While the core function of Quora as a question-and-answer platform remains the same, here is a beginner's guide based on its usage and best practices around 2021:

Quora is a social question-and-answer website where questions are asked, answered, and organized by its community of users.

1. Getting Started and Setting Up Your Profile
Sign Up: Go to Quora.com or download the mobile app and sign up using your Google, Facebook, or email account.

Choose Topics: You will be prompted to select topics of interest (e.g., Digital Marketing, Cooking, Programming, History). This step is crucial, as it builds your personalized feed.

Optimize Your Profile: Your profile is your authority badge.

Profile Picture: Use a clear, professional-looking image (similar to your other professional social media accounts).

Bio/Credentials: This is the most important part. Under your name, add a concise credential that shows your expertise. (e.g., Blogger at [Your Blog Name], Software Developer with 10+ years experience, Former NASA Engineer). This credential is shown next to every answer you write.

"Knows About" Topics: Manually list and set your expertise topics to further establish your authority.

2. Navigating the Quora Interface
Home Feed: The main page, which is a stream of questions and answers based on the topics you follow and your past activity.

Answer: The "Answer" tab (often represented by a pen/paper icon) shows you a curated list of questions that Quora believes you can answer, based on your profile and topics. This is the best place to find questions to contribute to.

Spaces: These are like mini-communities or groups (similar to Facebook Groups or subreddits) focused on a niche topic. You can follow them to see specific content or join to contribute.

Notifications: Keeps you updated on upvotes, comments, people following you, and questions you've been asked to answer.

Search Bar: Use this to find specific topics, questions, users, or Spaces.

3. Asking Questions
When asking a question, keep these tips in mind:

Search First: Use the search bar to see if your question has already been answered. If it has, read the existing answers instead of creating a duplicate.

Be Clear and Concise: Write the question naturally, starting with Why, How, What, Is, Do, etc. (e.g., "What are the best tips for a beginner to start learning Spanish?").

Use Good Grammar: Well-written questions are more likely to be answered by experts.

Tag Relevant Topics: After writing the question, make sure to add all relevant topics so the right experts see it in their "Answer" feed.

4. Answering Questions (The Key to Success)
The goal is to provide high-quality, insightful, and comprehensive answers that get Upvotes and establish your authority.

Target Questions: Use the "Answer" tab to find questions related to your expertise. Prioritize questions with a good number of "Followers" (which indicates interest) but fewer existing answers.

Write In-Depth: Great answers are well-structured, easy to read, and detailed.

Format: Use headings, bold text, bullet points, and numbered lists.

Cite Sources: If you use data or facts, include references or links.

Personalize: Share your personal experience, anecdotes, or case studies to back up your points.

Include a Call-to-Action (Optional, but strategic): If appropriate and allowed by Quora policy, you can link to a relevant resource on your website or blog within a comprehensive answer to drive traffic. (e.g., "If you want to read more about this, I wrote an in-depth guide on my blog here...")

Engage: Respond to comments on your answers to foster a community and show that you are an active user.

5. Building Your Presence
Be Consistent: Post a few high-quality answers every week. Consistency helps build your reputation and followership.

Upvote Quality: Upvote answers that are genuinely helpful. This helps Quora surface the best content.

Follow Others: Follow experts in your field to learn from them and see what topics are trending.