Too often websites have poorly constructed FAQ pages with one or two generic questions and poorly written responses—a wasted opportunity, both from a SEO perspective and a customer service perspective.
FAQs allow companies to save time and provide better customer service by anticipating and answering questions before a customer asks. They also represent a hidden SEO opportunity for website owners. A well-structured FAQ page provides further content that can be ranked for long-tail keywords and an opportunity to create more internal links on your site.
Tips for creating effective FAQ pages for SEO
- Keywords, keywords, keywords – With a bit of research and writing wizardry, FAQ pages allow you to compete for long tail keywords that will bring relevant users looking for specific answers to your website. Be sure to use keywords and phrases in both your questions and your answers.
- Gather the Right Questions – Frequently asked questions should contain actual questions that you get asked about your business on a regularly basis. Put together real questions that your customers ask via emails, phone calls, or in person. As well check your Google Analytics for actual search terms people have used to reach your site.
- Answer questions in a friendly, conversational tone – Just like writing for any other page on your website, your questions and answers should be conversational. Answer them directly and clearly, but there is no reason not to have fun with it.
- Link to relevant pages in your site – For example, if you answer a question related to a product that you sell on the site, link to the product and other relevant pages on your site. This is a great way to provide more guidance for the user and to add more internal links to your site.
- Keep your FAQ updated – This is a great way to keep customers up to date and to easily add fresh content to your website on a regular basis. Remove questions that are no longer relevant and update answers with any new information.
With proper keyword targeting, well-written questions and answers, and up to date information, optimized FAQ pages are one strategy towards search engine optimization success.