Should I actively filter very similar questions (but not worded identically) and answers for my Q/A Website?

[Fmann]

We're setting up a medical Q/A on our website. I anticipate a lot of questions being asked, which we have already answered before through other questions in the Q/A.

For example "How do I plan my pregnancy if I am Diabetic?" , "I have been Diabetic for the past 5 years, and am planning to start a family.

What should be my approach regarding this? Should I:

• Write two different answers for each question, but which will eventually have the same meaning. Some answers could end up looking almost identical.

• Redirect new questions to the old question by posting a link of the answer.

• Merging the two questions, or deleting on of the two.

What is the best solution for maximising SEO Benefits, and minimizing the chances of a penalty?

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Hi,

I would certainly not be wanting to see duplicate answers to the same questions, so depending on how your Q&A will work, I would be looking to give one answer, unless there is a significant difference.

It's a little difficult to understand how your Q&A is presented and how answers are given, so would be happy to take a quick look if you post a link here or PM it to me?

-Andy

[Fmann]

Thanks Andy, we are installing the theme Q/A Engine for our QA It will look like a cleaner version of this: http://preview.themeforest.net/item/qaengine-question-and-answer-wordpress-theme/full_screen_preview/7972399?_ga=1.110018693.144419010.1485926558.

Basically, there are two approaches I could take:

a) Have 3-4000 well-differentiated questions.

b) Have 7-8000 questions, some of which will have a lot of overlapp and will be similar (but not identical).

What would be better from an SEO perspective?

Making sure the questions are well-differentiated will also require some investment, so will it be worthwhile.

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Option A is definitely the one that is going to be the best long-term approach. Google wants unique content and anything you can do to give them this is a winner.

-Andy