Should you pitch your book in blog comment sections?
I love comments.
When I receive a comment, no matter if good or bad, it means that I wrote something on my blog that created a reaction in a reader. The reaction was enough to motivate the reader to leave a comment – which doesn’t happen often.
Lately, though, comments I’ve received have been quite disappointing – and a little nervy. Many times the comments are nothing more than a book summary. Some include a plea to review it, while others are filled with Web sites and social network addresses for the author.
These come from both publicists AND authors and cause me no end of aggravation.
When it first started happening, I wondered if I needed to make a clear contact button, instead of using the "What’s Your Q?" graphic. I axed that idea when I realized I had the "Submit Your Question."
My second conclusion was twofold: Some were too lazy to look for contact information, or they wanted to leave a comment in the hopes that it would go public – and snag a few sales.
While I cannot say what they were thinking, I tend to lean toward the latter. I work with many companies and individuals who think flooding comment sections with canned PR stuff is a terrific way to generate buzz and improve rankings with Google.
Thing is, it totally sucks to readers and bloggers. Comments are for conversation, not for promotions. Sure you can leave your name and Web site link at the bottom of the comment, but the comment itself should add something to the blog post conversation. Even something like, "Great post! Thanks for sharing," or "I agree. Social media takes a lot of work, but pays off in the long-run," are better than a sales pitch, book summary or list of links.
When you leave a comment for promotion, how do you do it? Have you received book review or virtual book tour pitches via comments? How have you handled them?
Pitching is definitely key. Ironically, I’m working on a post about how to pitch to bloggers. Be looking for it soon!
Take care – and GOOD LUCK!!!
Angela
Hello,
I find all of your comments to be very interesting! I am trying to market my new Crime Novel, and it seems as though pitching is what I’m going to have to do!
You’re right – pitching a book in a comment does not work! I don’t even have a signature with a web address anymore. Even that felt too much like advertising.
Hey Maureen!
Yes it is definitely acceptable. I remember when folks first started doing it and some bloggers were really iffy on it. And let’s not forget #Amazonfail, when the online retailer deleted all comments that included links. However, once folks realized the value of it, they let them go. Some had to create policies that limited the number of links shared, or the signature line of the comments, because people were putting a laundry list of links.
One thing I’ve learned is blogs usually don’t have a problem if you insert your link in the comment. Some forums, however, have strict rules against this. If you become a new member of a group or forum, be sure to check their rules of engagement for including links in your posts.
Thanks so much for reading!
Thank you! I do have a published children’s book and I do love commenting on blogs that are interesting to me (my comments are on the subject and I would never promote my book as part of my comments) and I don’t like spamming.
But having said that I end most (not all) of my comments with my web address. Although I’ve connected with many wonderful and helpful people because of my comments I’ve often wondered am I breaking some unknown etiquette by leaving my web address.
So it’s good to hear it’s acceptable to do this.
Jade -
Exactly! I don’t mind if someone includes their Web link in a comment. That’s pretty standard for anyone these days. But an entire summary? I don’t think so. The comparison to Viagra ads is SO perfect.
Thanks for stopping by!
I have from time to time gotten “spam” comments in my blog for Viagara or God knows what. To be honest, I consider blatant book promo or “see me here!” comments as no different. It’s merely TARGETED spam, rather than generic spam.
All comments can point attention back to the commenter, but it should be because they have contributed something to a discussion that garners notice. Thanks for posting about this pet peeve!!