Today I am returning to a topic that came up on a previous #BlogChatIE when we discussed comments on blogs.
How do you deal with readers who leave negative comments on your blog? Here’s a quick recap:
T4What about negative comments? How should you deal with any negative comments? Do you delete? Do you respond? #blogchatie
— Lorna Sixsmith (@WriteOnTrack_L) January 24, 2013
@writeontrack_l – T4 #blogchatie / I delete them if they are anonymous – otherwise I answer them :0) really nicely
— WiseMóna (@WiseMona) January 24, 2013
@writeontrack_l #blogchatie T4 Only had a couple of -ve comments. Responded amicably and that was end of it.
— Kevin Markham (@kevinmarkham) January 24, 2013
A4 If comment is rude I’d just delete. If OK but negative, twist things around in your reply. Other ppl are reading too
#blogchatie
— Delia (@blogformatting) January 24, 2013
Let’s explore the issue further in today’s blog post.
1.Try not to take the comment too personally
Criticism hurts – especially if you have sweated over your latest blog post only to log on and find a hurtful or critical comment. But ask yourself, is there any truth or validity in what has been written in the negative comment? If you put your opinions out there other people are entitled to disagree with you.
2. Only delete a comment if it is spam
Ok, so it’s tempting to hit the delete button on a comment you don’t like – but this is not a good habit to get into. If the comment is obviously spam or libellous then it is ok to delete it, but if it is just someone disagreeing with you, then see if you can turn things around (see below).
3. Use it as an opportunity to spark a debate on your blog
Turn things on their head. Why not use the negative comment as an opportunity to spark a lively debate on your blog. Readers love debates!
4. Use it to generate fresh content for your blog
Addressing dissenting viewpoints can actually give you ideas for new posts. Doing this last year on one of my blogs prompted a post which was one of my most read, shared and commented on – even though not everyone agreed with my point of view.
5. Use it to help readers better understand what you do
What may seem to be a critical comment can be a chance to clarify something about your business. Perhaps the comment will point out to you some ways in which your business offering is misunderstood or not understood clearly. Sometimes there can be a communication gap between what you perceive your business to be about and what your customer sees – now is your chance to close that gap.
6. Use it to show your personality
How you handle negativity on your blog is an indicator of what kind of person you are to do business with. Handling it with courtesy, honesty and graciousness and showing your willingness to engage with your audience will not go unnoticed by your readers.
5. Become a better blogger
We never learn to navigate tricky waters if the sea is calm all the time. The best bloggers are often those who are challenged and who rise to the occasion. Learning how to handle criticism and negativity can ultimately make you a better blogger.
6. Congratulate yourself
Yes, pat yourself on the back. At least someone is reading your blog and your writing is provoking a reaction, so that’s a result right there!
Do you ever have to deal with negative comments on your blog? How do you handle them?
Marie Ennis-O’Connor BA, MIAPR, holds an Honours degree in History from University College Dublin. She is a graduate of the Irish Academy of Public Relations and has worked in a variety of PR roles over the past 12 years. Marie is editor of several award-winning blogs ranging from life sciences to health to business. She is a panel member of the newly established Bloggers International and is a regular contributor to Health Works Collective, an online community for thought leaders in international healthcare. She is a featured blogger on Webicina, an online service that provides curated medical social media resources in over 80 medical topics and over 17 languages, and has been awarded a top blogger accolade by Empowered Doctor.com and most inspiring writer by WegoHealth. Marie is also in demand as a trainer in social media marketing and travels the country teaching small business owners how to get online and maximise their online presence.
