SEO for Websites

[Trapbarn]

Further question , if I may.

If I split my 24 FAQs into 4 categories and then have a separate page for each of these 4 categories, would that work?

 

[fisicx]

Further question , if I may.

If I split my 24 FAQs into 4 categories and then have a separate page for each of these 4 categories, would that work?

How helpful is this for your visitors? Looking at your faq page and the info would be far better on the product pages

 

[lesliedocherty]

How helpful is this for your visitors? Looking at your faq page and the info would be far better on the product pages

I agree, every decision should be customer first, does it help/hinder the customer

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Where do customers find FAQ pages?

Do they look in the footer and click FAQ?

No they use the internal search facility to ask questions

If each FAQ has its own page then it will come up first in the internal search results

This is called internal SEO

One page with all FAQs listed is fine but also answered on it is far more difficult to be found in either internal search or external search, and is definitely harder to link to when answering customer questions on email or on live chat

One question, one answer page, that's good SEO

 

[fisicx]

No they use the internal search facility to ask questions

Which will take them to whatever page has the answer. Which could be a product page.

Not sure how an internal search is good for SEO. Google can’t fill in forms, that’s not how spiders work. Unless I’ve missed something. Can you elaborate a bit on this bit of technical SEO?

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Which will take them to whatever page has the answer. Which could be a product page.

Not sure how an internal search is good for SEO. Google can’t fill in forms, that’s not how spiders work. Unless I’ve missed something. Can you elaborate a bit on this bit of technical SEO?

Sure can

Well here we run into some technical challenges

Wordpress and Woocommerce allows the internal search to display products only, all pages and posts only, or all products, pages and posts

So I'm on your hosting company website and I want to know what is the uptime guarantee?

The search is hosting uptime guarantee

This exact or partial phrase will be found on your hosting packages pages and product service pages in the text which does give it some relevance, but the user will land at the top of that page and not at the exact line where it says uptime guarantee

Although its technically possible to link directly to text using hyperlink anchors I've not seen it on any websites so I'm assuming it comes with significant technical difficulties, or there is an easier solution:

The easier solution is to create a unique FAQ page with H1 title Hosting Uptime Guarantee

This is going to be the first result when a customer uses your internal search

Why I said its proper internal SEO

The external benefit for Google SEO is low because most customers will use the internal search not the external Google search

SEO is SEO whether its internal or external

 

[fisicx]

Ok. But I’d not consider that an FAQ page. It’s just another page on the site.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Ok. But I’d not consider that an FAQ page. It’s just another page on the site.

With respect, your opinion isn't highly relevant to that argument

They are FAQ pages

 

[Solve My Problem]

I am really confused here @SEO Developer you are using the phrase "Internal SEO" and then offering a workaround that excludes Search Engines and offers a poor UX.

Internal SEO is the practice of internal linking and page setup that benefits the "Search Engine Optimisation", not excludes it. Offering a poor UX will damage SEO ranking.

Having a single page for one question makes no sense at all in terms of SEO or UX.

These pages will have weak SEO value due to lack of content and add to numerous pages that add no value.

It's a bit of a bad example as no one will search for "uptime guarantee" as any webhost would already be pushing that and not need someone to search. However a better use is a uptime guarantee image/icon that opens a model with more details on relevant pages

But lets focus on a real world, a typical ecommerce site.

You have several things there, specific product FAQ's, general FAQ's (shipping/delivery) and general company FAQ.

Product FAQ's should be on the product page, in a modal/tab content. It should be concise and relate to the product or the brand.

The shipping FAQ should have a full section on a page away from the product for general information but on the product page should contain the basics, how long to ship, how is it shipped, shipping costs.

You don't want the end user to leave that page to answer a question.

The general FAQ again should be on a separate page, it can be the same as shipping although we find greater conversion from a separate page abut shipping and this includes returns info.

It should be linked from the top menu as it's important to users and also Google, Google wants to see what is important to you and to your customers. They "think" like a user - very opinionated user.

All sites should put user experience first, least amount of clicks, easiest journey, easy to find information.

 

[Solve My Problem]

The search is hosting uptime guarantee

This exact or partial phrase will be found on your hosting packages pages and product service pages in the text which does give it some relevance, but the user will land at the top of that page and not at the exact line where it says uptime guarantee

Although its technically possible to link directly to text using hyperlink anchors I've not seen it on any websites so I'm assuming it comes with significant technical difficulties, or there is an easier solution:

This is dealt with by having an on page filter i.e. a search box on the FAQ page that will filter down the questions and/or answers based upon an input box.

