Answer-First Content

Write every section so it can be quoted on its own

By Asfand Yar Junejo · tap to start

The short answer

IN ONE PARAGRAPHAnswer-first content puts a direct, self-contained answer to the heading's question in the first one or two sentences, then adds detail and evidence. Each section can be read, and quoted, on its own.

The section formula (1/2)

1. 1
   HeadingThe question, as a person would actually ask it.
2. 2
   AnswerThe complete answer in 15 to 60 words, naming the subject.
3. 3
   DetailThe why, the how and the exceptions.

The section formula (2/2)

1. 4
   EvidenceWhere the claim comes from and how sure you are.
2. 5
   Next stepThe one link the reader needs after this.

Same facts, answer first

BEFORE“In today's fast-moving digital landscape, many businesses wonder about visibility…”

AFTER“An entity home page is the one page that defines who or what an entity is.”

Self-contained answer test

• Names the subject, not “it” or “this”
• Answers the heading in its first sentence
• Defines any term a newcomer would not know
• Never says “as mentioned above”

Asfand's take

THE BOTTOM LINEAnswer on top, detail below. Google needs no special markup for this: it is clear writing for readers first.

Want the full method?

The complete guide has every check, source and example behind this story.

asfandjunejo.com/blog/answer-first-content/