I want to write some more new user content here. I plan to spend more time helping new users and want to devote a few static posts to some tips and advice for them. My first post regarding this was "Suggestions and Advice to new Users on Steemit". The feedback was great it is has alot of views and comments so I'm going to do a bit more of the same. I'm going to link to the posts for some of my other new user content and if you find them valuable don't hesitate to do the same.

My #2 piece of Advice was "comment, comment, comment.", but I don't think it really laid it out that clearly, about what makes a good comment.

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Commenting should be the main focus of your early days on steemit. Your blog posts aren't going to get a lot of attention or views, but you can really get yourself noticed in the comment sections of other users. Your trying to build your audience and following, so focus your efforts on users that have similar interests as you, blogging about topics you plan to blog about. It's not going to do you much good if you comment on a bunch of crypto whales, then start blogging about cooking or homesteading.

You will likely catch some decent upvotes from your early comments, I know I certainly did, but don't make this your focus, focus on making friends and connections here on the platform. Most people are willing to help and support new users, especially those that are putting in good efforts and being valuable members of the steemit community. I'd suggest at least 10-20 comments per day or more if your serious about building your following and having success here on steemit.

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First I'm going to reiterate what makes a bad comment.

1. Begging for upvotes, follows, resteems or posting links, These may even get you flags if someone is having a bad day, they don't work and are pretty frowned on around here.
2. Generic comments, like 'good post', 'nice read' 'very impressive' or something equally lame.
3. Comments that show you don't really understand the topic, this is noticeable if you comment on things you don't understand or know about. Don't go fishing for votes in the comment sections of whales.
4. Mean or rude comments, hopefully this goes without saying but steemit is mostly a troll free zone and that behavior isn't tolerated around here.

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So what makes a good comment

1. Don't hesitate to make a long comment, one that's like 4-6 lines. it's pretty hard for people not to take notice and upvote a long comment that obviously shows you care about the authors work.
2. Comments on posts that you understand and interest you, seek out other users that have the same interest, that means when you leaving your comments it will show that you have the same interests as them. They will be more than likely to follow you back and leave an upvote.
3. It's okay to have a conversation in the comment section, once someone reply's don't hesitate to reply back, your welcome to have a whole conversation thread, this shows increased engagement and your making a real connection with the author of the post.
4. You can also comment on other peoples comments within the comment section. If someone else's comment is particularly good and engaging and open for you to comment on, feel free to do so. This will surely be noticed and now you likely made 2 friends.
5. Ask follow up questions about the post, you can always ask for more information about a post/topic, ask for recommendations about further reading or other users with similar content. This all shows a level of interest and engagement.
6. Comment early after posts are made, most posts see the most activity in the first few hours, so that's likely your best time to comment, as other readers will likely comb through the comment section and may notice your comment if it's particularly good. Authors do usually check back on there comments and leave reply's and upvotes much later, so if you are finding a post after don't hesitate to leave a comment still.
7. Read the other comments as well, you don't want to be saying the exact same thing as someone else or as 5 other people, even if it's your original beliefs it's not going to look like it, if someone else said the exact same thing.
8. Tell a personal story about the same topic. If they're talking about a silver coin, don't hesitate to chime in with your favorite coin and you can even post a photo too. You'll certainly catch their interest if you can relate to the topic.

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I really can't say it enough, commenting should really be your early focus when your new here on steemit

It will help build your following, get you some upvotes and most of all, avoid the discouragement of not getting your posts read and noticed early on.

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