First off, let me say that I understand that there are a lot of great blogs on Blogspot / Blogger, including–perhaps–yours. However, if you haven't started your business blog yet, or if it's still fairly new, choose a different platform. (I recommend TypePad or WordPress.)

Why? First off, your Blogspot blog isn't at a domain you own. It resides at yourblog.blogspot.com. If you ever decide to upgrade to another platform you have to leave your domain behind. All the trust you've built up at the search engines, all the incoming links you've cultivated are all gone. (BTW, the same is true for all those great blogs at yourblog.wordpress.com. If you go WordPress, make sure you go with a domain you own and control, and that means the .org version.)

Secondly, it's not a business tool. At the top of your Blogspot blog is the following bar:

Let's take a closer look:

1. Blogger logo. So much for branding your business.
2. Search box. Nothing wrong with that.
3. Flag Blog. Is that really what you want to lead with? The first real link on your blog is so that someone (your competition perhaps?) can flag your content?
4. Next Blog. If there was nothing else wrong with Blogspot for business, this would be enough. Here's a link above all of your content that allows someone to quickly jump to a completely unrelated blog. Which may in German. Or may be porn. Or maybe German porn. In any case, in one click your hard-earned visitor is gone.
5. Create Blog. Another quick link to lose a visitor; why read my blog when you can start your own for free?
6. Sign In. Again, confusion. Does your visitor have to sign in to read your blog? To comment on it? In any case, if they click, they're gone.

Have you ever received one of those business cards with the perforated edges? Or you flip the card over and there's an offer on where you can get your own free 50 business cards?

That shows a lack of commitment.

I'm not here to say the same about a Blogspot blog, but if you're serious about your business or your organization, then make a commitment to its success. Get a WordPress or TypePad blog, get your own domain name, and pick up a free copy of The Ten Biggest Mistakes Small Business Bloggers Make.

Then we'll know you're serious…and committed.

Rich Brooks
Business Blogger