FAQ (2024)

FAQs

How long should FAQ answers be? ›

(I have just made up this abbreviation, but it does a good job getting my point across.) A good rule of thumb is to write short answers to each question — two to three paragraphs would make a good answer. If you go longer, the page will be too long and cluttered.

That said, you want to find a nice middle ground. Fewer than five questions might indicate you haven't done your research… or that you didn't need an FAQ to begin with. Fielding dozens of questions isn't good either, but if they're all necessary, consider splitting your FAQ into multiple pages.

Some common examples include questions about service hours, shipping and handling, product details, return policies, etc., depending on the industry. You can have different FAQ sections for different pages of your website. Your FAQ page demonstrates how well you understand your customers.

Avoid sending short or one-word replies.

If you're responding to a message from another person, get them engaged within the conversation and give them a true response that is at least a sentence or 2 long. Sometimes, it's perfectly acceptable to respond with “o*k” if it makes sense in the context.

Be polite • Repeat the question to ensure everyone has heard it • Answer clearly and concisely, using plain language • Thank the questioner • If you do not know the answer, admit it. Do not bluff. Promise to follow it up – and do so!

If you write clear web content that is easy to navigate and answers your readers questions, you will not need to create a FAQ. FAQs often cause your readers more frustration. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be overwhelming and leave your customers searching through a sea of content.

Benefits of a FAQ Page

Customers can easily find answers to their questions about your product or business all on their own. However, FAQ pages don't need to be entirely made up of customer service questions. Helping your customers navigate your site and make decisions is more than just addressing common questions.

Be polite • Repeat the question to ensure everyone has heard it • Answer clearly and concisely, using plain language • Thank the questioner • If you do not know the answer, admit it. Do not bluff. Promise to follow it up – and do so!

Do you write FAQ or FAQs? ›

FAQ can be pronounced as an initialism, "F-A-Q", or as an acronym, "FAQ". Web designers often label a single list of questions as a "FAQ", such as on Google Search, while using "FAQs" to denote multiple lists of questions such as on United States Treasury sites.

FAQ Word templates have become an essential tool for businesses and organizations to provide answers to commonly asked questions about their products or services.

To format questions and answers in APA format:

Use double spacing and one inch margins. Separate the answer from the question by beginning the answer on a new line. Always answer in complete sentences. If your answer is lengthy, it is okay to start a new paragraph.