Although you many not be aware what Quora is, you have probably used it at a certain point. It was when you were looking for an expert answer to a complex question and Quora came up at the top of Google search results. And you can guess the advantages of using Quora for lead generation from this simple instance: Google ranked this social media platform higher than other links.
Why is it so? First of all, let us understand what you can and cannot do on Quora.
What Is Quora and How Does It Work?
Quora is a social media network. You can create a profile, follow other users, contribute to threads and send direct messages to some of the users. The key specific of Quora is that it is a questions and answers social media network.
Whenever you need specialised advice or answers you can rely on, you should ask your questions on Quora. Also, whenever you have a good answer to a question, you should post it.
Direct interactions are somewhat limited on this social network, because you can send messages only to users that have a public profile. But it does not mean that you cannot use Quora for lead generation.
On the contrary, this is a public forum where you have the chance to attract potential leads and convert them into customers. What is even better, your first step in the process is free. Quora does not have premium accounts for people or businesses who want their answers to appear higher on the thread. Relevance and upvotes by other members are the key criteria for ranking answers.
These being said, here are a few smart ways to use Quora for lead generation:
1. Create a Smashing Bio
Just like on other social media platforms, when you create an account on Quora you have to fill in a bio section. Use relevant keywords for your business and include the elements that recommend you as a reliable source of advice/information in your niche. For instance, Neil Patel’s Quora bio states: “Forbes Top 10 marketer and NY Times best selling author”.
Also, do not forget to include a link to your website in your bio. It is allowed, for free and a source of potential organic traffic so it would be a big no-no to forget to add it.
2. Be As Active As You Can
Whenever you post an answer, Quora will add a few significant details about you under your user name:
- How many answers you’ve posted so far,
- How many people viewed your answers.
These two details are incredibly important for those whose questions you answered. Between a user with many answers and many views and one who has a significantly lower count, who do you think they will believe? Power is in numbers, just like in any other aspect of marketing and lead generation.
3. Follow Questions in Your Niche
As a Quora member, you can follow various topics and you will get notifications when new questions are asked. This gives you the opportunity to be among the first who answer them. Being prompt with answers will get noticed by other members and, soon enough, you will have followers who want to be notified whenever you answer a question.
Remember that all this is for free. You get the chance to grow your reputation as an authority on the topics pertaining to your niche or industry and gain followers for free. From this, there are just a few loopholes to get through to convert them into leads.
4. Craft Your Answers Carefully
Writing answers for Quora has its own specific rules. For one, you must be as accurate and exhaustive as you can. Whenever you make a statement, prove it with references. However, do not go overboard with links and – very important – do not use your website as the sole reference you point to.
Proofread your answers carefully and make sure that you are not using a salesy tone of voice. Quora users look for information. If they find it relevant, they will click on your link to find out even more. But don’t try any clickbait technique. You can receive not just upvotes, but also downvotes for your answers.
5. Thank People Who Answer Your Questions
You can further your lead generation efforts on Quora even by asking questions. And you should do that every once in a while. From the answers you get, you can discover new potential product ideas of business ideas.
And once you get an answer, go to the person’s profile and send them a direct thank you message, if they allow direct contact. You can include a link to your website or social media pages in your signature, but do not go overboard with that. Keep your message short and authentic and people will want to know more about you and your business.