The Reason Why People “Like” But They Don’t Comment

138 Comments

I’ve been seeing a lot of blogs recently where the authors have a MAD following.  I sigh and drool and faint whenever I see how many followers these people have.  They average at LEAST 40 likes a post.

But they also average MAYBE 2-3 comments a post.

Why?

These people have 5,000+ followers.  Some have 20,000+ followers.  Why is no one commenting?

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Let’s be honest.  Everybody likes to get Liked.  But I think we can agree that when people take the time to comment, this feedback means way more to us.  Because it’s easy for people to click the Like button, but it takes effort to comment.  And that means they are taking us seriously and actually paying attention.  We like comments more than Likes.

The question is then: What makes people comment?

Personality.

Sig and Armstrong

You might have a huge following, but if you don’t have a sense of personality, people will stop treating you like a blogger.  They’ll see your blog posts, they’ll Like them, hopefully they’ll read them…but if you are only putting your writing forward, or whatever you’re trying to promote, people won’t care about you.  They won’t know YOU.

People might like your blog, but they aren’t going to comment unless they like you.

Think about it.

If your blog, your writing, lacks a sense of YOU, what will people be seeing?   Just words.  They might be some good words.  But if they aren’t able to attribute them to you, then why would they comment?  Who are they commenting to?  Not a person.   Just words.  And no one praises or converses with random words, however good they are.

its-all-about-me

Of course, maybe you ARE putting yourself into what you write…but maybe it’s too much of yourself.  I see this sooooo often.  Those bloggers who get big and popular and then all they do is blog about themselves and their own personal endeavors.  The titles of their posts are eternally:

“Hey, check out my new book”

“PLEASE buy my new book”

“Hey, guess what?  My new book is out”

“Update on my story”

You get the picture.

I’ve said this multiple times and I’ll say it again.  If you want followers and an active audience, blog about things people CARE about.  Blog about things that HELP people.  Make them WANT or NEED you.

If all you blog about is yourself, this can also constitute a lack of personality towards your audience.  Or, maybe not a lack of personality, but a bad personality.

Don’t be like those bloggers who are dry and have no personality, and don’t be like those bloggers who never have anything to offer to their followers.  Let your audience know who you are, and show your followers that you care about THEM too.  Make people come to your blog not just because of your content, but because of your character–because they genuinely know and like you as a person (and not just what you’re promoting)!

 I hope this helped!

What do you think?

138 thoughts on “The Reason Why People “Like” But They Don’t Comment”

  1. I’ve just liked your post, and am now commenting! I certainly know what you mean though.

    I get the odd like here and there, but it’s rare I get comments. When I do, they tend to be from the same people. Thanks to those who do (you know who you are). Those who haven’t, please comment away!

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Gasp! It works!?
      I can relate. I used to get a lot of Likes, but few comments. The moment I started blogging about things people found useful or interesting, then people started commenting a lot.

      Liked by 4 people

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  3. I agree with this and sometimes I like a post to bookmark it for later, mostly if it’s a longer post. I enjoy commenting it helps me get to know the blogger just like when someone comments on my blog it allows me to discover who my audience is

    Liked by 5 people

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  4. Totally agree-and I think it’s so important to comment too, because bloggers really appreciate it, and then they’ll be more likely to check out your content. Obviously, that shouldn’t be the point of commenting, but it’s a nice added bonus.

    Liked by 2 people

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  5. Hey! Another great post. I think your point about the difference in effort between a like and a comment is pretty important.

    Also, I have to say, I see bloggers who have been on here for far less time than us and have 10x the followers. Hard not to be a little jealous.

    -John

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Ugh, yes! I don’t know how some people get so many followers in such a short amount of time. It boggles me. Oh well, maybe our big breaks will come too!

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you! And yeah, it was just something I noticed and I figured there had to be a reason for it. It gave me something to write about 😉

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  7. Good post. When I explore my reader, sometimes I “like” posts that I just skim. However, if a post makes me stop & actually read, then I’ll have no choice but to comment because the post is just so irresistable. And as a blogger, I actually feel morr excitement whenever I receive a notif for a comment rather than a new follower. Because let’s be honest, a lot of us are “lurkers”. I prefer to build camaraderie with my active commenters. It gives a sense of community rather than just you spouting your opinions randomly into the big out there.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Well said, I can relate a lot actually! The posts that I comment on are usually the ones that really made me stop and read.
      And you’re so right, nothing makes for a good community than when people actually talk!

