Reward Wordpress Comments with the Top Commentators Widget

As you’ve probably already noticed – I’m making an effort to reward my blog commentators. Just recently I’ve activated DoFollow for all comment links, allowing the link-love to spread. I’ve also just recently installed the Top Commentators widget for Smart Boy Designs.

Following are some of my thoughts regarding this excellent plugin – and why you too should be using it.

The Specs

The Top Commentators widget plugin (found here) for WordPress blogs is an excellent way to reward blog commentators. It’s extremely simple to setup – and allows you to add the widget to your sidebar with a click of a button. There’s also some powerful features that come along with this widget. In your Top Commentators widget options area – you have the ability to set the following specifications, and more.

Whether or not to display comment count.
The ability to remove users from the list. I removed myself from the list – as I’m obviously going to be one of the top commentators. I’d recommend doing the same.
How many users should be shown.
Linkage of username to website.
Display list as bullets or numbered.
Whether to show a Gravatar.

As can be easily seen – the Top Commentators widget offers a vast array of features, with a very simple installation process.

Why use the widget?

There are many reasons to use the Top Commentators widget. First being that it’s important to show your appreciation for your readers participation. On my own blog I’ve marked that the usernames on the Top Commentators widget should be hyper-linked to the commentator’s blog. This is a perfect way to automatically “thank” your top comment creators with a traffic rich link to their blog.

Another benefit of using the Top Commentators widget is that it will help in driving up your comment participation. If you’re running a well-known, content rich blog – then most people won’t pass up the chance to get their name listed as one of the Top Commentators.

My Monthly Comment Contest

One more prize is in store for the Top Commentators on Smart Boy Designs. Every month – I’ll take the time to post a review of the Top Commentator’s blog. This will include a screenshot, background information, and my impressions of the blog. And, of course, a link to your blog will be promoted.

At the end of every month, the Top Commentators widget will be reset – allowing new readers to join in on the fun and link building opportunities.

Conclusion

As seen here – the Top Commentators widget is a very valuable tool for all blogs. It helps to drive up participation, and helps in bringing greater value of your blog to readers and comment creators. Take the time to check out the plugin – and see if it works for you.

Blogging isn’t a one-way street. Comments should be appreciated and praised – as they allow bloggers to interact directly with the readers they’re producing content for.

Remember – don’t horde comment links like a greedy little squirrel.

Photo by Strange Ones