1. Getting too personal. Yes, blogging is a shorter, more casual way of communicating to your subscribers, customers and prospects. Yes, your blog can be a place where you discuss life, your kids and your weekend BUT don't go crazy. I don't read marketing blogs to learn about Joe Marketing's drinking escapades or child's toilet-training experiences. You can always maintain a personal blog for these areas - your business blog just isn't for them.
2. Going on...and on...and on. Blogs are great because they are quick and easy, in and out. Blogs are not the place for scrolling and scrolling. I use a 150-200 word count as a rule of thumb, though you can go a bit longer. If you have a topic or an area that warrants some in-depth writing, that's fine. Just break it up into parts and your readers will love you for it. (Example: Small Business Marketing Tips...Part 1 of 3, part 2 of 3, part 3 of 3.)
3. Remember the rules: branding, consistency, expertise. Even though blogging represents a whole new way of marketing, don't forget what you're writing for and what your readers are coming for. They view you or something you have to say as valuable, informative and important. Give them what they came for! Be relevant, be consistent and anticipate their questions, concerns and needs.

Labels: blog, blogging, web traffic