Is the Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) Page Necessary?
I was prompted to write this post after reading an article where the author talks about his absolute abhorrence for the FAQ page in a blog. He calls it (well, almost) a snake-oil remedy for poor content and says that FAQs mostly read like a catechism - an imaginary back-and-forth conversation between the eager, wide-eyed, inexperienced user and the wise, venerable authority, covering all the basics, urging purchase at every step. Now, that’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? Interestingly, the Greek root for catechism means, literally, to “talk down” to someone.
While opinions are mostly in favour of the FAQ page (or pages) as a way to engage the audience in a topic that raises many confusing questions or contradictory views, it can also send out wrong signals to our hyper-cynical audience. Personally, I do not find anything wrong in writing FAQs as a post as I usually find the short answers to the questions useful. Perhaps, the only thing against an FAQ page is when the writer does not cover all the basics and leave out some infrequently-asked-questions. In that sense, the FAQ content is a double-edged sword. It can either make you fully satiated or disillusioned when your questions aren’t there. Or rather, when the answers to your questions aren’t there. And when this poor FAQ post is pushed down your throat with many “buy now” offers, you might easily sympathise with the writer of the article I had mentioned in the beginning.
If you feel FAQs have a place of importance in your content strategy, then I think they must be used properly to serve the needs of the readers and not just to add another post (because you ran out of ideas). Are you able to address all the issues on the topic? Did you leave out those few but crucial infrequently-asked-questions?
I cannot pretend to be able to completely cover all the aspects of the usefulness of FAQs or its uselessness in a post as brief as this. But I do know that an FAQ page, if not properly done, can cause a serious dent in your reputation. So, when you’re thinking of creating an FAQ page, just ask yourself if it is really required. Please leave your comments below on what you think of the FAQ page. For the moment, I’m neutral to the idea.
Recent Comments
23
I was actually thinking about incorporating FAQ's, Thank you for this great information.
- Ross
FAQs are more suitable for SME where they will optimize their resources on the unique questions, not the frequently asked questions.
Whenever we keep in mind our audience first and make an experience palatable, we will succeed at being sincere. This always comes off the page well and will produce a call to action whether now or in the future.
I enjoy your thoughts, thank you...respectfully David
I had never stopped to think about it. Didn't know how to or if that was something we were supposed to include.
Tried and true
Elaine
It's not necessary to have an FAQ page. If you can address the issues on separate blog posts, it will serve well. They'll be more in-depth too.
I think an FAQ page is a very useful tool to help visitors get answers to the common questions others have asked about in your niche offering.
When a website matures, and questions are left in the comment area, addressing those on a static FAQ page would certainly help website visitors and keep them on the website longer.
Agreed. I like the idea of addressing the questions left in the comments on our blog posts through the FAQ page. Sounds interesting.
I think that having an FAQ page really depends on the kind of niche you are into. Should this be a huge one, covering a great deal of subjects, then it is a good idea to have one.
This gives your reader a quick answer to a question, but should your visitor wish for more in-depth information, perhaps a post on a particular subject in your blog would offer more of an insight.
I have a FAQ page about WA, divided into 7 categories with the next page break Break your page! Wealthy Affiliate Faqs
Page 1: About
Page 2: Affiliate Marketing
Page 3: Advertisement
Page 4: You
Page 5: Domain names and keyword tools
Page 6: Legitimate
Page 7: IRS
I believe it can be helpful
FAQ page on WA. Well, I'm sure it must be really helpful, Loes. But let me ask here itself about that next-page-code. When you put that code, how does the pagination happen? I mean, don't you need to scroll at all?
No, you hardly need to scroll, on normal themes you get automatically a working pagination when you enter nextpage
My theme isn't normal, nothing is working like it should on my theme, so I had to find a plugin to overwrite the WP pagination to make it work.
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good post.
Jerry