Google’s new service, Knol, is their version of Wikipedia - a repository of knowledge that people can create and add to. But that’s not all it is.

You can create a page, which is a standalone article, on any topic. Others can contribute to your page if you allow them to. Or not. Others can also comment on and rate your page.

How to Use Knol

Knol is totally simple to use. Click on the “Write a Knol” button, give your page a title (which of course contains relevant keywords), a subtitle if you wish (containing more keywords), and a summary; then place your content in the body section. You can add links and relevant images. Click “Publish” and you’re finished. You have several options you can choose, such as enabling Google Adsense, controlling the authors to your page, and inviting others to review your page.

More focus is placed on the author than in Wikipedia. You can complete a bio (there is a simple verification process via a PIN code through your cell phone, if you want to utilize it). Another difference between Knol and Wikipedia is that whereas Wikipedia is strictly factual, the author of a Knol page can express an opinion or point of view.

Another Squidoo?

Some are comparing Knol to Squidoo, but I don’t think that’s a valid comparison. Squidoo lenses tend to be light-hearted, with lots of pictures, polls, guestbooks and other fun modules. Where else can you write a page totally dedicated to your Blackberry Pearl cell phone? Knol pages tend to be more educational and formal.

SEO Benefits

Where this will go is anybody’s guess. Knol may be a huge success, or it may disappear in time. Nevertheless, as an SEO strategist, I recommend taking advantage of Knol. It’s one more way of getting info about your company or service and links to your site into the webosphere. You can add pages using relevant keywords as time permits, eventually building up a nice portfolio of articles.

Google promises Knol pages will be indexed and will appear in search results. So of course you want grab your business name. If you’re selling real estate, now is the time to snag your target city. If you’re selling a product, snap it up! If you’re late, you’ll lose - don’t let that happen.

Be sure to read my next post on Creating Your Online Persona and get the most SEO benefits out of your Knol articles.

From my blog at SEO Diva - SEO advice and tips