This still allows SE's to crawl the page, but the UX is enhanced as they can filter rather than scroll. The action does not limit SE access. As long as anchor tags are used correctly, SE's can also directly link to sections.

You could equally have a custom search box that does a similar thing but that can get overwhelmed in a traditional search box style, hence is it not the preferred option.

 

[lesliedocherty]

With respect, your opinion isn't highly relevant to that argument

They are FAQ pages

A bit rude, think you need to check yourself

 

[ukdude859]

Have you used these before?

Two things worry me about them, a PO box address and not UK based.

I've just sacked my local SEO company after about 4 months all they manged to do was tank our hits, calls and get awfully written articles posted, completely incorrect details in the article and written in American English.

I'm now looking to step in and do it myself and outsource the parts I need (content writing, technical programming/coding etc).

Hello Isaac. Sorry for the late response.

I dont seem to be getting anymore alerts to my email regarding this thread. Hmm strange. Anyways

Yes I have used thecontentauthority many times. They always deliver top notch articles. I have managed to rank well using their services. However just to let you know that all other SEO has to be done correctly also (onpage/offpage etc) I hope this answers your question.

 

[ukdude859]

Not sure how an internal search is good for SEO. Google can’t fill in forms, that’s not how spiders work. Unless I’ve missed something. Can you elaborate a bit on this bit of technical SEO?

Interlinking is the process where your article has links to other articles on your site which is related to current article. This is a good SEO Strategy

 

[ukdude859]

I also Use Linklicious to make sure all my backlinks get indexed.
Anyone else tried this service?

 

[SEODEV#338055]

A bit rude, think you need to check yourself

How is it rude?

We are having an advanced discussion about SEO

I'm merely stating that @fisicx's opinion that an FAQ page isn't an FAQ page isn't relevant

We are discussing facts

I'm sure he has thicker skin than to be offended by my comment

 

[SEODEV#338055]

This is dealt with by having an on page filter i.e. a search box on the FAQ page that will filter down the questions and/or answers based upon an input box.

This still allows SE's to crawl the page, but the UX is enhanced as they can filter rather than scroll. The action does not limit SE access. As long as anchor tags are used correctly, SE's can also directly link to sections.

You could equally have a custom search box that does a similar thing but that can get overwhelmed in a traditional search box style, hence is it not the preferred option.

We should establish how the majority of customer arrive at FAQ sections and pages

I think the best workaround would be to have a main FAQ page with questions in a top or left hand menu

Click on a question and it takes you to a unique page with FAQ question and answer

Interestingly @fisicx says FAQ answers would be good to have on product pages and I agree with him

So I'd look for a way to replicate relevant FAQ snippets on product pages, taken from the master FAQ landing page

 

[Trapbarn]

I'm sorry but I guess it was my query about the value of having a FAQ page and "How to" pages in terms of higher ratings on Google.
I'd appreciate it if we could forget the sniping and get back to the basic query.

 

[Solve My Problem]

I'm sorry but I guess it was my query about the value of having a FAQ page and "How to" pages in terms of higher ratings on Google.
I'd appreciate it if we could forget the sniping and get back to the basic query.

Does it make sense from a visitor POV, don't focus on Google, focus on the user experience. Google SEO will follow.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

I'm sorry but I guess it was my query about the value of having a FAQ page and "How to" pages in terms of higher ratings on Google.
I'd appreciate it if we could forget the sniping and get back to the basic query.

FAQ pages won't help much with external SEO

How to pages will have a much greater impact on external SEO, particularly if accompanied by a how to video

Does that answer your question?

 

[Solve My Problem]

FAQ pages won't help much with external SEO

How to pages will have a much greater impact on external SEO, particularly if accompanied by a how to video

Does that answer your question?

Nonsense, any SEO authority will tell you a good FAQ will help with SEO

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Nonsense, any SEO authority will tell you a good FAQ will help with SEO

How?

Please be specific

 

[Solve My Problem]

FAQs improve user experience, as such it's reflected in SEO. Quotes from authority pages.

FAQs improve SEO rankings as Google values your website for providing all the information needed to take an educated decision.

The golden rule of marketing has always been: Don’t leave your customer wondering, or you’ll lose them. This rule also applies very well to SEO: Unless Google can find an answer — and quickly — they’ll pick and feature your competitor.

Because FAQ pages can bring in new visitors to your website via organic search and drive them to related pages – most typically deeper blog pages and service pages closely related to the questions being resolved.

