No mater what type of Web
site or business you are running, many people have or could use a FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) Web page. That is because no matter what
type of situation you are in you are always going to have questions.
People ask questions every single day. Just think of those long car rides with your parents. "Are we there yet?" you would ask over and over again. Just think if your parents had an FAQ posted on the back of their seats. The ride would have been a lot less annoying in my opinion at least. So here is your first ever FAQ on creating a FAQ. Redundant? Probably so.
Should I create an FAQ for my Web site?
Yes You should. Everybody has a question, and not everybody wants to surf all around your Web site to look for the answer. Think of it like a world without dictionaries. When you wanted to look up the meaning of a word, you'd have to find a book, newspaper or magazine where the word was used and try to figure out how the author was using it. FAQs make dealing with your customers, clients and visitors easier.
How do I figure out which questions to put on my FAQ?
Well, the name of an FAQ should give you a hint. What are the questions you are asked most often? This will often help you out in this area. If you are just starting out and haven't really been asked anything then don't worry. Just think of yourself as a visitor to your Web site. What questions do you think folks would have?
Is there a limit to how many questions and answers I should have?
Not at all. The more quick information you provide the visitor with, the easier their time on your Web site will be. However if you just don't have that many FAQs to list, then don't worry. Over time I am sure you will be asked more than a few questions and many of them will start to sound the same. If they do, add them to the list and save yourself some time.
Are we there yet?
No! Now stop asking before I have to stop the car and go back there!
What format should my FAQ Web page take?
Your FAQ Web page should be in a "Question and Answer" format. This is the most common method and the easiest to read for your visitors. You shouldn't be experimenting with new ways of doing things when it comes to dealing with questions your visitors might have. If they have questions about how to read your questions then, my friend, you have a problem.
How do I decide which questions and answers to put first?
Put the most asked FAQs or most important ones at the top of the list. This way folks won't have to dig too long to find the answers. If you have a lot of questions listed, you might put a list of links at the top of the Web page they are on to help people navigate through the questions easier.
How long should my answers be?
Some people would say to keep them short and to the point. I don't like that method. True, you should get to the point. If there is more to be said though, say it! It is not a good practice to keep folks in the dark about questions they might have.
What else should be on the Web page?
Make sure you list a few ways for people to get a hold of you just in case they still have a question that you didn't have answered on the FAQ Web page.
How often should the FAQ be updated?
Try to keep it as updated as possible. You might include a "Last Edited" date at the top of the Web page as well. This way people will know that the information inside is up to date.
Are there any more questions?
Hey, if you have any more questions about FAQ pages please feel free to let me know and I'll be sure to answer all of them. I might even feel motivated enough to do an FAQ about my FAQ on FAQs. Now that is a mouthful.
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