About 74% of online shoppers regularly read Q&A sections on a product detail page (PDP) before committing to a purchase. Why? Because Q&A responders aren’t just nameless, faceless reviewers — they’re real people who have been in your shoes, grappling with the same decision.
For instance, if you’re considering a new coffee maker but are undecided about a particular brand or model, the Q&A section can provide detailed insights on compatibility with your preferred pods and tips for getting the best brew. Shoppers rely on this community feedback to make informed decisions, highlighting the crucial role of user-generated content (UGC) in today’s online marketplace.
However, the impact of UGC goes beyond providing shoppers with peace of mind. A new PowerReviews report revealed that Q&A sections are a driving force behind e-commerce success. As brands and retailers increasingly recognize the power of authentic, customer-driven content, UGC emerges as the secret weapon in the battle for online dominance.
Q&A sections: A crucial element of product content orchestration
Product content plays a vital role in guiding consumers through their shopping journey. E-commerce brands and retailers must strategically blend various types of content to inform, engage and convert shoppers. And Q&A sections are a vital component of the content mix.
While product descriptions and professional reviews provide valuable information, they often lack the authenticity and relatability that shoppers crave. Q&A sections fill this gap by offering a platform for genuine, unfiltered conversations between customers.
In the larger context of product content strategy, Q&As complement other UGC, like ratings and reviews, creating a well-rounded, trustworthy picture of a product’s strengths and weaknesses. But Q&A sections are a necessity, not a bonus. According to Power Reviews, nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers are more suspicious about the quality of a product or brand if there’s no Q&A section on the product page. This feature’s absence can harm a brand’s reputation and deter potential customers.
As brands and retailers seek to optimize their product content strategies, Q&A sections must be given the attention they deserve. By actively encouraging customers to ask and answer questions, businesses can foster a sense of community, build trust and drive more conversions.
The reality of consumer engagement with Q&As
Shoppers aren’t just passively consuming Q&A content — they’re also active participants. A majority (67%) of consumers have submitted product questions, and nearly the same amount (66%) have provided answers to other shoppers’ queries. Additionally, Gen X shoppers are more inclined to answer Q&A sections. This level of consumer engagement demonstrates that Q&A sections are vibrant communities where shoppers help each other make informed decisions.
Interactions with Q&A content drive a staggering 177% lift in conversions — information found from a separate PowerReviews analysis of 1.5 million online product pages across 1,200 brand and retail sites. This data alone proves the immense value of Q&A sections in e-commerce and its role in driving sales.
This content format also impacts consumer behavior beyond their wallets. Almost half (49%) of shoppers find Q&A responses more authentic than brand-created content, indicating that the perception of authenticity is a key driver of trust and can significantly influence purchasing decisions. And growing suspicion from consumers about brands that don’t display this content on their product pages shows the importance of providing a platform for customer conversations. Gen Z shoppers, in particular, are highly sensitive to the absence of Q&A sections and are the most likely to be deterred from purchasing.
However, while UGC (like Q&As) is incredibly valuable, it’s not the only type of content that matters. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing user-generated and brand-provided content in product content orchestration. By offering a mix of authentic customer voices and official product information, brands and retailers can create a comprehensive, trustworthy resource for shoppers.
Real-world success
Using Q&A content to drive e-commerce success is a proven strategy that delivers tangible results for businesses across industries, including National Business Furniture, a leading provider of office furniture solutions.
The company’s commitment to fostering customer engagement has led to an impressive volume of consumer interaction, with nearly 2,500 customer questions answered per year. Their focus on delivering high-quality, informative responses has contributed to an average product rating of 4.6 stars, a testament to how successful this approach to product content orchestration is.
The future of Q&A in e-commerce
The changing e-commerce landscape will continue to prop Q&A sections as valuable tools in product content strategies. Consumers are increasingly demanding authentic, unbiased product information to inform their purchasing decisions, and Q&A content is perfectly positioned to meet this need.
Q&As will impact entire industries, not just individual businesses, especially consumer packaged goods (CPG). As more consumers turn to online channels to purchase household essentials, CPG marketers have a unique opportunity to leverage Q&A content to drive sales and build brand loyalty. Recent data from eMarketer supports this trend, with the food and beverage and health, personal care, and beauty categories expected to see the most growth in their share of e-commerce sales from now until 2028.
Q&A content will play an even greater role in shaping the future of online retail. For businesses willing to invest in product content orchestration and prioritize authentic, user-generated content, the opportunities for growth and success are virtually limitless.
