Knowledge bases are one of the most crucial tools you can have when trying to find information about a topic quickly. These platforms provide documentation, images, and resources that help users solve problems and provide answers to common questions. The best part about a knowledge base is its centralization, which means you don’t have to hop around from website to website when trying to find information. Instead, you can easily access all the relevant details in one place.
While knowledge bases are excellent, some platforms don’t always get it right. In this post, we will share some of the top features that make a good knowledge base platform and what you should look out for when searching for one. Whether you are building your own or looking for a new platform, understanding these key features will help ensure you end up with a knowledge base that meets your needs.
Good Search Functionality
A knowledge base is only valuable if you can find relevant information easily. That is why the best platforms always include a powerful and robust search engine that allows users to find content using titles or keywords. For example, searching for “computer” on your knowledge base platform should return all the relevant articles, FAQs, and resources related to computers.
Some knowledge base platforms also take things a step further by including a brief description of each article. This summary makes it easier for you to scan through the results and filter out irrelevant pages without clicking on each link. So, when building or searching for a knowledge base, be sure that it always includes a solid search engine.
Multiple Content Types
The best knowledge base platforms understand that a picture is worth a thousand words. This is why they allow various media types when creating content. For instance, an article about windows may include multiple images to make it easier to understand the difference between each design. This visual support allows you to quickly break down and take in complex ideas without reading the entire article when you want to learn something new.
Beyond boosting learning, content that includes pictures, audio, and videos is more engaging. You are more likely to read through and understand an article with infographics and images than just a long block of text. Top knowledge bases also feature extensive image libraries, making it easy to access information related to the most striking images.
Access to Fresh and Popular Information
Leading knowledge bases will always keep you up-to-date by highlighting the latest information that someone has added. Depending on the platform, this may be a list of the most recent articles or an email that lets you know when another user posts something new and fresh. This ensures your finger is always on the pulse and you know the latest findings.
Some knowledge bases also display a list of the most popular articles and posts published on the platform. This feature allows you to access the most relevant and frequently viewed content, helping you discover information that others have found helpful. By showcasing these articles, you can be confident that you can always access high-quality and in-demand information.
