A 2020 study by Similarweb ranked the world’s most widely used websites. Among the top five, two were search engines (three if you count YouTube, the second most popular search engine after Google), one was social (Facebook), and one was a reference site (Wikipedia). Yet, few people realize how the question-and-answer website Quora can enhance your Google website ranking.
The Internet’s Dual Purpose
People primarily use the internet for two reasons: to answer questions and to connect with like-minded communities. This desire to be better informed and to build relationships drives internet usage. However, with so many users online, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Improving your Google website ranking can help you connect with your community and access valuable information more easily.
In 2009, two former Facebook employees — one a chief technology officer and the other an engineering manager — decided to create a platform that combined these two needs. Ten years later, Quora is valued at $2 billion, attracting over 300 million unique visitors monthly. Many of these users register with their real names, contributing to a transparent and trustworthy community. Quora’s success lies in its straightforward premise: it’s a question-and-answer website where users find information while building a community.
Quora is a go-to place for people seeking answers from real community members. Imagine being part of thousands of Facebook groups dedicated to specific topics, all accessible at once. You can join discussions on topics of interest, gaining insights from experienced users and encountering new questions you hadn’t considered. This interactive platform offers valuable opportunities for engagement and knowledge sharing.
Quora’s value increased further when it introduced video content. As Tommy McWilliam, the engineering manager, explained, videos can provide a fuller picture for certain questions where written answers fall short. For example, demonstrating how to use a foam roller, conducting science experiments for kids, or applying eyeliner correctly. By enhancing its platform with video, Quora offers a richer resource for its users, simultaneously creating opportunities for businesses to improve their Google website rankings.
Using Quora for Google Ranking
If your business qualifies you to answer questions on Quora — as a personal trainer, former science teacher, or makeup artist, for example — you can create videos addressing these queries. Posting these videos on Quora allows both the community and new visitors to benefit from your expertise, boosting your Google website ranking in the process. The simplicity of this approach lies in Quora’s core function: answering questions.
Quora content often appears in search results when users pose questions online. A video you share on Quora demonstrating a backstretch with a foam roller, for instance, can easily rank in Google search results for “How do I stretch my back?” — even if the searcher isn’t a Quora member.
Becoming a registered Quora user and sharing useful videos serves as free advertising for your business. However, for this to be effective, you must align with Quora’s mission: to share and grow the world’s knowledge. Most human knowledge isn’t yet online; it’s often trapped in people’s heads or buried in books and papers.
Avoid posting blatant advertisements, as Quora will likely remove them, and users will disregard them. Instead, focus on being a helpful community member by sharing your expertise through informative videos. This approach not only aids the community but also boosts your Google website ranking. Embracing this community mindset while providing valuable content ensures that your efforts are well-received and beneficial for your business.
