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.

Google Knol requires six elements:

1. Knol Title Write your Title the same way you do for your web pages. Dont necessarily concentrate on your main keyword phrase, but look to get the click. Sell your article the same way you do with an ad.
2. Knol Subtitle Should work with the Title to inform the reader of the subject of your content.
3. Knol Summary A hook to get your audience to read your Knol.
4. Publishing Mode By default, all Knols are unpublished until you click the publish button.
5. Permissions Moderated collaboration is the default. You can disable moderation or to make pages open to be edited by anyone.
6. Copyright Settings By default, a Creative Commons Attribution license is specified. You can change this to a All Rights Reserved license or even to a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial license.

When it doubt, refer to the help resources. They are more than adequate.

What is a Quality Knol?

The better your Knol looks, reads and presents itself, the better its likely to perform as a sales person for those links youve embedded in your Knol. Here are some tips:

* Hook Them You have, on average, about four seconds to grab someones interest online. Using headings, sub-headings will improve your chances of getting the readers attention. Controversy can be a powerful tool. It cant be based on something YOU would like to read, it has to be something the MARKET wants to read.
* Click Optimize Your Title The best thing about Titles is they are easy to test. You dont just want a top ranking, you also want the click. Test different Titles to see which ranks the best and pulls the most clicks.
* Optimize your Content Just like any webpage, be sure to optimize your content by placing your most important keywords and links at the beginning, or top, of your Knol. Include targeted keywords throughout your Knol and link to your own web pages (in moderation) by using keyword-rich anchor text.
* Educate the Reader You should be an expert on the Knol you are presenting. Be sure to furnish detailed information on the subject, present multiple viewpoints on the issue or topic, and listen to your communitys editing suggestions. The most successful Knols are frequently authored by persons who arent afraid to include the content thats offered up by their community readership.
* Add New Yorker Cartoons Google Knol has a special arrangement with The New Yorker magazine, allowing all Knol users to add one cartoon of their choice, free of charge, within their Knols. Take advantage of this feature to add comic relief to your Knol.
* Dont use Slang Like Wikipedia, Knol strives to be an authoritative online repository of specialized knowledge. Therefore, to gain Googles dofollow favor we suggest a somewhat formal, educated writing nuance. Be professional and avoid the use of sarcastic, caustic, shocking or expletive language in your Knols.
* Proofread your Knol While this may seem like an obvious tip, there are many Knols which are poorly written. You also need to run a spell check and have someone else besides you proofread for possible issues.
* Update your Knol A good Knol is constantly kept fresh. It stays abreast of the latest information and relevant developments. The best way to engage your community is to prove you are listening by updating your Knol when it is appropriate to incorporate your readers suggestions. This will only grow your audience.
* Dont Spam Knol is not your personal blog. Your Knol should provide real-world content, presented in a professional way that is free of sales pitches and teasers.
* Use Visual Aids Aside from the New Yorker Cartoons, Google Knol encourages authors to embed visual aids in their Knols. Whenever relevant to your topic, be sure to add videos, calendars, images, spreadsheets, charts, and graphs to make your Knol more understandable, valuable and appealing to your community of readers.

High Quality Knols earn Badges and Awards

High quality Knols not only earn Googles dofollow trust, but also receive more traffic.

And, Knols that generate the most views become eligible for badges and awards which are prominently displayed on the right-hand side of your Knol. Obviously, this can help bolster your own reputation as an expert but also the reputation of your Knol.

Google Knol is still in BETA, but dont let that deter you, many of their tools which have been used for years are still in Beta. The Knol interface is now available in eight languages.

I suggest taking your best 5-10 articles and getting them posted in Google Knol this week.