Why does Quora succeed in spite of having some other Q and A websites like Yahoo Answers and Wiki Answers?
Quora's success in the Q&A space can be attributed to several key factors that distinguish it from its predecessors, such as Yahoo Answers and WikiAnswers.
User-Friendly Interface and Quality Focus
Unlike Yahoo Answers, which was criticized for its outdated and ugly interface, Quora has a modern and user-friendly design. Quora's primary focus has been on creating a great product, rather than prioritizing monetization strategies early on. This emphasis on quality has helped attract and retain users3.
Real Names and Accountability
Quora requires users to sign up with their real names, either through their email, Google account, or Facebook account. This policy of using real names has significantly reduced the presence of trolls and encouraged users to be more responsible and accurate in their answers. In contrast, Yahoo Answers allowed anonymity, which often led to poor-quality answers and a lack of accountability3.
Upvote System
Quora adopted an upvote system, similar to Reddit's, which helps moderate the quality of answers. This system allows users to vote for the best answers, pushing high-quality responses to the top while burying those that lack effort. This approach contrasts with Yahoo Answers, where the system often rewarded quantity over quality3.
Effective Onboarding Process
Quora's onboarding process is designed to be easy and engaging. Users can sign up using Facebook Connect, and the platform prompts them to find friends, follow people, and explore topics. This streamlined process helps reduce the abandonment rate and ensures that new users have a positive initial experience3.
Community of Smart and Educated People
Quora has managed to build a community of smart and educated individuals by focusing on attracting professionals and thought leaders in various fields. This has helped maintain the quality of answers and created a platform where users can gain valuable insights from knowledgeable people. In contrast, Yahoo Answers was often plagued by low-quality answers and a lack of expertise3.
Moderation and Quality Control
Quora's moderation policies and the upvote system work together to ensure that high-quality answers are highlighted, while low-quality or inaccurate answers are minimized. This has helped Quora avoid the pitfalls of Yahoo Answers, where inaccuracies and poor-quality answers were common due to a lack of effective moderation13.
By addressing the shortcomings of earlier Q&A platforms, such as the emphasis on quality over quantity, the use of real names, and an effective upvote system, Quora has managed to establish itself as a reliable and valuable resource for users seeking accurate and helpful answers.