subject: Trash Your Faq Page [print this page] FAQ pages dont make sense on a usability or SEO level. Let me explain.
I used to include an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page on every sitemap. It was a convenient catch-all for miscellaneous information. Actually, it was lazy and self-defeating.
A few months ago I realized I should have been matching those FAQs to their relevant pages for two reasons:
It improves the user experience.
It keeps keywords on their relevant pages.
Trash Your FAQ Page to Improve User Experience
If Im looking at your product or service online and I have a question, why would you send me to a different page full of unrelated information to get that question answered?
Its like going to a store, going to the hardware department and asking the clerk about a drill, only to be told I have to go to another department to get my question answered. Why not answer it when and where I have it? Who would ever shop there?
Instead of frustrating your visitors with unnecessary steps, you have an awesome opportunity to improve their experience on your site by answering questions on their relevant pages.
For example, if you have an FAQ about your shipping for an item, put that info on the products page. That information alone could help increase sales.
Trash Your FAQ Page to Improve Your SEO
When optimizing your site, you dont want to split up similar keywords onto different pages. Doing so will confuse search engines and hinder your SEO progress.
But if you have an FAQ page, youre doing just that.
Many useful, educational keywords get high traffic and are easy to rank for. Why would you squander those opportunities on the web version of a grab bag?
Instead, move those keyword-rich FAQs to their relevant pages.
For example, if my client builds houses, I want an FAQ about what roof shingles are best to be on their roofing page. When someone finds their site through that query, not only will they find useful content that answers their question, but they also get a lot of other good information about my clients roofing service.
If you want to make customers happy and improve your SEO, trash that FAQ page. Its just one more way to make your website work.
