Blog commenting plays a consistent role in today’s online marketing strategies. Its scope goes beyond simple link building and SEO, and a lot of marketers forget about this aspect: it can also build traffic, branding and recognition.

To properly reap the benefits of blog commenting, you have to do it correctly. Rather than employing  shady methods of working your way around  spam filters and administrators, here are some etiquette tips you should follow to have your comments approved.

Anchor text and keywords

Don’t use blatant anchor texts in your comments. Using your name, a handle, the company name or site name is acceptable, but anything beyond that is considered rude—you are begging for a link—and is likely not to pass moderation. In other words, Jane Smith or Jane’s Flower Shop is alright, while The Best Flower Shop in Southern Florida is not.

Value

Your comment should bring some value to the article. Simply giving the author the thumbs up with a comment in the line of “Hey, nice article!” isn’t proper etiquette. Again, you will look like you are begging for a link and your comment will be flagged as spam. Contribute with your own experience and share your point of view. Explain why you think it was a “nice article”.

Your opinion matters

It’s alright to disagree with the author. However, if you beg to differ, do it politely, don’t get personal and give reasons why you disagree. Explain why you think the author was wrong. Everyone should be able to take constructive criticism. Alternatively, this could turn into an interesting debate where both you and the author share your points of view and everyone will have something to learn.

Stay focused

Keep your comments short. No one wants to read lengthy ramblings in the Comments section, so make it brief. If your comment is more than a few paragraphs, write a post on your own blog and send a trackback.

Play by the rules

Some blogs have a well established comment policy that may, for example, strictly prohibit the use of foul words and require you to use your first and last name. Think of a blog as the owner’s virtual home where he gets to set the rules. It’s just like being asked to take your shoes off when visiting someone’s home—you either play by the rules or stay outside.

Use proper English

U and R are letters, not words. Most, if not all mainstream bloggers frown upon the use of TXT Speech and you will look childish and silly in the eyes of the community. While no one expects you to speak as if you hold a PhD in English literature, do your best to write properly. All browsers come with spell checking features these days, make sure you use them.

The list could go on,  but the point is that you should use common sense: put yourself in the shoes of the author and see if you would approve your comment. If you feel it’s insightful and brings some sort of value to the community then you can safely hit the Submit button.