There are a handful of common pages that we recommend for nearly every site we build. These pages include: home, about, testimonials, FAQs and contact. In this article we explain why FAQ pages are important, who they benefit, and how you can get started creating your own.
At the most basic level, an FAQs page is a list of the questions asked most frequently, along with a concise answer to each question.
Why is an FAQs page important?
It can build trust
A good FAQs page can do even than answer common questions. It can build trust. Because your website may be the first contact someone has with you, it is important that they have a good experience. Site visitors are likely to infer that a good web experience means that they can expect a good business experience.
It can save you time and money
Are you asked the same questions over and over again? You’ve probably become accustomed to the standard questions people ask – whether they’re calling on the phone or sending you an email. Add an FAQs page and the site visitor will find concise answers to the most common questions without taking any of your valuable and limited time. Then, if they have more questions, they can reach out to you or delve deeper into your website.
It can qualify your leads
We’re all busy, and low lead-quality can cost time and energy that may be better spent on other prospects. An FAQs page can help leads self-qualify. Then, when they do contact you, they will be further down the sales funnel and more likely to make a purchase, an appointment, or whatever your goal is for them.
Search engines love FAQs pages
The primary goal of a search engine is to help people find the information that they are looking for. The search engine is able to do this by evaluating relevance and accuracy of content. Therefore, sites that provide high-quality content are more likely to match with a search-query than a site with poor-quality content. A high-quality FAQs page has a clear hierarchy of information, concise questions and answers, relevant keywords, good navigation and logical content flow.
Who benefits from an FAQs page?
The website visitor
Chances are, your site visitor is looking for something in particular. Don’t force them to visit every single page to find answers to the most common questions. Rather, provide a single page with thoughtful, concise questions and answers.
Also, we can all be a little lazy or introverted sometimes. We may want to check out a business without actually having to go there, write an email or make a phone call. Your FAQs page meets your potential customer where they are, any time of the day or night.
The website owner
When an FAQs page thoroughly and convincingly answers the most basic questions, it can free up your time so you can focus on the things you do best and enjoy most.
How to create your own FAQs page
Gather appropriate questions
Your FAQ page should be a list of questions that people genuinely ask. Start by having a conversation with the people who answer your phones. Ask your sales people and your front line staff, too.
Make the questions and answers concise and order them from most to least important. Rather than making this page a junk drawer of random questions, give the page a distinct focus. Categorize your questions so visitors can find what they need quickly and easily.
Don’t try to answer every possible question
The purpose of this page is not to keep people from calling you, but rather to answer the most common questions quickly and efficiently. Don’t try to answer every possible question or questions that are complex. This can be counter-productive.
Enhance your page with visuals
When you can, and when it makes sense, include images and screen shots to illustrate an answer.
Optimize for scanning
Write and style the page so that it is easy to scan. To make content more approachable, leave adequate white space around text. Organize content by using bullet points, break up text into short paragraphs, and include subheads.
Include a call to action
The FAQs page, just like every other page on your website, should include a call-to-action. Examples include Contact Us, Sign Up for Our Newsletter, and Shop Now.
Include internal links
Internal links are hyperlinks that connect pages on the same website. On an FAQs page they should lead users to other pages that include more detailed answers to questions.
Do you need help creating your own FAQs page?
You may decide that adding an FAQs page to your website is important but not something you enjoy doing. Perhaps your time would be better spent doing something else. We develop lists customized to each unique business. For more information email [email protected], call (518) 392-0846 or visit our website services page. We can work with you in person or virtually.
Great delivery. Great arguments. Keep up the good spirit.