How to Write an FAQ Section From Question Keywords
Updated
An FAQ section turns question keywords into short, direct answers. Here is how to choose the questions, write the answers and avoid the common mistakes.
Open the question keyword generator
What makes a good FAQ section?
A good FAQ answers the small questions your main content does not cover in full, using the same words your readers use. It sits near the end of the page, uses clear questions as headings and gives each one a direct answer of one to three sentences.
How to write an FAQ from question keywords
- Collect the questions. Run your topic through the question keyword generator and add the questions from the People Also Ask box.
- Remove duplicates. Merge questions that mean the same thing and keep the clearest wording.
- Pick four to eight. Choose the ones that are closely related to the page and not already answered in the main text.
- Answer first. Start with a direct answer in the first sentence and add one or two sentences of context.
- Keep each answer self-contained. A reader who sees only that answer should understand it.
- Link to details. If an answer needs more room, link to the page that covers it using descriptive anchor text.
FAQ schema: what to know
FAQPage structured data can describe the questions on a page for search engines. Since 2023, Google shows FAQ rich results only for a limited set of well-known government and health sites, so most sites will not see the expandable result. Adding the markup is still harmless if it matches the visible text exactly, but write the FAQ for readers first.
Common mistakes
- Repeating the same question in two pages. The pages then compete with each other.
- Long answers. If an answer needs several paragraphs, it deserves its own page.
- Questions nobody asks. Write only questions that came from real searches.
- Keyword stuffing. Write the answer naturally; the question already contains the phrase.
If you are still choosing questions, read the guide to question words for keyword research.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions should an FAQ have?
Four to eight closely related questions is a good range. More than that usually means the page covers more than one intent.
Where should the FAQ go on the page?
Near the end, after the main content, so it answers the small questions that remain.
Does FAQ schema still give rich results?
Google now shows FAQ rich results only for a limited set of well-known government and health sites, so most sites will not see them.
How long should an FAQ answer be?
One to three sentences, starting with the direct answer.
Where do I find FAQ questions?
In autocomplete questions, the People Also Ask box, related searches and the comments or emails your readers send.
Related tools and guides
- Question keyword generator
- Long-tail keyword research tool: back to the main LongTailLab tool
- All keyword research guides