half way down the page, please use this feature.