Business blogging takes time, effort and occasionally, a thick skin. One of the most valuable aspects of business blogging is its ability to put you in direct contact with your customers. Just remember that your customers also want to be in contact with you, too.

A great way to encourage that kind of customer communication is by allowing comments on your blog. You’ll find that your blog marketing efforts are much more productive when you allow your readers to join your conversation.

Yes, sometimes they’ll be critical of what you have to say. Sometimes they’ll post irrelevant comments, or won’t agree with your message. Believe it or not, that kind of feedback is just as important and valuable as that which is in 100 percent agreement with you. How so? When you accept criticism, questions and negative feedback, you send the message to your community that you’re interested in what they have to say, no matter what it is. Sometimes, negative feedback can give you insight into your customer base that you would not have otherwise recognized or received.

Commentary from your customers is one of the better benefits of blog marketing. If you’re not accepting comments on your blog, you may be missing out on a great opportunity to let your customers reach you with their message.

Photo Credit: Sophie, Montreal