The Art of Crafting Extensive Responses: Insights from an SEO Perspective

As an SEO expert, I often find myself intrigued by the sheer volume and depth of answers that some authors manage to produce. One such individual, Jon Davis, consistently impresses with his lengthy and detailed responses on platforms like Quora. But how is it possible to write such extensive content efficiently while still delivering high-quality, engaging information?

Understanding Jon Davis' Approach

Jon Davis writes long answers the same way that any other content creator does – with clarity, depth, and a significant dose of dedication. He explains, 'Jon writes as much as he deems necessary to get his point across and if it’s a topic that he feels requires an in-depth analysis, sometimes his answer might be very long compared to a typical Quora answer.'

Why Short Isn't Always Sweet

Interestingly, Jon Davis points out a recurring observation: ‘For every problem there is a solution that is short, simple, and wrong.' This highlights the importance of thoroughly addressing a problem rather than settling for a superficial answer. As an SEO practitioner, it’s crucial to understand that depth often trumps brevity in content that ranks well on search engines.

Preparation: The Key to Efficiency

Efficiency, however, is key when dealing with extensive content. Jon Davis uses a methodical approach to achieve this. 'Sometimes you can make a good answer in 100 words or less. Sometimes even 1000 won’t suffice,' he notes. This understanding helps him determine the appropriate length for each piece he writes. Here are the steps he follows:

1. Selecting and Motivating a Question

Jon chooses questions that motivate him and challenge him intellectually. These are topics that he knows are important and will surprise people with a well-crafted response. The key is to identify questions that align with his expertise and passions.

2. Research and Note-Taking

He keeps Evernote files on topics that interest him. As he conducts research, he pulls out relevant points and stores them in these notes. This process is as much about note-taking as it is about saving future content ideas. Over time, these notes can develop into extensive pieces without the creator needing to put in much additional effort.

3. Structure and Sources

When it comes to structuring his answers, Jon emphasizes the importance of using sources to back up his points. This can lead to longer pieces as he must include references, which in turn can spark further research and insights. Additionally, he often struggles with the idea of writing for his 'worst enemy,' which means exploring every potential counterpoint in detail to ensure the answer is as robust as possible.

4. Editing and Refinement

The final phase involves editing for typos and improving the flow of the narrative. Despite his weaknesses in this area, he relies on a community of editors or 'War Elephant Army' to help refine his content. Once polished, the answer is ready to be submitted.

Case Study: A Timeless Answer

As an example, Jon Davis wrote a response to the question, 'If every state of the USA declared war against each other, which would win?' This answer became so noteworthy that it helped cement his reputation, even earning optioned as a TV show. The process of creating such a comprehensive response required months of research, note-taking, and refinement. However, the end result was a valuable piece of content that provided in-depth analysis and valuable insights.

Conclusion: SEO Considerations for Long-Form Content

From an SEO perspective, long-form content that is well-researched, informative, and engaging can significantly improve a content creator's online presence. Content that addresses questions comprehensively and provides valuable insights is more likely to rank well on search engines and engage readers for longer periods. By adopting a structured approach to content creation, as illustrated by Jon Davis, SEO professionals can produce high-quality, long-form content that not only ranks well but also resonates with a broader audience.