Apr 13th, 2018

Quora’s Top Answers to Appear in Google’s Search Results

One of the world’s most popular Q&A websites, Quora, will now have its answers displayed in a carousel feature on some Google results pages. For now, Google appears to be in its initial stages of testing the feature, but given that we’ve already seen similar updates, we may soon see top answers, reviews and other snippet introductions from various websites on Google’s first page.

What Is It?

The carousel item is a new rich snippet feature released by Google, which allows users to get a glimpse of Quora’s top related answers directly on the search engine results page (SERP). At this time, it seems Google is only testing the feature for Quora, though a similar feature was introduced for Stack Overflow search results last year.

Basically, when you type a query or question, Google may show you a snippet of the top related answers on Quora, prompting users to click the link to Quora’s website to read the rest of the answer.

How This Helps Readers

Google wants to make sure that its users can find the correct information for their search query quickly, which is why the carousel item gives a brief look at what’s to be found by clicking on the search result. Unlike other rich snippet features, such as dictionary definitions and song lyrics, the carousel feature doesn’t display all the information a reader needs directly on the SERP. Instead, it entices users to click on the snippet to get more information.

How It Could Help Businesses

Imagine if you write an answer that gets well praised in Quora, which can then be found in a snippet directly on Google’s SERP. You increase the chances of maximising the number of individuals who read your answer, who then may be enticed to follow links to your company’s website. That’s just one way in which the carousel feature for Quora search results could help businesses increase traffic and generate leads.

In the future, we may see the carousel feature introduced for a wider variety of websites. For example, you might be able to read a section of Amazon’s top reviews directly on Google’s results page when searching for products. For now, however, it seems that Google is just testing the waters for Quora, but it’s safe to say that this feature is likely to become increasingly popular.

Topic & Content Ideas

Quora is also a great place to go and find out what sort of questions your potential customers are asking. You can either answer those questions as above, or , build out content on your own website to answer those questions and drive the search traffic to your site. Using this as part of your keyword research, and answering questions as part of your content marketing strategy, will help grow the authority and relevancy of your website.

About the author

Michael Holder

A specialist in Google Ads, and with a wide range of SEO skills and experience, Michael has a particular interest in Local SEO strategies for small to medium sized businesses. When Michael is not working hard increasing conversions for clients Paid Advertising campaigns he enjoys traveling, dining out and watching Formula 1 and football.