7 online comment best practices

How to write an online comment?  It can seem obvious, as you do so all the time or often enough.  However, take a step back and consider certain best practices.

I value it when readers leave feedback on my articles.  Through comments, they communicate, express themselves, and even ask questions.  I use these to guide me toward writing better posts.  Read my other article on feedback benefits, and how to use it for better success.

I’ve been a blogger for 8 years now and approved over 6700 comments (updated) on my WordPress site so far.  I’ve also avoided publishing certain ones.  Others have also landed in my spam folder, being automatically filtered by the system.

As a blog owner, you have to carefully select what appears on your site.  As a site visitor too, you should mindfully consider what you submit to appear on the internet.  Either way, a meaningful valuable remark is always welcomed!

Why is online commenting important

Leaving a remark on the internet has its importance.  It’s not trivial.  Your online image depends on it.

Some users are anonymous and feel free to say what they please.  However, there’s still etiquette to respect.  If not, chaos happens.

When you annotate as yourself, others can find you.  They’re likely to make an impression on you as a person.  It’s a good opportunity to show the best of you to the world while being natural.

Always provide genuine, yet helpful feedback.  It’s okay not to agree, however, it’s not okay to be disrespectful.  Help others and find support as well.

The risks of bad practice 

Making good use of expressing spaces is normally welcomed.  There are some red flags to steer clear of.  Be it when posting as either yourself, anonymous, or through a pen name, remain mindful.

As I already mentioned, your online image is involved.  When you don’t post using your name, it might give you more freedom.  However, better read the platform terms.  Not respecting them could get anyone’s account closed.

What to generally avoid:

• Generic replies 
• Copy paste 
• Spamming links 
• Irrelevant remarks 
• Not adding value
• Being disrespectful 

Avoid 1 or 2-word generic replies.  No spamming with links all over.  Treat others with respect.  In short, be mindful and ask yourself if it’s going to be helpful to those who’ll read it.

The online space can easily get chaotic.  People post without thinking twice.  It’s easier to say things in such a manner.  However, the consequences could be undesirable.

How to comment online

There are no strict rules about this.  However, some best practices do exist.  Note that the approach might be different for different users and sites.  Good online comment examples include certain crucial things.

7 best practices to embrace:

• Read carefully 
• Respect and appreciate
• Constructive criticism
• Meaningful communications
• Stick to the context
• No spamming
• Check for errors

Read the post or watch the video with your undivided attention.  First, understand what the creator is conveying.  There could be misunderstandings or misinterpretations to avoid.

Respect others’ views, even when different.  There are often new things to learn from these.  Provide and accept constructive criticism.

Leave meaningful mentions that add value to the conversation.  Stick to the context and be relevant. Otherwise, it could be considered spam.  

It can be difficult when you don’t totally agree and want to express yourself.  Always be respectful and acknowledge the positive side.  Read my other post on the sandwich method feedback, to find examples of using it.

Have an open mind when sharing your thoughts online.  Do so, even while moderating and approving comments.  Even when not flattering, there might be valuable feedback from someone else’s point of view.  Use it for the better.   

Before submitting or hitting the publish button, proofread.  Spell check and grammar check.  Remove any such errors for a polished effect.

For everyone

Everyone critiques, at least sometimes on the internet.  Some might do so more often than others.  This may depend on your role, personality type, and interests.

There are different reasons to express yourself online. Your close ones use social media to stay connected. You keep in touch with pals.  Your professional networks also hear from you.

For bloggers

Content creators, such as bloggers, are directly concerned.  I’ve seen some blogs that turn off the commenting function.  However, this prevents your readers from expressing themselves.

I kept the feature turned on but approved new submissions manually.  With many time zone differences, it’s impossible to respond right away.  To avoid burnout, I batch the task of checking for any new comments several times a day.

For vloggers

Vloggers normally use social media.  With these platforms, you don’t have the luxury of manually approving remarks.  You can restrict or block other accounts.  However, anything posted will appear while you’re not around.

You have to take the chance, and risk having unwanted comments appear on your social media accounts.  However, it’s not okay to accept just anything.  Use reporting tools to your advantage, when truly needed.

Before posting

There are certain things that a site owner or moderator considers before approving online comments.  Each blogger has their own approach.  Check their privacy policy and terms and conditions to see what’s permitted.

Take a minute to review your draft.  Be mindful and double-check.  Submit when it follows the best practices and platform or website terms. 

While moderating 

When moderating, follow the platform terms.  You could do so as a blog owner or team member.  In Facebook groups, for example, you could be the group owner, admin, or team member. 

Moderators normally check group members’ submitted posts.  As platforms have their terms, so do Facebook groups in the form of their own rules.  Even subreddits provide theirs for members to adhere to.

Listen and communicate 

I once wrote a handy article in the form of a short story.  It illustrates effective communication in a special way.  I also included the communication cycle and used the story to highlight its importance.

Listening skills are a must.  Without being attentive, you can misinterpret things.  When it comes to the online space, be double cautious to avoid misunderstandings.

Make online commenting a delight for everyone.  Some examples are, the one posting it, the site owner receiving it, and the other readers.  It’s a powerful feature when used correctly.

Conclusion

Online commenting is something you might not think much about.  However, be mindful before submitting your ideas.  When moderating as well, follow the best practices and any relevant terms as a guide.

Editor’s Note: This blog article was last updated on 17 December 2025 for better accuracy and comprehensiveness.