Getting users to rate and comment

Forum Moderators: rogerd

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Getting users to rate and comment

SmAce

5:20 pm on Jan 4, 2011 (gmt 0)

Hi guys,

We launched a new recipe website last month that allows rating of and commenting on each recipe.

We have OK trafic and around 100 people have signed up to have accounts - only registered members can post ratings and comments.

So far, we have had no ratings or comments and I think our small community may be a bit shy! Does anyone have any suggestions as to how we might be able to encourage our users to start rating and commenting?

Just thought it was worth asking you guys!

Cheers!

rogerd

6:15 pm on Jan 4, 2011 (gmt 0)

You could add an incentive like a giveaway. Or just make the comment/rating form bigger. A popup would probably be too annoying.

You could also email your members inviting them to comment.

Part of the issue is likely that a member would likely only comment on a recipe after trying it out. Most probably look at a lot of recipes but use one infrequently. And, by the time they try it out, they have no real reason to return to that same recipe to rate it.

Good luck!

maximillianos

3:52 am on Jan 11, 2011 (gmt 0)

You can get the ball rolling yourself as well. Create a few handles and start some conversations. Post debatable comments to get folks lured in.

You should also realize that most sites get less than 10% participation when it comes to posting. So don't expect a lot until you get a bit more users.

jecasc

8:46 pm on Jan 12, 2011 (gmt 0)

That's the old problem every new online community faces. Nobody wants to post first. If you don't feel like starting to comment or rate yourself to get things started ask some friends or family to create an account and help you to get things going. Soon your other members will loose their shyness and start commenting and rating.

Reminds me of this small video about movements, with online communitys it's similar.
[youtube.com...]