(NOTE: this is part of the “Blogging tips” series)
Another “dot five” part. Will they ever end? 
I’ve mentioned comments in part 10, but, there, I was referring to your comments in other blogs. But there’s also the reverse: other people’s comments in your blog.
And they are more important to your blog’s success than you may think.
When someone takes the time to post a comment in your blog, it’s very likely that he or she will return later, to see if you or anyone else replied to his/her comment.
That’s one return visit, already. But… do reply. And do it well. If you agree, say so; if you disagree, say so as well, but in a nice way. If that person likes your answer, he or she will probably reply once more, and then return later to check your reply… and so on. Pretty soon, he/she’ll be a regular.
Also, the exchange of comments between you two will probably impress other visitors, who’ll feel compelled to post and/or visit your blog again, as well. It’s like a “snowball effect”. Comments attract more comments, and more comments attract even more comments.
For greater effect, implement or activate some way to get “warned” of any new comments, even to very old posts/discussions. WordPress, for instance, can email you. It also allows people to subscribe to a comments RSS feed - one that doesn’t have normal posts, just every comment. You - the blogger - should always subscribe to your own comments feed.
Trust me: a reply to a comment can mean the difference between 2 visits (the first, then one to check for replies to their comment) and a regular visitor.
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I enjoyed your post about what it means to “be a good host.” I thought it was about being a good web host versus being a good blog host, but it was still very much on point.