Internet Marketing Know-how With Rachel Pradhan: knol

What Do Coaches Knol?

As a coach, you know a lot about your particular niche’s pains and you can help them combat these pains. Why not let the world know about it through Google’s new product “Knol”.

What is Knol?

Although Knol has been around since December of 2007, its recent launch of the beta site for the public in late July of this year has created a ‘Knol’ frenzy. Knol is a website where people can find specific, authoritative articles written by those that have an authority in those subjects.

Why should I Knol?

Knol is a great opportunity for coaches that coach to specific niche’s. Why? Because it can very quickly set you up as the credible expert for individuals of which pains you write about! An example: There are several ‘How-to’s on blogging on Knol already, but I decided to write a Knol on how and why life and business coaches should use Blogger  – click HERE to read – and already it’s received some attention. This is because I didn’t just write a generic ‘Blog’ Knol, but one that spoke directly to my audience. Another reason to start writing on Knol is because Knol is Search Engine Friendly, so having a article on Knol that links to your website will add some “SEO Points” in your favor.

PS – If you’ve been reading this eNewsletter for a while, then you know the Knol I wrote on Blogging is very similar to the one I wrote on for this publication. So far I have found that Knol does not restrict to writers to ‘original publications’ – as long as you are the author of the piece you re-publishing. For questions regarding Knol’s content policy, please click here: http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/si57lahl1w25/13#

How should I Knol?

When you start writing on Knol, remember that you are writing as the authority of the subject– so make sure to have that voice to your writing. Also, it is in bad taste to write from a ‘marketing’ perspective, such as writing the Knol primarily to market your coaching business. The Knol should be informative, authoritative, and primarily commercial free. I do recommend, however, that you have a signature at the bottom of each Knol article in which you promote something that you give away on your website that relates to the article – whether it’s a free report, teleclass or a download.

What should be my next step to start on Knol?

1. Your first step when considering writing a Knol, is to read some. Get familiar with the formatting – especially those that are popular and have some comments.
2. Your second step would be to sign-up for an account, and update your profile and biography. I recommend that you should read some biographies and profiles first before you do this step. To do this, simply click on the author of a Knol that you particularly like.
3. You are ready to become the authority on your niche! Start writing some Knols – and remember that you can go back and edit your articles on Knol whenever you like, as many times as you wish. So any ‘perfectionists’ out there that might be intimidated by writing for a Google product – have now fear, editing is here!
4. Lastly, after you write a Knol, remember to go back and visit it periodically as you may receive comments – sometimes with questions that you may need a response.

Please remember, don’t get stressed-out over this – let it be a fun adventure! Happy “Knolling”! http://knol.google.com

Rachel is a web designer and internet marketing specialist working with life, business and corporate coaches on creating online possibilities. For more information about developing custom websites, blogs, eNewsletters, podcasts and online video go to her website: www.IndraMarketing.com. She also teaches free Internet Marketing teleclasses, which you can register for at www.HelpingHandsforCoaches.com.