Why Does Quora Ask for Expanded Answers to Get More Views?

Why Does Quora Ask for Expanded Answers to Get More Views?

Quora, the popular online platform for forming and answering questions, often prompts users to expand their answers to provide more value to viewers. This article delves into the reasoning behind these prompts and how expanding answers can enhance Quora's user experience and engagement levels.

Understanding the Context

Quora's ethos revolves around offering a helpful and informative source of knowledge. However, the platform has faced challenges in maintaining its relevance and user engagement. One of the main issues is the quality and length of answers provided by users, which can either facilitate or hinder the platform's mission.

Why Expanded Answers Matter

There are several reasons why Quora emphasizes expanded answers. By providing more substantial content, users can:

Offer Personalized Insights: Utilizing personal experiences, stories, and anecdotes can make answers more relatable and engaging for readers. This human touch can foster a stronger connection, making the answer more memorable and useful.

Provide Actionable Advice: Instead of just presenting theoretical information, shared experiences can offer practical tips and guidance. This makes the content more actionable, enhancing its value to the reader.

Incorporate Visual Content: Adding images can visually reinforce the text, making the answer easier to understand and more appealing. This visual component caters to a variety of learning styles.

Use Credible Quotes: Incorporating quotes from recognized authorities on the topic can lend credibility to the answer and provide authoritative validation. This can enhance the trust readers have in the content.

Benefits for Users and Quora

By encouraging users to expand their answers, Quora gains several advantages:

Enhanced User Experience: Complete and well-articulated answers contribute to a more satisfying user experience. Readers are more likely to find the information they seek and to feel that their time was not wasted.

Increased Visibility: More detailed answers tend to attract more views and shares. This increased exposure helps content creators gain more traction on the platform.

Community Building: The sense of community is strengthened when users feel that their contributions are valued and appreciated. Expanded answers make the community feel more cohesive.

Challenges and Cons

Not all users are comfortable or willing to expand their answers. Some may prefer to keep their responses concise, while others may feel that personalizing their answers could detract from their message. However, these concerns can be addressed with clear guidelines and support from the Quora moderation team.

Additionally, while Quora does not expect users to write an entire book in their answers, there is a balance to be struck. Answers should be informative yet concise, providing the necessary depth without being overly verbose.

Conclusion

Quora's initiative to encourage expanded answers is a strategic move to improve the platform's overall quality and user engagement. By doing so, they aim to create a more valuable and enjoyable experience for both users and content creators. As a user or contributor, crafting detailed, personal, and well-articulated answers can significantly enhance the value of your contributions.