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  8. *stands and applauds* yes. Just yes. I would also add don’t be like the bloggers who spam the crap out of your feed with a dozen posts a day. Especially if they are just reblogs of others’ works. Yes it’s nice to reblog someone else if you agree with their message, but doing so to generate traffick to your own site… meh. I’ll stop longer next time and discuss self-publishing with you, I’m about to leap into the unknown terror and need a good brain to pick… again, great post.

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Ugh, you have no idea how much that bugs me too! If people spam my Reader, I unfollow them. You’re totally right, nothing distorts a sense of personality than yapping at people all day long.
      And okay, I’d be happy to talk about self publishing with you! I’m almost ready to dive into the fray once again, so I’d love your company! 😉

      Liked by 2 people

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  9. I think you’re advice is pretty good, and I’ve come to the same conclusion myself (after I did the Commenting Bootcamp actually). I do like it when people like my post, but I like it more when they comment!

    Liked by 4 people

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  11. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! And it’s so true! Comments are honestly really motivating. And the memes in your post are so fitting! Maybe diversity in blog posts is a must, it probably might help us connect to a much wider audience as well. I’m super inspired to write on a variety of topics now! Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Hi Dominic,
    You and I are like-minded bloggers. I also offer blogging tips to bloggers. I found your theory about why they don’t comment interesting. Ouch, they don’t like me? Is it possible my call to action is weak?
    Maybe check out my blogging tips site and see what you think.
    Janice

    Liked by 2 people

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  13. This is a very interesting post Dominic and one I agree with immensely. I do believe that it’s partly the social media creation that is to blame for making it too easy to just ‘like’ a post. If you look at other social media platforms which many of us authors use frequently, they pose the same problem. I do understand however that it is a ‘time’ thing. A lot of people use mobile devices now and from a user friendly point of view, it is much easier to ‘like’ something than to spend time typing. They also read posts when they are half doing something else. Again, for ease, they will just like. My main purpose of my blog is to not only gain readership and interact with my readers but to also send out priceless reminders and updates that keep me in the back of people’s minds. I do get blogging about interesting things and other subjects but if I followed a sports blog for instance, the last thing I’d be interested in is hearing what they had for breakfast. You get my drift. I do feel your pain but keep plugging away, not just on your blog but across multiple platforms. Spread your eggs evenly in various social media baskets. Take care and thanks for a great post! Mark

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hey Mark!
      Thanks for such a thoughtful reply! I totally get what you’re saying, I hadn’t thought of how social media relates to this. That’s an excellent point. And you’re right, maybe some people can’t comment due to lack of time or lack of convenience. I understand that. But I still believe that comments mean more. So thanks for this 😉
      Good luck to you also, thanks for all the encouragement! I’ll do my best!

      Liked by 1 person

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  14. Hey, check out my new book… just kidding. I don’t have one yet. 😛

    This is an interesting post! I agree with loads of comments here, and to add on: I learned from one blogger that she prefers to like first and comment later when she has more time to write a thoughtful one. It makes sense too, especially when we’re reading in between things, like riding the subway! But I prefer to comment immediately after reading, or I’d forget. 😅

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Aha, that’s where I would agree with you. If I don’t comment immediately, Ill forget too!! But I understand if people do things differently…I just don’t know if I could ever function in the same way!

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  15. I think you have some good points 😀 However I think there is one more thing that makes people read your blog and comment, and that is if you read their blog and make a comment. Well, at least that is how I think about it, that if you make an effort for somebody else they might do the same for you 😉

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  16. I have to make a confession – I am a perpetual liker, and don’t comment that often. Well, at least not as much as I “like” a post. Main reason? Time. I’m probably a minority in this – and I can see how it doesn’t come across that way – but when I “like” a post, it’s me saying “I appreciated this”. Sometimes, I’m not sure if I have anything of value to “comment”. But, I can see how that may feel “cold” or “uninterested”. Perhaps, others do the same? But, you do have some great tips for the other side – for how we engage our audience. I think we forget that part. We think about the “branding” business of blogging/writing and believe that to mean we have to “sell, sell, sell”. Instead, like you said, we just need to be…and to engage. Great thoughts.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Yes! I do that. Particularly if I have already email subscribed I think it is just polite, perhaps, to acknowledge the effort someone has put in. That’s one of the things i find so annoying about FB – it’s like walking into a room and no-one noticing you are there. And they are supposedly friends.

