10 things to do after making a question box: day-one setup checklist

Creating it is not enough

The moment their question box is created and the URL is issued, many people feel satisfied: "Done!" But just creating a question box won't bring in a single question. What you set up and how you announce it afterward decide whether your question box takes off.

Finish the following 10 steps on the same day you create your question box. It takes about 15-20 minutes in total. Just work through this checklist from top to bottom, and your question box will start off in the best possible shape.

Setup 1-4: dashboard settings

1. Check Review before delivery. In the dashboard settings, make sure "Review before delivery" is on (it is on from the start). With it on, abusive or aggressive questions are automatically labeled "Needs review."

2. Set your nickname. This is the name shown on your question box's public page. Using the same name as your social media account is common, but you don't need to use your real name. Pick a name that lets your followers think, "Oh, this is X's question box."

3. Choose a font for share images. Choose the font for the image created when you share an answered Q&A. Pick a font that matches the feel of your account. If you can't decide, we recommend Noto Sans JP (easy to read and neutral).

4. Copy your question box URL. Copy the URL shown in your dashboard. Sharing this URL on social media lets your followers send you questions.

Setup 5-7: update your social media profile

5. Add the URL to your social media profile. On X, put your question box URL in the "Website" field, and on Instagram, in the "Links" field. If you use more than one social network, add it to every profile.

6. Add a short note to your bio. Add a short line to your profile bio, like "Taking anonymous questions" or "I have a question box." Some followers won't know what a bare URL links to. Adding just one line raises your click rate.

7. Pin a post. On X, you can pin a post to the top of your profile. Write a post like "I made a question box! Ask me anything anonymously" and pin it. It's the most reliable way to announce it, because everyone who visits your profile sees it.

Setup 8-10: your first announcement and getting things started

8. Announce it on your timeline. Post something like "I made a question box! You can ask me anything anonymously, so go ahead if you're curious about anything." Include the URL so your followers can get there in one tap. Aim to post when your followers are active (21:00-23:00 on weekdays, 10:00-12:00 on weekends and holidays).

9. Ask friends to send the first 2-3 questions. When you've just started a question box, the most effective thing you can do is have friends send you questions. Ask them: "I made a question box, send me something." When a few Q&As are already showing on your public page, other followers are more likely to think, "Maybe I'll send one too." A question box with zero questions is like a restaurant with no customers: hard to walk into.

10. Write your first answer with care. Even if the question is from a friend, put everything into your first answer. This answer becomes your question box's "first impression." When a careful, fun answer is up on your page, your followers feel, "This person's question box looks fun," and they get motivated to send questions.

Once you've done all this, your question box is off to a successful start. From there, all you need to do is keep announcing it once or twice a week and answer the questions you get with care. Don't panic if you get few questions in the first month. As long as you keep announcing it, more and more of your followers will come to know that "this person has a question box," and questions will naturally increase.

The first week after setup

Once your setup and announcements are done, how you spend the first week is what matters. How you act here decides whether your question box takes root.

First, respond to the questions you get as much as you can. Even if there are only a few, showing that you answer them carefully tells people, "This person will answer." On days when no questions come, don't panic, and keep casually announcing it every two or three days.

It also works well to suggest a topic yourself. If you say "I want to talk about my favorite music," it gives people a reason to ask. The first week is the time to plant seeds. Even if nothing sprouts right away, steady effort eventually leads to a lively question box.