Thread: Linking to other people's sites in your website FAQ?

I've been trying to put together a good FAQ for my website, but everything I come with I see done BETTER on other people's websites.

Would it be completely unprofessional of me to have a list of off-site links to answer specific questions? Sort of this format: (excuse the stupidity of the actual q&a)


Q. I want to hire a dancer for a 1-hour performance. Will you do that?
A. A lot of people think they want a one-hour performance, but we usually suggest an alternate approach. In this link, Taletha explains why a shorter performance is better. (link)

Q. I hear bellydance is a Gypsy dance. Is that true?
A. The "Gypsy" contribution to bellydance is an interesting issue, but first let's look at the real "Gypsy" dancing in its cultural setting. Lauren has compiled a series of clips of Turkish "Gypsy" dancing here (link). Take the time to read her article on why we don't like to refer to Romani people as "Gypsy," and check out her analysis of Romani dance. (links)


Is this totally lame? I just really like the idea of linking to people I know and respect, and who have done the actual research and written good articles. Or would this come across as me being lazy and not wanting to write my own website copy?

Thanks!

I don't think it's all that lame, as long as you're selective about the content that you're linking.

For an FAQ about the length of a set, or about what type of costuming you wear, or something fairly straightforward, I think it looks better if you say it yourself.

As for factual matter, or for stickier, more opinion-based topics like rates? I think linking to somebody else's article can be a good tactic.

I don't have an FAQ. I think it is a bit redundant if you have all pertinent info on your booking page. Not that I dislike FAQs, I do read them. However they have to be well written because sometimes they seem condescending or patronizing. Anyway, this is how I chose to address it on my site:

After package and pricing descriptions:

Confused about the rates and why I charge what I charge? Visit this link for clarification: Shems' Behind the Rates.

After "You may want to hire a belly dancer for":

If something you have in mind isn't listed, just contact me to let me know how you think a belly dancer could enhance your event. Not sure if a belly dancer is right for your event? Check out Shems' Things to Consider.

I believe in copy-light page and if someone can say it better than you, by all means use it. Just make sure your "target" is "_blank" so that they don't lose your page!

first of all- in a FAQ page, I actually like to see frequently asked questions rather than general information. Som FAQ pages I read & think "that's seriously a frequent question?" If you want to pass on other information, you can make a page for articles & general information. but that 's kind of beside the point...

for something like why you don't do hour long performances, I would prefer to see you put it succinctly in your own words. I think it shows professionalism to have actually thought out your own responses and taken the time to put them in your own words. Honestly, as a potential client, I want to know that YOU know what you are talking about.

I do think it is reasonable to link to sites with more in depth information on different issues. The 'gypsy' question you listed is a great example of where I DO think a link is appropriate. FAQs are best for short answers, so giving a link for those who want more in depth info on the topic is appropriate. I also think it would be fine to include a quote from another site, as long as it is done properly, attributed correctly and is actually relevant.

In other words- if you really think it necessary, or if it is info you really want to share, by all means put in a link. But please try to think it out & put down YOUR responses first, especially for more personal or simple questions.

Lara - you make a really good point -- I think I will only link to other sites when it comes to specific cultural info, or musical info.

Thanks gang!

Speaking from a non-dance web marketing perspective? If your FAQ is aimed at potential clients, the usual advice is to avoid *any* links on it other than those that lead to your booking or contact page. The idea behind that sort of FAQ is to answer objections to hiring you - and you want potential clients to stay focused on the booking process, not wander off on tangents.

So I don't think it's unprofessional to link elsewhere, but it might be counter productive!

But there's no reason you couldn't create another Q&A page (maybe a bellydance primer?) where you could answer more in depth and stylistic questions. Since the goal of this page would be educating your clients (rather than getting them to BE clients) it'd be ok to link to offsite sources of information.

I hope that makes sense, I'm pretty much exhausted tonight!

One of the things I looked at doing was a performance FAQ page and a Belly Dance History and Tradition FAQ page (which is still under construction) because one was for the GP who are trying to book me and the other was for people who are interested in belly dance as an art form. Obviously there is some overlap. but on the second, links are more then acceptable. The first, it's a bit dicey because it could be more information than the potential client can deal with.

And for me the reason for FAQ's is that most people don't read. I cannot tell you how many people who claim to have read my site call with really redundant questions. patience is a virtue. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm with Lara. The FAQ sites I see on some dancers' pages would take half an hour or more to read, and don't really answer the questions people have.

The questions people have are:
- How much does this cost?
- Will it embarrass Aunt Lucy (Are you slutty)?
- Will it impress my friends (Are you any good)?
- How do I get this entertainment solidly booked so I can move on with the rest of my party planning.

