I don't ask.  I feel that maybe they might think they're being tracked.  I don't care if they comment as long as they read it and follow a link or two.

on this platform, the answer would be to comment on the blog posts of others.... 

my first blog post that I posted here on Sept. 30, 2009 is still on the first page of the SERPs..... that post was about an open house at one of our active Adult communities and a reader asked if we had a model home to see!!!  I was soooo excited that someone read the first post...and commented....

Returning the favor is the best way. Do unto others.....

Be a regular with your posting and be a regular with returning the comments to the bloggers that left you a comment. Also branch out and read other bloggers that don't read you on a regular basis. Find those that you can connect with and those connect with you. I make every effort to return every comment left on my posts. 

Chris - I think the best way is to make sure that you are leaving comments and feedback on other posts. It shows that you are actively participating.

Also, leave open ended questions on your post, or write something that may be a little controversial, where people may either have one opinion or another.

Be informative, ask a question, and be consistent in blogging.  Blog every day.  Most people i leave a comment on are here everyday.

1. Be interesting.

2. Include a call to action.

3. Form relationships with others by commenting on their blogs. They will comment back.

Hi Chris- one of the best ways is to read and comment on the posts of others. Let them see who you are!

Give them a reason to want to comment.

 Good Thursday morning Chris. I think a lot of it has to do with the quality of the content and how you interact with others. Sometimes, it takes a wild to get your presence established.

Chris Mamone - as long as your blogs or questions are interesting, you'll get the response automatically.

I really dont know Chris, but I will try to get over there and leave a few soon.

I think story telling with content that is interesting will bring comments. I think if you have an opinion on a subject you will find people who support your opinion or have opposite opinions and that leads to lively discussions 

ask questions in the blog that calls for a personal answer. bribes help. lastly, send Guido

The best way to get readers and comments on your blogs, is to read others and leave them comments. 

BE CONTROVERSIAL!

What I mean is write about what your preferred reader is having conversation about. Write about what is on their mind but won't commit their voice.

Then don't be conclusive. End your blog with a clear opportunity for them to contribute to the conversation.

You can do this by asking a question. 

You can do this by soliciting their experience.

You can do this by requesting their advise.

Or go with familiarity...I know this has happened to you also.

You can do with with a 'Has this happened to you also?"

It does not matter if no one is reading your blog. No traffic equals no comment.

Interact on other people's blogs.

The post has to be engaging, it needs to cause the reader to comment. You could even ask a question that would encourage a response!

Essentially to draw your readers in you need to grab their attention. The traditioal hook and grab never ceases to fail.

Is this regarding AR, Chris?   If it is Activerain:  For me -- it's leaving comments(on a consistent basis) on other members post.  Make sure they are not cut-and-paste type of comments.

If it's real people err I mean the public -- I don't care as I know many read and eventually call/email. 

A question for the ages! I have no idea except that your post should be well written and easy to read. But at the end of the day, I get tons of comments on posts I never expected to get a lot of traction and few comments on those that I thought would generate traction.

Make it a very hot topic or slightly controversial.

Chris Mamone Keep blogging and the comments will come.