What Is People Also Ask?
People Also Ask is a handy Google feature that provides users with other questions related to their original query.
It is usually displayed towards the top or bottom of the SERPs and will also offer a drop down, with a featured snippet (including a short answer, website and SEO title) for that query – as seen in our examples below.
Why is People Also Ask Important?
People Also Ask is a feature that is intended to help predict and address some of the most common questions a user may have about a particular topic or query without having to manually entering it themselves. It’s a convenient tool for users who aren’t quite sure what they are looking for or how to phrase a question they can’t quite articulate.
By providing a series of related questions, it allows users to fully explore their interests and discover additional information they might not have initially though of. PAA encourages exploration and engagement, making the search experience more interactive and informative.
What About SEO?
From an SEO perspective, the People Also Ask feature offers a number of benefits, such as:
- Increased Visibility: Being featured in the PAA box can improve your website’s visibility as it positions your content as a relevant authority – which can drive more organic traffic to your site.
- Content Strategy: Understanding the types of questions that appear in PAA can help improve your content strategy. It allows you to create content that answers these common queries, and align your website more closely with their needs.
- Enhanced User Engagement: Since PAA is designed to encourage exploration, users who find your content in this section are more likely to engage further, potentially leading to increased engagement time and lower bounce rates—two positive ranking signals for search engines!
Creating Content for People Also Ask
- Give a Short Answer Right Away: Start with a concise answer to the question at the top of your content. This is key because PAA boxes often pull the most straightforward responses. It should ideally be 2-3 sentences long, so make it count!
- Use Lists Instead of Tables: When presenting information, try to use bullet points or numbered lists. While tables can appear in PAA, lists are easier to skim, and search engines find it easier to display them.
- Ask Questions in Subheaders: Break your content into sections with clear, question-based subheaders. This not only guides your readers but also aligns with how users might frame their queries.