 

[Solve My Problem]

How?

Please be specific

Google literally has separate schema type specifically for FAQ's

Mark Up FAQs with Structured Data | Google Search Central | Documentation | Google for Developers

When you use FAQ structured data, you may help users discover information in a rich result. Learn about FAQ schema markup and see examples.

developers.google.com

 

[fisicx]

I'm sorry but I guess it was my query about the value of having a FAQ page and "How to" pages in terms of higher ratings on Google.
I'd appreciate it if we could forget the sniping and get back to the basic query.

Google is looking for expertise, authority and trust.

You do this primarily with content on your site (and internal navigation). It follows therefore that the relevant information should be where google expects it to be: on the product pages, your terms and condition, deliver and returns pages, privacy page and so on.

If someone is searching for a rat trap they expect to see everything they need to know on the landing page with clear links to supporting pages (like a how to set the trap page).

It’s not about having an FAQ page, it’s about proving the best service for your potential customers.

 

[Trapbarn]

FAQ pages won't help much with external SEO

How to pages will have a much greater impact on external SEO, particularly if accompanied by a how to video

Does that answer your question?

Hi, I hope I havnt overdone it but I have a page with a video on it and have code blocks for both videoObject and "how to"

"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "How to set the Fenn Mark4 trap",
etc, etc etc

"@type": "VideoObject",
"name": " Video showing best way to set a Fenn trap. ",
etc, etc etc

Is that too much for Google to swallow in one go?

 

[SEODEV#338055]

If someone is searching for a rat trap they expect to see everything they need to know on the landing page with clear links to supporting pages (like a how to set the trap page).

Most ecommerce websites don't do this, are you saying they're wrong?

It’s not about having an FAQ page, it’s about proving the best service for your potential customers.

So you're saying don't have an FAQ section?

 

[SEODEV#338055]

FAQs improve user experience, as such it's reflected in SEO. Quotes from authority pages.

FAQs improve SEO rankings as Google values your website for providing all the information needed to take an educated decision.

The golden rule of marketing has always been: Don’t leave your customer wondering, or you’ll lose them. This rule also applies very well to SEO: Unless Google can find an answer — and quickly — they’ll pick and feature your competitor.

Because FAQ pages can bring in new visitors to your website via organic search and drive them to related pages – most typically deeper blog pages and service pages closely related to the questions being resolved.

I've never found a website in search results and used its services from an landing FAQ page, have you?

I think we're talking about general user experience, which is (like everything on a website) related to SEO but not directly

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Google literally has separate schema type specifically for FAQ's

Mark Up FAQs with Structured Data | Google Search Central | Documentation | Google for Developers

When you use FAQ structured data, you may help users discover information in a rich result. Learn about FAQ schema markup and see examples.

developers.google.com

Take your point but think FAQs are primarily about user experience

I'm saying FAQs are good but don't dwell on FAQs as a major source of traffic

How to pages are FAR more powerful for SEO

Think I've made my point here

You can debate it with @fisicx now

 

[fisicx]

So you're saying don't have an FAQ section?

Yes

 

[Coin123]

Hello

I am new to the forum.

Is there anyone struggling with SEO for their website. I have being doing SEO for a while and would ideally like to turn it into a business.

Facing the same difficulty here, hope this thread would be helpful.

 

[Solve My Problem]

I've never found a website in search results and used its services from an landing FAQ page, have you?

I think we're talking about general user experience, which is (like everything on a website) related to SEO but not directly

It's all about SEO, that is how Google based their decisions on ranking. User experience and content (which is user experience)

You are missing the point totally, SEO isn't about single pages or ranking every page. It's about the whole content, the whole user experience. Google ranks websites based on multiple factors, a strong FAQ increases the user experience (a bad FAQ with unrelated questions adds nothing)

Just because you don't land on a certain page (i.e. the FAQ) doesn't mean it hasn't had an impact on the search result.

Take your point but think FAQs are primarily about user experience

I'm saying FAQs are good but don't dwell on FAQs as a major source of traffic

How to pages are FAR more powerful for SEO

Think I've made my point here

You can debate it with @fisicx now

UX is SEO!

YouTube is the second biggest search engine, because of how-to videos. They are huge and having decent how-to articles that are dated (i.e. recent and relevant), up to date and having correct schema will help with direct SEO as well as indirect. But to write a FAQ off as "User Experience" is totally missing how organise SEO actually works.

