Blog like a Pro, Be Interactive!
“Want to Problog? Be Interactive!” is an article on Performancing.com by Phillip Kimpo Jr. Philip highlighted that besides writing great content, SEO, and good ad placements, a problogger should be willing to interact with one’s readers, either fans or detractors.
Philip suggested three rules to take for professional blogging:
- Open your blog to reader interaction — open blog posts for comments or/and leave a contact form or email address for readers to contact you.
- Engage the reader when he does interact — do replies to readers’ comments and emails. Better still, reply on the blog AND send comment reply by email.
- Be sure of yourself when you engage the reader —
If someone likes it or finds it helpful, express gratitude. If someone ridicules it, take a stance and whip up a response worthy of true statesmen (a witty retort might also do!). If someone points out a mistake, give the reader the benefit of the doubt, analyze his points, and admit the error if indeed it is. If someone seeks advice, be as helpful as you can be. Don’t discriminate among real-life friends, long-time blog-mates, or new visitors. Engage everyone with the same enthusiasm.
My two cents
I think I have following the 3 rules since I start blogging at few years ago. I love readers’ comments! Your comments show that I wrote something meaningful to you.
I try to be helpful, therefore I reply almost every questions in comment, with exception that off-topic comments will be deleted and replied by email.
I leave a contact form and email addres, as well as instant messaging IDs on my contact page. As a result, I got a lot of enquiries with all sort of questions. I always do my best to reply each of them, no matter who they are.
In return, I get loyal readers, learn tips and knowledge from readers, make new friends, and new business.
Some bloggers are afraid of tips sharing. In my opinion, sharing is good. You will get more than you shared from the responses you received.
What do you think?
(image courtesy of theblog.net)
