Module 6

Seeding Your Own Q&A

Here's a smart strategy: don't wait for questions — ask them yourself. You can proactively populate your Q&A with common questions and helpful answers. It's completely allowed and highly effective.

Why Seed Your Own Q&A?

What to do

Understand the benefits of proactively adding questions and answers.

Step by step

  1. Answer FAQs before they're asked. You know what customers commonly ask. Pre-answer these questions so the information is there when needed.
  2. Control the narrative. By seeding questions, you ensure accurate information is prominently displayed.
  3. Add relevant keywords. Q&A content is indexed. Naturally including keywords in questions and answers can help visibility.
  4. Show completeness. A listing with several helpful Q&As looks more informative than one with none.
  5. Reduce phone calls. If common questions are answered on your listing, fewer people need to call to ask them.
  6. It's allowed. Google permits business owners to post questions and answers on their own listing. This isn't deceptive — it's helpful.

How to Seed Your Q&A

What to do

Here's the practical process for adding your own questions and answers.

Step by step

  1. You'll need two Google accounts. Your main business account and another account (could be a personal account, spouse, or business partner). One asks, one answers.
  2. From account 1: Ask a question. Search for your business, go to Q&A, click "Ask a question". Post a common question customers ask.
  3. From account 2 (your business account): Answer it. Sign in with your business owner account and answer the question helpfully and accurately.
  4. Upvote your answer from both accounts. This helps your answer appear prominently.
  5. Repeat for other FAQs. Add 5-10 common questions over a few days (don't do them all at once to avoid looking spammy).
  6. Space them out. Add questions over a couple of weeks rather than all on one day. Looks more natural.

Questions to Consider Seeding

What to do

Think about what your customers commonly ask. Here are categories and examples.

Step by step

  1. Parking and access: "Is there customer parking?" "Is the entrance wheelchair accessible?"
  2. Payment methods: "Do you accept card payments?" "Can I pay with contactless?"
  3. Booking requirements: "Do I need to book in advance?" "Can I just walk in?"
  4. Service areas/coverage: "What areas do you cover?" "Do you come to [location]?"
  5. Specific services: "Do you offer [service]?" "Can you help with [specific need]?"
  6. Policies: "What's your cancellation policy?" "Do you allow dogs?" "Do you have a children's menu?"
  7. Pricing: "Do you offer free quotes?" "Is there a call-out charge?"

Examples by industry

"Do you offer free quotes?" "What areas do you cover?" "Are you available for emergencies?" "Do you work on [specific type of boiler/system]?" "Do you guarantee your work?"
"Do you have vegan/vegetarian options?" "Is it child-friendly?" "Can I bring my dog?" "Do you take reservations?" "Do you have WiFi?" "Is there parking nearby?"
"Are you taking on NHS patients?" "How do I register as a new patient?" "Do you offer payment plans?" "Is there parking at the practice?" "Do you do emergency appointments?"
"Do you offer free initial consultations?" "What areas of law do you specialise in?" "Do you offer fixed fees?" "Do you do Legal Aid?" "Can I meet you in person or is it all remote?"

Best Practices for Seeding

What to do

Follow these guidelines to seed effectively without looking spammy.

Step by step

  1. Ask genuine questions. Only seed questions customers actually ask. Don't make up obscure questions just to add keywords.
  2. Give genuinely helpful answers. The goal is to help customers, not just stuff keywords. Answer as if a real customer asked.
  3. Don't overdo it. 5-10 well-chosen FAQs is plenty. You don't need 50 questions.
  4. Spread over time. Add a couple of questions per week rather than all at once.
  5. Keep it accurate. Only include information that's true. Wrong information hurts you more than no information.
  6. Update if things change. If your policies change, update your answers. You can edit your own answers.

Maintaining Your Q&A Over Time

What to do

Q&A needs occasional maintenance to stay accurate and useful.

Step by step

  1. Review quarterly. Check your Q&A every few months. Is everything still accurate?
  2. Update outdated answers. If your hours changed, prices updated, or policies evolved, update the relevant answers.
  3. Answer new questions promptly. Real customers will ask questions too. Answer these quickly.
  4. Add new FAQs as they emerge. If you start getting asked something new frequently, add it to your seeded Q&A.

Q&A seeding complete: