Socializing
Why Google’s SEO and Quora Moderation Consider Question Quality Important
Why Google’s SEO and Quora Moderation Consider Question Quality Important
As an SEO professional, it's crucial to understand why platforms like Quora, and search engines like Google, have strict criteria for question quality. In my experience, I use Quora as a platform for generating valuable content, but I surprisingly had one of my questions marked down by moderation. In this article, I will explore the reasons behind this decision and provide insights on how to improve question quality for better SEO and user engagement on Quora and other platforms.
The Importance of Clear and Concise Questions
Google and Quora prioritize clarity and brevity in their content standards. My frustration stemmed from the fact that, although my question was well-structured in terms of language, grammar, and punctuation, it still faced moderation. This led me to wonder why Quora identifies shallow or negative questions while deeming mine as needing improvement. The answer lies in the structure and clarity of the question itself.
Understanding the Standards for Question Quality
When examining some of Quora’s newer questions, it becomes evident that there is a preference for clear and concise wording. While my question didn’t necessarily contain offensive or negative language, the punctuation was notably lacking. Particularly, running sentences together without proper pauses or breaks can make the question difficult to follow, which could be seen as a sign of poor editing or lack of consideration for reader experience.
Common Issues in Question Writing
Punctuation Weakness: My question used very few punctuation marks, which made it challenging to understand the flow of thoughts. While this might not seem like a significant issue to some, search engines and social media platforms like Quora heavily rely on readability to gauge the quality of content. Complex Sentence Structure: The inclusion of multiple clauses within a single sentence can confuse readers and make it difficult to focus on the core question. For example, in my question, I included clauses such as 'deficit spending begets not the best word to use inflation which begets higher interest rates,' which detracts from the primary message. Assertive Stance: By asserting a series of claims without clarity, the overarching question becomes ambiguous. For instance, in my question, I mentioned both Republicans and tax cuts, but the connection was not clearly established, leading to a potentially misinterpreted or misunderstood question.Improving these aspects can enhance the clarity and SEO value of your question, making it more likely to be well-received by both Google and Quora.
Properly Structuring Your Question
To avoid such moderation issues in the future, it's important to structure your questions clearly and concisely. This involves breaking down the question into smaller, more specific components. For example, instead of asking a complex question, it's better to break it down into simpler, focused questions. Here are some steps you can follow:
Identify the Core Question: Clearly define the primary question you're trying to ask. In my case, I could have broken down my question into multiple simpler questions, such as: Do tax cuts lead to deficit spending? Do tax cuts lead to higher income inequality? Is there a difference in effect between the tax cuts advocated by Republicans and those favored by Democrats? Do the policies increase or decrease income inequality? Remove Assumptions and Assertions: Ensure that your question doesn't make assumptions or assert claims that could be misinterpreted or be too complex to follow. Use Clear Language and Punctuation: Be mindful of the punctuation and sentence structure you use. Proper punctuation, such as commas, periods, and even parentheses, can vastly improve the readability of your question. Keep It Concise: Avoid long, sprawling sentences. Instead, focus on succinct and direct language that clearly communicates your question.Conclusion
By understanding the standards and guidelines set by both Google and Quora, you can create questions that are not only well-received by these platforms but also help improve your SEO. Clear, concise, and well-structured questions are more likely to generate valuable discussions and receive the attention they deserve. Remember, the key is to maintain clarity and simplicity, while accurately conveying the intent of your question.