> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://www.guides.helpfulcrowd.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Why is Question & Answer (Q&A) so important and how does it work?

### Why is the Question & Answer feature important?

Whilst every business does it's best to provide a complete, informative detailed overview of their business, products and services, it is common for visitors to seek additional information. 

These occasions provide a unique, possibly **one-off only** opportunity, to build a relationship with a visitor during their purchase decision process.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/66fbd5d04fe00400/image_1d5rb1z.png)

Q&A is one of the most important, but unfortunately neglected tools used by businesses to convert shoppers to customers. It is also one of the best ways to **reduce loads and cost** on customer service teams and at the same time build a relevant, lasting, informative and always accessible on-the-fly **FAQ** for prospective customers. Last but not least, Q&A creates stacks of additional, unique content loved by all search engines!

**How does the Questions & Answer platform work?**

Q&A works like this:

1.  Question asked - by shopper
2.  Email notification - that you've received a new question
3.  Answer - action the question by answering and publishing it to the storefront. Alternatively reply privately and directly through the HelpfulCrowd [Smart Email Assistant](https://helpfulguides.crisp.help/en/article/the-smart-email-assistant-dj29dq/)

The above actions are all done through the HelpfulCrowd Q&A platform.

### Leveraging Questions & Answers

First impressions always count, especially online. With Q&A you can immediately impress and build a relationship with your prospective customers by following these simple guidelines:

1.  responding promptly to questions
2.  going over and above by not only providing a relevant and informative response but with extra information and detail

You may not hear from your visitor after you have answered their question, but you can easily and quickly follow-up at a later time with the [Smart Email Assistant](https://helpfulguides.crisp.help/en/article/the-smart-email-assistant-dj29dq/)

**We also recommend reading:**

*   Answering Questions
*   [Sharing Q&A across similar products](https://helpfulguides.crisp.help/en/article/share-qa-across-different-products-19544y1/)
*   [Can I import existing Reviews and Q&A?](https://helpfulguides.crisp.help/en/article/can-i-import-existing-reviews-and-qa-l4mdk4/)