      That being said, I am trying to comment more even if I go back later.

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    2. Well I think that’s okay if you just prefer to like. If you don’t have anything to say, then why comment? Your logic makes sense.
      And yes I would agree that there is too much emphasis on the marketing aspect of blogging. Too much marketing can hurt a community.
      Good points yourself! Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

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  17. This is so true. Initially my blog didn’t have much comments too. But once I changed my writing style, everything took a turn for the better! And my posts started receiving more comments. If we write about stuff that our readers can relate to, it’ll work wonders for the blog. ☺

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Well said, I’ve got the same story. I just wish more people would realize it, because I get tired of seeing people blogging about things I can’t relate to!

      Liked by 1 person

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  23. You’re so right, likes are so impersonal. Comments make it seem like hey I liked what you wrote so much I want to tell you! This piece was great and the Toy Story meme was great.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Exactly, I find that I’m way more satisfied if I get a comment than 15+ Likes!
      And hahaha thanks, I thought someone would appreciate it!! Thanks for commenting 😉

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  24. Awesome blog post. I’m just starting out and not really looking to make a money from my blog. I just kind of wanted to make an online diary/journal for people to read. You’re input is very helpful and you’re memes are awesome. LOL.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you! That’s awesome. Those can be some of the best kinds of blogs! I’m glad my input helps. Thanks for the comment 😉

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  25. I get what you mean completely and it’s true! Comments are really nice because their more personable and make you feel good about what your writing. It helps in knowing that your words are having some sort of impact even if it’s just on a small number of people but that your words do matter 👌🏽

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Exactly, and that’s the goal! It hurts to write something powerful and then feel like no one is listening.
      Thanks for your comment 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. It’s okay! I think we all do. Sometimes we just don’t have anything to say. Or we don’t have time to comment. I’m just trying to raise some awareness about the value of commenting, that’s all!

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  27. I enjoyed reading this very much so I HAD to comment. I am sooo new to blogging and have so much to learn. Though I do admit, I find it much more rewarding with others comment on my work. Its a great feeling when others appreciate the content you work hard to put out. I am not a great writer but I do hope I can learn a lot more from all this blogging. Thank you for sharing!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Aw well welcome to the blogosphere! And thanks for the comment 😉
      It’s undeniable, I think everyone appreciates a comment more. And I’m glad you took something away from this. You’re welcome!
      Cheers!

      Like

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  28. Pingback: To All New Bloggers Out There… | The Golden Lands

  30. It’s a good topic.
    We can also take attention of those people who like our blog but don’t comment by posting something which is relevant to their need. The personally is not the only reason. Content should be comment friendly.

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    1. Hmm, good point! I didn’t think of that: comment-friendly-content! It’s true, if we really want comments, we need to write posts that invite conversation. Great insight!

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  35. So much to say, so little time. I have to salute your chutzpah in using a title that absolutely dares a reader to like but not comment on the article. So, I’m going to comment, but not like the article. It is my own form of antiestablishment protest. Given an instruction to act a certain way, I will rebel just a little bit and chortle at my daring.

    Also, I am sleep deprived and have no idea if what I just wrote is funny, or pissy. You be the judge.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hahaha that wasn’t the point of that title but it definitely had that effect!!

      And way to go with sleep deprivation! It’s finals week at my university, so I’m right there with ya!

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  36. 79 comments and growing! Blogs where I comment are blogs where I feel the author is authentic. I believe in honest helpful feedback which is simply my perspective and not more than that. Some bloggers I comment have become blogging buds.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Aww thank you! It means a lot to hear that you agree. If you don’t mind me asking, how did you find this post? So many people keep on liking and commenting on this post and I published it forever ago!

