Although I have been answering all comments here I have decided that I will stop answering short comments that do not require replies. I doubt anyone would object but wanted to let my regular readers know of this change.
I will still answer all questions and reply to all substantial comments for as long as that remains possible.
There are few places a business owner or blogger can find such extensive experience and thoroughly researched proven strategies for growing their business AND get a personal reply and answers to any questions they may have. Can I ask a favor of you? Would you please share this blog with any business, bloggers, or affiliate marketers who could benefit? Thank you.
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Gail Gardner
Small Business Marketing Strategist at GrowMap
Gail Gardner is the founder of GrowMap.com. She is a Small Business Marketing Strategist who mentors small businesses, bloggers, and freelancers.
After 23 years in the field with IBM and 5.5 years managing AdWords accounts, her focus shifted to small business marketing strategy. GrowMap.com is listed by Cision as a Top 100 Site for Marketers and has received three Small Business Influencer Awards from Small Business Trends.
Named by D&B a Top 50 SMB Influencer on Twitter, you can follow Gail @GrowMap and on LinkedIn.
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I think this information will be useful for many users. As the post explains everything.
I must say, you are quite committed to your work.
I sure going to share it with others but i just want to say that i think its a wise choice not to reply on every comment but what if someone reads your post and likes it and rpley a thanks to you u can appreciate it at-least by saying thanks (just my opinion) :).
Welcome Kate,
Thank you for sharing us with others. I will still say thanks too. 🙂
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Create and Install Favicons =-.
We can share GrowMap with each other because it’s quite useful.
Makes sense to me.
PS. And you don’t have to reply to my four word comment above. 🙂 ~ Steve, the succinct trade show guru
PPS. I would only respond to comments that require a response, and first time commenters to let them know they are appreciated… if they leave a comment that is worth responding too.
.-= Steve@trade show guru´s last blog ..Does Blogging Regularity Matter? =-.
Yeah, there always comes a point when you simply can’t answer ALL comments on your blog. I remember I panicked when it first happened 🙂 A while back but it regulates itself!
People understand that when they make a comment that doesn’t require reply – they don’t expect one. As long as you provide the answers people will be happy
.-= Alex Sysoef´s last blog ..How To Find CommentLuv Enabled Blogs In Your Niche =-.
Hi Alex,
Yes, that is what I’m hoping. I will still interact and answer questions because those answers help other readers as well as the commentator who left them.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Add Your Free Business Listing to infoUSA =-.
Hi again!
When you said advanced blogs, what do you mean exactly? I’m fairly interested although I do not have the time to devote to any more projects at the moment. Also, I’m also open to joint ventures.
How about getting all the people who are frequently visiting this site to start a joint venture? 😀
Hi Terry,
Most people don’t realize how complicated creating a top blog is. Read How to Start a Successful Blog Based Business to get an idea of what I mean when I refer to an “advanced blog”.
Ssuccessful blogs require optimum usability, layout and features, plugins to optimize interaction and search engine placement, knowing something about keyword research and copywriting, and so on.
I believe there are people who have a niche they love and know a lot about who just need the vehicle to get started and someone to send them traffic. That post explains the Joint Ventures we’re doing.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How Much Is A Memorable Logo Worth? =-.
I think it is a wise choice. Commenting on something that doesn’t need it equals wasting time and I am sure you can find better ways to waste time.
Personally I don’t have a policy about commenting on my own sites. The only policies I have is about whether or not I’ll allow people to spam the comments.
Mikael
.-= Mikael @ Retire Rich´s last blog ..Remove Unwanted Analytics Account Profiles You Are Not Managing =-.
Hi Mikael,
I know that welcoming new commentators helps them feel comfortable and hopefully come back soon. Balancing the time required is a never-ending challenge.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Get Your Free Business Listing in Yelp =-.
That is a fair comment policy. This is my first visit to your site and I’m going to look around a bit. So far I like the informative posts you have. I’ll be installing the Twitter Field TwitId plugin on my blog. As Arnie says – “I’ll be back”
Thanks
.-= Luca´s last blog ..How To Use PLR Content in Your Newsletters and Ezines =-.
Welcome Luca,
I followed and RTed you at Twitter and look forward to seeing you back here. I also shared your PLR Content post at Twitter, FriendFeed and cliKball. Visiting when you have new content is a good way to get me to send more traffic to it when I am replying to comments.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Select Keywords First to Make Your Content Easy to Find =-.
great article, people do like commenting. looking for friend.
I believe it is simply a matter of placing your feedburner email option link anywhere you choose. I suggested we try to position it near the RSS subscribe button in the header or just below that in the right sidebar.
.-= rusli zainal sang visioner´s last blog ..Rusli Zainal sang Visioner =-.
