Blogging for business has become an essential search engine optimization (SEO) strategy, but to experience its full benefits, you have to harness the format correctly. A lot of businesses make major blogging blunders, which can neutralize or even detract from their SEO value.

These are the three most common commercial blogging mistakes:

  1. Using an external domain.
    There are a lot of blog hosting websites out there which don’t charge users a dime. While the lack of financial investment is attractive, it’s actually a mistake to use these sites for your business blog because the SEO value that your posts generate will benefit the hosting site, not your company website. Instead, integrate your blog into your current website, or create a privately owned and operated blog website and pepper your posts with lots useful content.
  2. Choosing the wrong blog topics.
    The aim of a blog should be to provide added value to prospective customers. When blogging for business, many companies err by focusing too closely on their products and services. Instead, offer helpful, well-researched customer information and keep your marketing messages to a minimum. Some tips to follow: post about current events that are related to your business, and offer solutions to common problems and issues that consumers encounter in your industry. Experiment with your tone, but be professional and hire good writers — they will make a world of difference.
  3. Being infrequent.
    To generate the most traffic, you need to update your blog constantly. SEO experts suggest that you create new posts at least once a week, but more is better. Also, keep in mind that it takes time to see the benefits of blogging for business; don’t give up if you don’t get results right away.

Blogging is a great tool for every business and can reap many rewards if done consistently and correctly.