Is it Ethical For Life Coaches to Use PLR?

Thursday, May 7th, 2009 at 12:48 pm

It’s Third Degree Thursday!

Every Thursday, I answer one of your tough questions. So bring it on!

Today, I’m addressing the following:

“As a life coach, I know my clients choose to work with me because they trust me and have faith in my expertise. Therefore, using material that I did not write seems underhanded. Is it ethical to use PLR or ghostwritten content on your Web site or in your newsletter?”

Well…..it depends.

First, I want to clarify the difference between PLR and ghostwritten articles. PLR is ghostwritten material, but is sold to many different people. Whereas the term “ghostwritten” usually implies that the material was created specifically for one person to use.

With that in mind, if you use PLR and edit the material to give it your own flavor, then my answer to the question is a resounding yes. But if you do nothing to the content before slapping it up on your Web site or printing it in your newsletter, then I would have to say that’s a very bad idea. Someone else may be doing the exact same thing, and if you both claim authorship, you both may end up looking unethical to your clients.

Now, ghostwritten material is a different beast. It is created just for you, and you can edit it as much or as little as you like and put your name on it as author, knowing that it is an original article.

Some may still argue that it is “cheating” to have someone else write your material, but ask yourself if it is cheating to have someone else design your Web site, your logo, balance your books, etc. PLR and ghostwriters are just another way to outsource your tasks, and highly recommended if you detest writing or aren’t very good at it. It’s better to have well-written material from someone else (that you edit and tweak to make it your own) than to have poorly written material by you.

And before you even ask, no it is not a good idea to just get some well-written articles from an article directory. It is much better to have your name on the content, because this helps build the trust with your clients and potential customers. So give PLR or a ghostwriter a try.

Here are a few very good sources for both:

PLR Providers

Ghostwriters