Hello Rusli,
There are always far more readers and only a small percentage who comment. Yes, the feedburner email option is just a link. Derek has now added an email updates icon near the header plus a Stay in the Loop! box at the bottom of each post that contains RSS and email subscription links. Now everyone should be able to easily locate how to subscribe here.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Freelancer Challenges – Logo Graphic Designers =-.
I Think its really fair on every one’s part. During this time when most of the people are going towards nofollow tag, obviously due to spamming by some idiots, you have only decided to reply the good comments. From your blog i can clearly see that you are consistently doing remarkable job.
Hello Tina,
I decided to do this as a compromise between deleting short comments and answering them all. At some point I will have to only answer some comments – probably those asking questions or adding substantially to the discussion but for now I am still encouraging businesses to interact more fully.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Select Keywords First to Make Your Content Easy to Find =-.
With the threaded conversations (that wordpress was missing for a long time), author responses have got new leash of life. Otherwise people had to mod wordpress to show highlighted author comments. I believe I learn a lot from reading the responses (though I could never go beyond first 20/30 comments). May be a ‘vote for comment’ kind of thing on popular thing is for people like me 😉
Hi Jeet,
In hindsight I wish I had threaded comments installed from the start although it would have been more complicated than turning it on in WordPress when it became available.
The challenge with vote for comments before you have threaded comments is that they can get out of order it that option moves them up. I have considered seeking out a plugin to add that function but have not researched it yet. I’m open to suggestions.
I have a tip for your business. All links are not created equal so measuring the results from various links (actual traffic and ideally conversions) would make your offerings far more desirable. You could charge more for proven links instead of just links.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Add a Twitter Field to Your Comments =-.
Hello Asher,
It can be challenging to know which comments from those who are obviously not American are real and which are spam because so many companies here hire people in other countries to create spam comments and there are many businesses in other countries who sell that type of service.
This comment is an example of one that could be misjudged because it is very general. You may want to read Tips for Leaving Comments That Don’t Get Deleted to make it easier for us. One tip is to include a reference to the content in the post; that makes it obvious that you did read it and the comment is about it.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Add a Twitter Field to Your Comments =-.
Ah, but that is the beauty of my Theme, it’s easy to use and is packed with advanced features. Heck, I even did a video to show just one of the many features it has. I must one day take the time to use the squeeze page that comes with it.
.-= Sire@ Wassup´s last blog ..Using CJU’s Rotating Banner Function =-.
Hi Sire,
I am glad we’re now at the point that choosing a Theme and upgrading it is mostly behind us so I can focus on adding content and attracting more visitors. Thank you for sharing information for those who may still be working on deciding on a Theme.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Get Your Free Business Listing in Yelp =-.
Yep, not having to worry about finding the right theme is a blessing alright, and it certainly frees up some time for blogging for a change.
Well I have both so I can safely say that the one I use on WassupBlog is far far easier to use than Thesis.
.-= Sire@ Wassup´s last blog ..Helium Helping Writers Fulfill Their Dreams =-.
Maybe that is why the Frugal Theme seems to be getting popular. There is always a trade-off between ease of use and advanced features. I’m counting my blessings for all that Derek handles here and in our joint venture blogs.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Add Your Free Business Listing to infoUSA =-.
Yeah, I thought this was a Thesis Theme. Unfortunately for me I don’t have Derek to help me out which is why I went for a more user friendly theme that allows me to make hundreds of alterations with a click of a mouse, like changing the color of the comment boxes for example. 😉
Mine would be colored here too if I replied while logged in instead of out. I like to be able to suggest other posts to a specific commentator using CommentLuv so I prefer to reply while logged out.
Since I have never modified a theme I don’t know whether Thesis is easier or more challenging. I suspect it depends on what you learn first and how much time you’re willing to spend learning about hooks and other ways of modifying themes.
I have very thankful to have Derek’s assistance. I can’t wait to get caught up so I can hold up my share of our venture. I have been working on getting work out of the way so I can focus on my favorite thing to do: researching and writing new content.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Freelancer Challenges – Logo Graphic Designers =-.
Yes, but I am talking about those comments that have nothing to do with the post itself and whose sole intention is to get a link back. As you know I use keyword luv and so those who want to use a keyword can do so but have to follow the rules as described in the comment policy and also briefly in the comment form.
I understand that there are those to whom English is not their native tongue and I try to be very lenient with them. Perhaps sometimes I am too harsh. That is definitely something to think on. I will keep that in mind for future occasions.
BTW, I like your new theme 🙂
.-= Sire@ Wassup’s Bloggers Forum´s last blog ..Helium Helping Writers Fulfill Their Dreams =-.
Hi Sire,
I do delete those that obviously are spam or simply for links. Sometimes it is a challenge to know their intent so when in doubt I probably err to the side of forgiveness. The Theme is still Thesis and the major new change is the new header / logo. Derek just added it last night.