The rest is all stuff WE want them to know.

Writing up things like 'why an hour-long show is bad' does a lot for clarifying OUR thought process for when it comes up on the phone, or lets us copy/paste into an e-mail if it comes up there. But when it does come up, it should be a one or two sentence response and then back to talking about their party and how to make it great.


Sending people out onto the web to find the answer to their question (which may be buried halfway down the linked page) is going to be a *huge* turnoff.

If I went to Twisty the Clown's website to hire him for a party and he had an FAQ that sent me to other clown's websites to read about some aspect of why he does his business like he does, I'm thinking

A) He doesn't value my time
B) He takes himself too seriously.
C) Heaven forbid I should actually get this guy on the phone, he probably never shuts up.

I go to his website to hire a clown. I don't want to become an Educated Clown Consumer. I want it to be easy.

I take it one step further, I answer most FAQ in other sections of my site and don't have a specified FAQ section. On my links page I have a set of links called "Resources on Middle Eastern Dance" that's where I link to these great sources of information.

Most of the time if someone is not happy with the price of a performance they are not going to care why I charge what I charge, they just care that (according to them) I charge too much.

Shems' link is wonderful and she has done a great service to the community by posting it, I think it has worked for her and her cause and I'm happy it's out there somewhere. Likewise with Samira's link, she has her reasons (and I'm glad she's sticking to her guns on keeping the information current and public) and Shira has so many wonderful links I wouldn't know where to start. But if someone is looking to hire a dancer (in my area anyway) they are either Arab and already know about MED or they are looking for a pretty girl to spice up their Arabian party or embarrass uncle Joe at his 50th. None of these people care to read about MED in detail. Most people who want to read about MED in detail are other dancers.

OK, as I read this, I'm thinking about putting my FAQ's on a diet! ..l;,

Still, I try to leave no question unanswered. My personal philosophy, both in my FAQ's and my booking page, is that I'd rather hit 'em upside the head with too much detail than leave any room for confusion. Non-dancers generally tend to appreciate that I've helped them demystify the booking process a little bit. And they've told me that they feel more comfortable knowing that I'll give them a complete show, rather than 45 minutes of wiggling. Theoretically, we should be asking non-dancers for their marketing input more often, because they are the people who hire us. Most of us can't afford a moderated focus group, but we can ask our most brutally honest friends and family

I think rates are an area where many of us can agree to disagree. Some of us like to list them and explain them, others don't. I think this issue is all a matter of personal preference. However, all of my friends locally who list their starting rates have told me that they enjoy fewer leads for $30 birthday parties, and fewer of those awkward, obviously price-shopping conversations. That, in and of itself, is a good first step - especially for those of us who are looking to take on bigger, better paying, more enjoyable events.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

One of the things I looked at doing was a performance FAQ page and a Belly Dance History and Tradition FAQ page (which is still under construction) because one was for the GP who are trying to book me and the other was for people who are interested in belly dance as an art form. Obviously there is some overlap. but on the second, links are more then acceptable. The first, it's a bit dicey because it could be more information than the potential client can deal with.

And for me the reason for FAQ's is that most people don't read. I cannot tell you how many people who claim to have read my site call with really redundant questions. patience is a virtue. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

I think that's a great idea, but I would label the general quick & dirty version FAQ & name the other page something different- whether you want to make it 'a brief history of ME dance' or 'belly dance trivia' or something imminently more clever than is occurring to my poor coffee deprived brain at the moment, having 2 pages labeled as FAQ could be confusing. & Even with the best FAQ & web pages in the world will not stop the ridiculously redundant questions. I don't think there is a solution to that. You can only do so much when someone is sure the only way to get the real deal is to contact you personally. hooray for personalized form letters... that say exactly what you've already said on the website with a little more verbiage.

& yeah, probably time to go re- trim my FAQ page too (talk about a 'plank in your own eye' ..g.: )

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

And for me the reason for FAQ's is that most people don't read. I cannot tell you how many people who claim to have read my site call with really redundant questions. patience is a virtue. . .

Hahahaha so true about patience!

This is why my FAQ's are on a separate page from my other booking info. If they want to "opt out" of my helpful info and just cut to the chase, they can go right ahead and be my guest

As for history, business, and other stuff that's not relevant to FAQ's, I sure love having a nice user-friendly blog on-site!

Okay, super great points. I really want to link to some of the best articles I've read, but I can put that on a links page, or the library page. Thanks for the suggestions!

I know this is kind of late, but I found this today.

Good Usability » FAQ usability