Using Google Knol
Using Google Knol
Google launched Google Knol in July 2008 so it is time I did an article on it. While back then many viewed it as a Wikipedia-killer, it hasnt really taken off the way Google had hoped, but the benefits of using it to promote your sites and yourself are solid.
What is Google Knol?
Google allows expert to create a unit of knowledge, called a Knol, on any topic. The difference between Knol and Wikipedia, is how the information is presented. Wikipedia is community moderated and articles can be edited by anyone.
In contrast, Knol is moderated collaboration. In other words, anyone can suggest edits or new content to an existing article, but changes can only be made upon the approval of the original author(s) of the article. This approach is good because Wikipedia articles often are hijacked by others.
Ranking Benefits of Google Knol
Google (Matt Cutts) claims that having Knols have no advantage in the organic search results, there are indirect benefits as Google Knols are appearing in the Top 20 results very similar to other Universal Search Results.
How does Google feel about plugging your own business and products in your Knol?
You may use Knol to create articles for your business or to promote your lawful products or services.
Sweet. They have no issue.
Most SEOs will discount Google Knol due to the links are nofollowed. My opinion is dont let a simple nofollow keep you from marketing your business. Just push, as with anything online, even if it is nofollowed Google will follow the link to index the content on the other side. And according to testing results, the more often a page is indexed, the better.
Plus, I am not convinced that the nofollow is working exactly as expected.
Some have seen that if you create and post some good quality Knols with detailed content, Google will reward you with dofollow links.
Getting Started with Google Knol
Its easy to get started and you need to login to your Google Account. Click the green Write a Knol button in the top right-hand corner.
Writing a Knol is very straightforward. There is a WYSIWYG editor to keep things simple, but you can also code in HTML.
