Building topical authority in SEO often requires significant time, effort, and resources. For many, the task of using keyword research tools or creating FAQ content for their website can feel like an uphill battle - especially without access to expensive tools. However, in a brief but impactful discussion on the Edward Show, SEO expert David Quaid shared a transformative hack that simplifies the process of building authority and creating content using Google’s "People Also Ask" (PAA) feature. This hack is not only accessible but cost-free, making it an ideal solution for time-strapped individuals and small businesses looking to boost their SEO strategies.
This article breaks down the core insights from the discussion, offering actionable steps to help you implement this technique and elevate your site's authority with minimal effort.
Why "People Also Ask" is a Hidden Gem for SEO
The "People Also Ask" section on Google’s search results is a goldmine for content ideas and topical authority. These questions reflect commonly searched queries related to a specific topic, offering valuable insights into user intent. By leveraging this data, you can create highly relevant and engaging content that meets your audience's needs while improving your chances of ranking higher in search results.
David highlights that this strategy is particularly useful for those who may feel overwhelmed by traditional SEO methods or lack access to advanced tools. The PAA hack is simple, effective, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the PAA Hack for Content Creation
David’s method for using the PAA feature as an SEO hack is straightforward and can be broken down into the following steps:
Step 1: Start with a Search Query
Pick a topic relevant to your website or business. For example, if your website focuses on whiskey, search for something like "best whiskey brands" on Google. Scroll down to the "People Also Ask" section, which will display a list of frequently asked questions related to your query.
Step 2: Select Questions
Identify the most relevant or interesting questions in the PAA section. For instance, questions like "What is the smoothest whiskey to drink?" or "How is whiskey made?" could resonate with your audience.
Step 3: Take a Screenshot for Simplicity
Use your favorite screenshot tool to capture the questions you’ve chosen. This step helps you document the questions for later reference and ensures you don’t lose track of the ideas you’ve selected.
Step 4: Use an AI Tool for Content Generation
David recommends using AI-based tools, such as Google’s Perplexity tool or any large language model (LLM), to generate concise answers for each question. Simply copy your screenshot or manually input the questions into the AI tool, then create a prompt like:
"Using my website as a base, write a 120-word answer for each question."
AI-powered tools can recognize patterns in the text, including PAA-style questions, and deliver well-structured responses quickly.
Step 5: Organize Content Strategically
David emphasizes two ways to structure the content:
- Individual Pages: Create a separate page for each question, using the question itself as the page title and URL slug (e.g., "/how-is-whiskey-made"). This method maximizes relevance and allows for deeper topical authority.
- Accordion-Style FAQ Section: If your website already has strong authority, you can house all the questions under a single FAQ page with expandable sections.
Step 6: Avoid Over-Reliance on Schema
While FAQ schema markup can provide structure to your FAQ content and make it easier for Google to parse, David argues that schema alone does not directly influence rankings. Instead, focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that answers user queries thoroughly. Schema can be used as a supplement but isn’t a necessity.
Pro Tips for Optimizing Your PAA Content
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Use Descriptive Subfolders
If you’re creating individual FAQ pages for different topics (e.g., whiskey, tequila, vodka), use clear and descriptive subfolders to keep your content organized (e.g., "/whiskey-faqs/" or "/vodka-questions/"). -
Make It Scannable
Ensure the answers are easy to read by using short paragraphs, bullet points, or numbered lists where applicable. -
Encourage Topical Relevance
Smaller websites with less authority should prioritize maximum relevance to the search phrase by ensuring an exact match between the question and the page title or URL. -
Regular Updates
Google’s PAA section evolves over time as user behavior changes. Revisit your chosen questions periodically to ensure your content remains relevant and up to date. -
Experiment and Test
David stresses the importance of experimentation in SEO. Try different approaches, observe the results, and refine your strategy accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- The "People Also Ask" section is a free and powerful tool for SEO: Use it to uncover user intent and generate topical authority maps and content ideas.
- AI tools can streamline content creation: Save time by using AI to draft concise answers to PAA questions.
- Structure matters: Consider creating individual pages for each FAQ to enhance topical relevance or use an accordion-style layout for established websites.
- Schema is optional: While helpful for structuring content, schema is not a ranking factor and should not overshadow the importance of high-quality content.
- Experimentation is key: Continuously test and refine your approach to find what works best for your website’s niche.
Conclusion
David Quaid’s PAA hack is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their approach to SEO. By leveraging questions from the "People Also Ask" section, you can quickly create content that resonates with your audience and builds your topical authority. Best of all, this method requires no expensive tools or technical expertise - just a strategic mindset and a willingness to experiment.
Whether you’re a small business owner or an individual looking to grow your online presence, this time-saving hack is an excellent way to boost organic traffic while keeping your SEO efforts manageable. Start implementing it today and watch your authority - and rankings - grow.
Source: "The 5-Minute SEO Hack: Turn ‘People Also Ask’ Into Instant Topical Authority" - Edward Sturm, YouTube, Dec 23, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHFrWBzg9c4