I had a FAQ site that generated 1000's every month in new leads, it wouldn't work in the same manor now but whist an FAQ isn't the be all and end all, if it makes sense to have one it should be there and setup correct, it will help with organic traffic.

 

[fisicx]

If lots of people are asking the same question (an FAQ) it usually means they can’t find the information they are looking for. Which means your site structure need a rethink. Moving content around means the number of FAQ should reduce and conversions improve. It will also mean the number of inquiries reduce because people aren’t writing or calling to ask questions.

As @Solve My Problem says, good UX is good SEO. UX is part of core web vitals.

 

[Solve My Problem]

If lots of people are asking the same question (an FAQ) it usually means they can’t find the information they are looking for. Which means your site structure need a rethink. Moving content around means the number of FAQ should reduce and conversions improve. It will also mean the number of inquiries reduce because people aren’t writing or calling to ask questions.

Not aimed at @fisicx and more for the general thread

The other thing is confidence.

If you are looking at two websites, both offering the same product or service, the one who answers the questions (even if the end user doesn't realise they wanted to know the answer) will gain the sale.

People often treat their contact pages with contempt, they don't include a phone number, they don't put an address, they use a form (which is a terrible UX for mobile users).

A good contact page is a solid convincer page, for ecommerce for example, why is anyone looking at a contact page

1. They are thinking about ordering but not 100% sure, so want to see how to contact you
2. They have bought something and it has an issue
3. They want to ask a specific question about an item

1 is the convincer, if you have ways to contact as well as a note about method of shipping, returns period you have instantly allayed 90% of most peoples fears and questions. They can see what country you are from, how to contact you, a phone number does wonders and most people won't use it.

There are various convincer pages that should exist and most people put no effort or thought into them (returns pages, shipping specific pages, T&C's).

2 deal with it quickly, reduces the chances of a bad review
3 if people can contact you quickly they are more likely to deal with you

Think about the user....

We split tested on a high volume ecommerce site one phrase on the basket page, it was nonsense, a padlock and "your transaction is 100% secure" type thing. It increased conversions by over 1%, doesn't sound a lot but on a high volume sites made a huge difference,

 

[14Steve14]

Bit of a daft question. If a site has a FAQ page with lots of questions and answers on it, rather than move the information to the product pages, would it be acceptable to have a link on the product page to the FAQs page and the specific question relating to the product or products.

 

[fisicx]

Bit of a daft question. If a site has a FAQ page with lots of questions and answers on it, rather than move the information to the product pages, would it be acceptable to have a link on the product page to the FAQs page and the specific question relating to the product or products.

Why makes things difficult for your customers? Put the info on the product page.

 

[Chris Hanson]

I have heard recently that the FAQ schema has been downgraded so keep it on your site for customers but don't expect it to pull customers in.

Although there is no specific qualification for SEO you can show your abilities through before and after reports found on most software packages. Just make your client is aware that you will be keeping a log of the reports for your own professional use as work examples.

We have some pages for uPVC door repairs for South Yorkshire cities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. A competitor wasn't happy about our position so it looks like he employed a firm to get to the top of search listings by creating entire new fake businesses and going to town on all the main directories so full search phrase domain names like upvc-door-repairs-barnsley.co.uk, and also for Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

 

[Chris Hanson]

I posted about a problem and a solution but it was hacked so the last part of my post makes no sense. I believe in fairness which is give and take if I need to explain that.

 

[ValenDigital]

A bit late to the party...

Google literally has separate schema type specifically for FAQ's

if you are a newbie and don't know how to implement basic schema (let alone advanced schema) and your website is running via a CMS (think WordPress) then you can benefit from the built-in schema (FAQ,HOW TO) schema options via a plugin like rankmath, yoast etc.

Having faq schema can have an increase in the CTR from google search SO long as the faq answers the searchers intent sufficiently

 

[DeanG]

Hi all
Just a quick one, can anyone confirm how Google has changed how websites rank? I know they've changed their algorithm. Is it different from February?

 

[ValenDigital]

Hi all
Just a quick one, can anyone confirm how Google has changed how websites rank? I know they've changed their algorithm. Is it different from February?

Quite a few updates since then. One major one was in late may which disrupted quite a few websites. That was a broad core update. Its difficult to determine what exactly Google changed but being a broad update it changed many search-engine ranking factors across the board.

Another big one coming is sometime this week which is the content update... Talk is that its going to address the many AI generated content peices and content generated specifically to please SEO factors... how it determins that and how it pans out we will see...