I just recently read an article by Chris Crum of WebProNews, titled "Can You Get More Links if You Turn Off Comments?"
This is an interesting question as I've considered turning off comments on some other blogs, but what's a blog without comments?
I personally feel that comments add value to a blog; of course the comments themselves should be worthwhile, but whether or not you get more links by turning them off can be debated and is probably something each blogger has to test individually.
Chris mentions that if you turn off comments it often forces people to make their comments elsewhere, so for example instead of making a comment the reader may blog about the topic themselves. If they do this, hopefully they will write their own post linking back to yours as a reference, kind of how I've done in this post. But if you really want to get more links to your blog, can you count on that happening?
As opposed to making comments some viewers may prefer hitting the 'tweet this', the 'like' or 'recommend' buttons. In some cases that may be easier for viewers, they click a button without having to write a comment; in this case your post may get some good exposure and that always has the potential of bringing you more links and/or visitors.
Regardless of whether comments are on or off, when it comes to getting more links, I think it has to start with really good content. A post that creates thought, controversy or some good insight is likely to attract links whether comments are on or off.
Personally I think comments add value, they may not do much for getting links and perhaps turning comments off might improve that, but for now I'll be leaving mine on. It might just be me, but I like hearing what others think, getting personal feedback and the interaction it brings to my posts, so my comment will stay on, at least for now 
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips! I’ve often wondered about using comments on other blogs to attract more readers to my own blogs, but I’ve never really given it a try.
How can you get feedback from your guests if you turn off the blog comments? It’s one way of evaluating your site.
That’s a good point. I really think it depends on what you want to get from your comments. I personally like the community and discussion comments give you and, like you, I can also get a feel for who’s reading and if my post has made an impact.
If your goal is to get links then perhaps turning off comments might be something worth testing. The unfortunate thing with leaving comments on is that the commenters often use your post as a way to generate links for them, and when that happens your comments don’t provide much value. Just something to think about
Comments definitely add value and credibility to your blog. Having your blog just tweeted or recommended isn’t good enough. Also, if you’re blog is a no follow blog, others might look at commenting on your blog as a waste of time. So make sure you’re rewarding commenting behavior on your blog, by at least providing a back link.
Whether restricting comments on your blog increases links is debatable. But I think part of a blog’s appeal is its dynamic content. When I look at blogs with no comments–even if they have fresh posts–I wonder whether anyone actually reads it. On the flip side, when I see blogs with lots of comments, I get the sense that it is an active, vibrant blog. So even though good content is always important, and valuing a blog based on the number of comments it gets is a little silly, it happens. And whatever we can do to make our blogs appear popular certainly can’t hurt. So I say keep the comments flowing.
Adam
Twitter: WebTrafficCafe
June 28, 2010 at 10:32 am
Chris Crumb also pointed out (my own interpretation) that a small obscure blog will not see any traffic increase just because they turned off their comments, unless they are controversial and pick a fight with every post.
I personally love comments: they provide a boost for my ego, as well as social proof for my readers.
Great post, Liz – I also love your blog headline; very clever.
Best,
Ana Hoffman
I agree that you shouldn’t turn off your comment option for your blogs. The comments for your blog offer the ability to show you those who are interested in your blog and can bring financial revenue if have an internet business to advertise.
Twitter: JohnMossBlog
June 28, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I’m not sold on the idea that turning comments off will somehow lead to more links to your blog. For that tactic to work you have to hope the visitor finds/has a place to write and link to your blog, and you also have to hope that the visitor is invested enough in your blog to go through with it. Most likely they will put it on their mental to-do list and an opportunity to engage with a reader is gone. Plus, I personally like the interaction with my readers and really like reading responses.
Hey Ana, yes, that’s one way to look at comments “good for the ego” so true, LOL! But they do, as you say, offer social proof, and that’s important
I think that having the comments on is a good idea depending on what the post is about
What is a blog without comments? Blog owners will really think about it. Blog owners are forced to turn their comments off to avoid spammers. Thanks for sharing this post.
If you couldn’t handle moderating your site, yes, you may consider to turn the commenting off. However, you’re not giving your readers the freedom to share their opinion about the topic. For sure, you’ll also lose some of your loyal readers.