We are continually making improvements and recording them in a master file that Derek uses to create and upgrade our other blog projects. There are a few more coming soon and then hopefully we’re done with upgrades and design changes in this blog for now.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Freelancer Challenges – Logo Graphic Designers =-.
Hello Sire,
I have considered doing that; however, I recognize that I have readers for whom English is not their native language who struggle with writing longer comments and also some who may not feel comfortable posting publicly just yet.
Although I know their comments may annoy some readers I want to support their efforts to connect online. There are so many who lurk because they are scared of doing something “wrong” that I want this to be a place they feel welcome and can learn how to interact.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Add a Twitter Field to Your Comments =-.
Sounds like a fair comment policy. I’ve taken it one step further though as my policy states that I will reply to all comments, so if any comment is not worthy of a reply I delete the comment. A bit harsh perhaps, but I take pride in my posts and I want my commentators to take pride in their comments as these are the only ones that will generate any interest in their blogs.
I also de-link the urls of comments who have not followed the comment rules in regards to keywords in their names.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..Helium Helping Writers Fulfill Their Dreams =-.
Sure, no problem…
Of course, I was answering your question. 😀
I have learned a lot from this blog and sharing this to anyone who I know will benefit from the info you have here is one thing I can think of to return the favor. 😀
P.S.
I know people would understand that you would no longer reply to short comments. We know anyway that you are always updating this and reading our input through the comment section.
Welcome Terry,
Thank you for sharing what we do here with others. Many don’t ever think to do it unless someone asks so that is why I mentioned it in this post. I made the decision that the time I save answering short comments is better invested in creating more unique content.
Do let me know if you have any specific questions or topics you would like to see covered. One of the major advantages I offer my readers is fast answers to complex questions and best practices I have researched over the years.
I am really glad you decided to comment as I have friends who are Nurses, Veterinarians and Vet Assistants who wear scrubs all the time. I’ll be sure to pass your site on to them and mention it when we get the new horse blog up and running.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Select Keywords First to Make Your Content Easy to Find =-.
Thank you!
I really think that GrowMap is a good resource for any entrepreneur that’s why it is worth sharing.
As far as topics, I think the hardest part with this kind of business, or any business for that matter is starting off. A lot of people got disenchanted along the way because they don’t know what to do when starting an online venture. Thus, a post like that would really be helpful.
Hi Terry,
I recently did a post on How to Start a Successful Blog Based Business. Was that what you had in mind? If not could you be more specific?
What is not obvious is how many small factors add up to make a big difference – the very difference that creates an income. Most won’t realize how much traffic it takes and how many products you need to really generate a steady income. That is why many like to sell advertising – because there are people willing to pay for it even though it probably is not paying for itself!
The important thing is to start something you are really passionate about and consider doing a joint venture or collaboration so you don’t get bogged down in the details and learning curve and can jump right in to sharing your knowledge.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Get Your Free Business Listing in Yelp =-.
Yup, that’s what I had in mind.. Sorry I might have missed that. 😀
It would also help beginners if they have mentors who would guide them.
Hi Terry,
I have offered many times here, on Twitter and elsewhere and have yet to have anyone take me up on it. Derek and I even offer Joint Ventures to build advanced blogs with all the necessary plugins and training how to use WordPress and add products.
I have also been seeking mentoring from bloggers who are more adept at earning money in their blogs. Some bloggers do offer assistance if you pay them or buy into their systems; however, what I would love to see is bloggers creating a Master Mind group where they share their experience and skills with each other for mutual benefit.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Get Your Free Business Listing in Yelp =-.
Could you put an old fashioned “E-Mail Subscription” on your home page? That way, I would get automatic e-mails whenever a new post is made. E-mail subscribers aren’t as “glamorous” as Twitter Followers, but they are a LOT more dependable (and actually read & comment about what they read).
Hi Matt,
We actually already offer Subscribe via email and Derek is looking into how to get a link for that near the RSS feed link. Thank you for reminding me to follow up on that.
He also added a subscription reminder box that automatically appears at the end of each post in a new blog he is working on. I’m going to ask him to add something similar here and in the other new blogs we’re working on.
We are all still working on finding the most efficient way to manage information overload. If email works best for you I certainly want to make it easier to find that link.
Internet Strategist’s last blog post..Be Pro-Active and Take Calculated Risks
Matt has a good point, it would be nice to have an email subscription option. You do have the “Notify me of followup comments via email” option and I like that. I actually use the Thesis theme on my blog like you do and I haven’t been able to figure out how to add that feature.
Hi Mark,
I believe it is simply a matter of placing your feedburner email option link anywhere you choose. I suggested we try to position it near the RSS subscribe button in the header or just below that in the right sidebar. Once Derek does it I can find out how if you like.
In the meantime anyone can use this link to Subscribe via email.
Internet Strategist’s last blog post..Change to GrowMap Policy on Replying to Comments