One of the best ways to improve search engine optimization (SEO) is to constantly create original content for a website, and one expert says a great way to do that is through blogging.

Writing at Search Engine Watch, Mark Jackson says that search engines like to see updated content, but when you put social networking in the mix to help promote this content, it can dramatically improve search engine optimization (SEO).

When deciding to blog, Jackson says a decision has to be made to use either a subdomain, subdirectory or a separate domain all together. Which works best depends on what the goal is.

Adding the blog to a subdirectory is something Jackson says he recommends to most clients, and works best to build authority. But some can’t add a subdirectory to their site, meaning a subdomain might be a good alternative.

However, a subdomain is seen as a separate site by search engines, so it might not be as ideal as a subdirectory. But a third option is a completely separate domain that links back to a main site. If done properly it can help build the rank for the main site.

"This can be an effective strategy, but keep in mind this blog will need all of the love and attention that any SEO project would get," writes Jackson.

In an interview with USA Today earlier this year, John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing said that committing to "creating content regularly and putting it online" is the most important thing a company can do to increase its online visibility.

Katherine Griwert is Brafton's Marketing Director. She's practiced content marketing, SEO and social marketing for over five years, and her enthusiasm for new media has even deeper roots. Katherine holds a degree in American Studies from Boston College, and her writing is featured in a number of web publications.