Disqus Comments is a feature-rich alternative solution to the default WordPress comment system. In this post, I will highlight both some pros and cons of using either platforms for your blog. I'll also share with you another awesome alternative to both of these plugins!
Around about 5 years ago, I made the decision to stop using the native WordPress comment system and switch over to Disqus.
I'll briefly explain the reasons why I made the change shortly, however, I should also highlight that at the time of updating this post, I'm no longer using Disqus.
For a while, I used another comment plugin called Thrive Comments which I'll talk more about shortly.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your blog comment system from the default to Disqus, first let me share with you some of the pros and cons of using either of the two commenting platforms.
Now, I am well aware of the downfalls of using a third-party commenting system plugin in WordPress.
Yes, Disqus may throw up some challenges for new users. And, it takes a bit of time to get used to, especially from a usability point of view.
And, yes, page response and loading time might increase ever so slightly, but I discovered that the benefits of using a plugin like Disqus immensely outweighed the downfalls.
Here are some of those benefits -
One of the things that I immediately noticed within a few weeks of adding Disqus on my blog was the level and depth of engagement.
As you know, engagement is often a critical component for the success of a blog, and I was so pleased to see the increased engagement.
I can honestly say that immediately after installing Disqus, my spam problem came to an end.
Once again, I'm well aware that spam comments were probably still trying to get through somehow and somewhere. However, Disqus simply wasn't picking any of it up.
A few did slip through the net now and again, but this was nothing compared to before.
As I continued to moderate comments, whitelisting the ham, and blacklisting the spam, the platform started to recognize the pattern of what I considered to be fair comments and nasty comments.
Using Disqus over time improved the spam filtering, and eventually, I was able to let the plugin take care of the rest.
OK, so I've shared with you a few of the reasons why I subjectively loved using Disqus. All based, of course, on my personal experiences.
Now I want to share with you a list of other pros and cons of using either Disqus or the native WordPress comment system on your blog.
Let's start with the default comment in WordPress and we'll kick off with the pros.
OK, so now let's dive into the pros and cons of using Disqus comments. Let's start with the good old pros.
Changing from native WordPress comments to Disqus, or anything else, is a big decision to make, mostly if you’ve built up a large community on your blog where your audience is used to what you already have in place.
In an ideal situation, you might want to get their thoughts first before making such a drastic change.
You could send out an email asking for their thoughts on whether a change over to Disqus would benefit them at all.
Your readers will appreciate that a lot, and it will make them feel special that you include them in the decision making process.
Sure there are pros and cons of using a third-party comment system like Disqus, but recently, a lot of bloggers and website owners have been making the switch.
Of course, I'm not saying just because everyone else is switching over so should you, I'm saying that Disqus could work for you if you're considering it.
It’s a complete solution, but probably not the best alternative solution...
Now, I want to talk about a plugin that I started using a few years back called Thrive Comments (Affiliate link). Note that I'm no longer using Thrive Comments, and that is because, at the moment, I am not able to make it compatible with the theme builder plugin that I'm using for Magnet4Blogging, sadly.
In my opinion, Thrive Comments is the perfect alternative to both comment systems mentioned above.
Why do I think it's perfect?
Because Thrive Comments is a conversion-focused plugin, and you know how mad I and about conversion optimization! Plus, using it is a fabulous way to reward your readers for actually commenting on your blog.
Check out the short video below to learn more about Thrive Comments.
Do let me know what's on your mind.
Are you currently using the default comment setup in WordPress? And, are you looking to switch to something like Disqus or anything else?
Maybe to a more conversion-focused comment system like Thrive Comments (Affiliate link)?
Perhaps you're already using Disqus right now! If you are, do let me know here how you're finding it and whether it has improved the engagement on your blog in any way!
The best of luck.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links to products or services that I use in my business and therefore recommend. This means if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase of a product or service, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.