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  41. Good perspective. It’s true that it needs to be a combination of useful information and a personal touch.
    If it’s truly great reporting then I would say that not ever post needs personal info. I read great articles in the Guardian etc. that contain no information about the author’s personal life (but that’s a newspaper not a blog, or course) but even in those cases you often get a glimpse into an author’s soul by seeing what they report and what their stance is.
    For a blog, I would say that a personal story or opinion should naturally find its way into most posts.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Oh I agree entirely, no personal info is required. Sometimes, depending on the theme or audience of the blog, personal info IS necessary. It depends on what you’re trying to communicate to your readers, but personal info certainly isn’t necessary. Cheers and happy new year!

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  42. Look at all your comments, ha ha! It’s funny, I JUST wrote a blog post sort of about the same topic, how I look at and read and like many blogs, but the blogs I love and engage with on a continual basis are the ones where I feel like I’m *friends* with the blogger because they share their personal lives and their personal stories with me the reader. They’ve welcomed me into their life and I’m happy to participate. And I’m striving to make my blog that same sort of place, repeople will feel like they want to come visit with me and have a conversation, not just look at pictures or read about a product or sweater and click the like button and then dash off to the next one. I think it can take a while to find your voice. It’s a challenge to write as though you’re speaking to someone when there’s not really anyone on the other end, you don’t know if anyone will ever read your words or respond. Sometimes it takes a few first loyal followers to help you get over that hurdle and to get you to start feeling like you are part of a conversation and not just a monologue.

    Anyway, I found your post interesting and I will be back to see what else you have to say.

    Bettye

    Home

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. WOW! Thanks for such a thoughtful comment 😉 I totally agree. Blogging is such a journey and, like life, you meet people who are sometimes there to stay or people who lose interest and go off doing their own thing. And that’s okay. You learn to roll with it, because that’s what blogging, relationships, and life all require. Funny how everything comes full circle!

      Well thank you for stopping by, and I wish you the best of luck on all of your endeavors. Cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. “like life, you meet people who are sometimes there to stay or people who lose interest and go off doing their own thing.” Yes. I think people sometimes focus on the “media” side so much they forget that it’s SOCIAL.

        Thanks for the visit…and the comment!

        Liked by 1 person

  45. Well, you certainly have a plethora of comments NOW, Dominic! lol I found your blog by accident and found this post to be both helpful and cool. I didn’t start my blog to be really ‘out there’ and it shows sometimes since though people love what I write – I get few comments. It seems under the radar most of the time and it’s only lately, as I am coming into myself (so to speak lol) I’d like more traction. I found your insights to be helpful – and would love you to stop by and let me know what you think regarding your very apt post. Keep up the great insights!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Well I’m glad you found this helpful…honestly, I have no idea how people keep finding this post, as I published it several months ago. Don’t worry if your blog is “under the radar”…believe me, everyone has been there. What’s important is that you make connections with other bloggers. Don’t be afraid to spend a few days searching for blogs YOU like, instead of just writing posts. And sure, I’ll stop by!

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  50. Very well said Dominic! Which is why I am taking a moment to comment :-). I “like” when I’ve enjoyed or appreciated a post. I tend to comment when I think I can say something meaningful (or at least try) and I have time at that moment. On my blog, I appreciate even the shortest comments e.g., “Great post!” It’s a hit of encouragement each time but I also know folks tending to their own blogs don’t always have time to comment. Blogs that present a sense of the blogger’s personality are easiest to remember because I feel a sense of connection.
    Dan Blank (Be the Gateway) talks about nurturing the few who are dedicated and do comment, over broadcasting to the masses and trying to get a zillion followers. It’s how engaged the few are that matters. Not the 20,000 number.
    I need to go back in links to see how I actually landed here! I think it was someone’s re-blog of this post… lost in blogville this morning 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. For sure, I appreciate even those short little comments too! But it’s comments like the one you so graciously just posted that mean the most. I can tell you were genuinely intrigued by what I wrote, and this means so much to me. I’m glad that you’re of the same opinion 🙂
      Ah yes, so easy to get lost in blogville! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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