Where is the trend headed for blog conversations and engagement?  I’ve noticed a change in the amount of actual blog comments uploaded here on Market Like A Chick compared to how many times a post is Tweeted.   I performed a quick Twitter  poll to discover the commenting habits of other blog readers. My goal was to find out if Tweeting or Retweeting a post is not more widely done than actually commenting on the blog itself, and if so, why.

In my recent Twitter mini-poll, I asked:

When you find a blog post worth sharing, do you comment on it? Before or after tweeting? Do you ever RT without reading post?

Of those that responded, it seems that when a reader comes across a blog post  they think would provide value for their followers they will first read the blog then tweet the link to share with their followers.  There were two or three readers that said they have Retweeted a post without reading it themselves, based upon the source of the original link and headline.

The general feeling behind blind tweeting was a matter of trust.  Was the source a trusted friend or expert?  If so, then it seems acceptable to retweet a link blindly without reading it themselves.

A few of the responses are below:

“I try to always comment on any Blog post I RT. I figure if I was moved enough to comment others might enjoy it too.“  @reigniteromance

“Always read first, RT, then Comment My twitter peeps deserve my discretion in RT’s before recommending. IMO” – @UnKit

“Read first, retweet, and comment. In that order.” - @newkicks

“I NEVER RT w/o reading. But I do comment & usually mention the tweet or linkback in the comment” – @TexInTheCity

” I comment first, then tweet. I always at least skim b4 sharing titles don’t always tell if the post is truly worth sharing.” -  @starrstudded

With my next question I asked the readers what mattered to them the most.  It wasn’t meant to be a trick question, but the choice was not so easy.  I asked:

As a blog owner, if you could only choose one, would you rather have your post TWEETED or COMMENTED on?

10 out of 13 people that responded said they would choose an actual comment posted to their blog over having the blog post tweeted.  The reasoning behind the majority were SEO benefits and more engagement.  For those that chose Tweets over comments, their reasoning was to gain more exposure.

Some of the responses are below:

“Commented! It’s sad when they go uncommented ” – @JessicaSieghart

“As a blog owner, I’d rather have my posts commented on than tweeted. More interactive & personal (but don’t stop RTing!)” – @QuipsAndTips

“Commented on. I prefer engagement over exposure” – @mattstratton

“Excellent question – different reasons – but for exposure? Tweeted definitely!” - @LinkedInExpert

“Comments are better than RTs. Encourages more dialog and can boost up google/seo rankings” - @TrishSkram

“Tweeted… people can always comment on Tweet!” @SoulfulParent

“I would rather RT’s… RT’s generate spread, spread = reading, reading equals awesomeness.. So RT’s” – @dustinhinton

Jack Humphrey of the Friday Traffic Report wrote up an article titled Blog Commenting Evolution: People would rather Twitter about your posts! which had already got me pondering the subject Tweets vs Comments.  At that time I had already started to notice a difference in the trend and left my COMMENT on his blog saying so.  It’s an interesting post, especially the comment section.  Check it out for more feedback on the subject.

If you have to choose only one to really pursue, I would recommend actual blog comments for the exact reasons that were stated:

1.  SEO Benefits: Google loves when your readers spend time on your site.  A reader would need to read the post, comprehend it, think of a reply, then post the comment…all take time.  The comment itself adds content to your page.  If the readers are leaving RELEVANT comments, then they are probably using some of the same keywords you have used in your content.  That additional content is there for Google to pick up when your site is crawled.

2.  Engagement: Your blog should be used as your hub where everything about you can be found in one easily searchable spot.  The community you build around you and who you are as a brand would be best kept on your blog as well.  This shows anyone who comes to your site that people value your opinions and are engaging with you which in turn adds to your credibility. No need for the visitor to go searching Twitter, Facebook and where ever to find your community.  It’s right there.

As for exposure, I must admit that I receive around 60-70% of my traffic from social networks and especially Twitter.  Without Twitter I would have never been discovered or at least not nearly as quickly or as widely accepted.  So, I agree the exposure is excellent.  It’s a good thing we don’t have to choose between one or the other!

What are some of your thoughts on the subject?  How would you have answered either of the poll questions?  Do you comment on blogs, and if not…why not? Please engage here with us and leave your comments below.  Oh…then be sure to TWEET and bookmark! 

To Your Success,

P.S.~> Speaking of COMMENTS…the Top Commentator contest is still going on for this week and every week of December.  Be the top commentator on Market LIke A Chick and receive one of 16 Google Wave Invites I have to give away!  Even if you already have Wave or you don’t want Wave, you will still benefit from the exposure since you name and link is displayed.  Just be sure to follow the rules. 

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Tagged as:  blog comments · Blogging · Twitter