The Quest for the Perfect Quora Answer: Reflections and Insights
After seven years on Quora, I’ve seen my share of hits and misses, and the occasional fluke. With millions of questions and answers to choose from, finding the one ‘perfect’ or most viewed answer has always been elusively tantalizing. Today, let’s explore my journey, the challenges, and the lessons on crafting the best Quora answer possible, and dive into the importance of SEO in optimizing such content.
My Quora Journey: A Bottom Dweller’s Perspective
Since joining Quora in 2017, I’ve been a part of a vibrant community of over one million people engaging in thoughtful discussions and sharing knowledge. But, let’s be honest, it’s not exactly all sunshine and rainbows. With a best month for views not quite reaching 250,000 and only a handful of upvotes above 1,000, I certainly fit the description of a 'bottom dweller.' Despite these numbers, I remain committed to writing and sharing my thoughts, hoping that one day, I might break through the surface and earn that elusive best answer status.
Why the Most Obscure Answers Are Valuable
Interestingly, some of the answers with the most value and engagement come from discussing niche, obscure, or seemingly trivial topics. Take, for instance, questions about the quirks of English cats or obscure cultural and literary references. While these topics may not attract the largest audience, they offer a unique and engaging platform for conversation. Obscure topics often spark deeper, more personal insights, making for more memorable and valued content.
Lessons from the Best Answer
One of my top-performing answers is on the question: 'What MBTI personality type is mentally exhausting to be around?' This one truly resonated with a wide audience, achieving impressive stats in terms of views and engagement. By focusing on personal experiences and relatable anecdotes, I managed to create content that not only addressed the question but also provided a broader understanding of human behavior.
Highlighting High-Performing Answers
While the most viewed answer may not always be the best from a content or engagement standpoint, it’s important to recognize and learn from these successes. Here are some highlights from my Quora journey:
Best Viewed: What MBTI personality type is mentally exhausting to be around. Most Upvoted: Does blood work in a fountain pen (25 Jan 2027, 17,100 upvotes). Most Circulated: What are some hacks that everyone should know (22 May 2016, circulated to 23 million users). Featured Publications: Two of my answers were featured in major publications: Inc. Magazine: This Is One Piece of Career Advice You Should Always Ignore (29 Sept 2016) Apple News: ‘Follow Your Passion’ Is the Most Dangerous Career Advice Out There (11 Oct 2016)SEO Strategy and Best Practices
Optimizing content for SEO is a critical aspect of improving the visibility of my answers on Quora. Here are some best practices to consider:
Use Relevant Keywords: Ensure that your content is rich with keywords that potential readers might use when searching for similar topics. For instance, using 'MBTI', 'personality type', 'mental exhaustion', and 'Quora' in relevant contexts. Engage with the Quora Community: Active engagement with other users can increase the visibility of your content. This includes participating in discussions, answering related questions, and promoting your answers through social media. Promote Content Outside Quora: Consider sharing your answers on other platforms or through email newsletters to reach a wider audience. This can help in increasing the chances of your answers being discovered. Consistency is Key: Regularly posting high-quality content can help build a strong follower base and improve the visibility of your existing answers over time.Conclusion
On a platform as vast as Quora, achieving the coveted status of the best answer is no small feat. While I may be a bottom dweller, I remain hopeful and committed to refining my approach to crafting content that resonates. By following best practices in SEO and focusing on personal, relatable, and valuable content, I believe that one day, I will break through and earn that elusive best answer status. After all, the journey to the top is a worthwhile one, filled with valuable insights and memorable interactions.