How To Article

How To

Article

A Step-by-Step Guide to
Writing a How-To Article

There are three sections you should include when
writing a how-to article:
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
B Title
The first step is to come up with an effective How-to
Article title, which should include your main keyword,
related to the how-to steps you’re going to discuss.
C Introduction
Create Emotional Connection With Audience
Celebrities have the ability to understand the feelings
of their audience. Start your article with a clever
anecdote or attention-grabbing point. You only have a
few seconds to get the attention of most Web surfers.
Make every moment count.
Choose a topic that you are very familiar with. Be
honest with yourself and take a refresher course on
the latest trends. More detailed articles will increase
the trust level between writer and reader.
Discuss the benefits of completing the task yourself.
What can be gained in terms of time, money and peace
of mind by following these “How To” steps? This creates
the “value principle” in your article. Spark the creative
process of your audience thinking more deeply about
the topic at hand.
D Body
What do I need to get started
Explain all of the resources you need to get started
such as materials, tools and equipment that will be
needed to complete the task. What types of stores
carry these items? What services online do you need?

You should name all the resources necessary so
that the reader can follow your how-to instructions
step-by-step. List them in the body section of the
article. For example, if you were making a cup
of hot tea, then the necessary supplies required
would be the following:
Necessary Supplies Required
1. Source to heat water (i.e. hot water
heater, stove and pot, microwave)
2. Tea bag
3. Tea cup
4. Spoon
5. Milk, cream, and or sugar (or plain)
As people begin to assess the costs involved, they
might conclude that hiring a professional makes
more sense. Allow the reader to make his or her
own conclusions based on the facts that you
present.
Create a Step-by-Step List
A bullet or numbered/ordered list is a great way
to break up the text of your article. Avoid the
boring “wall of text.” Some might simply peruse
the step-by-step instructions and follow them to
complete the task.
List your steps chronologically and discuss each
step completely. Review the list to ensure that
the proper sequence has been established. Put
yourself in the reader’s shoes: “Do these steps
make sense?” Then, list them in the body of your
article. For example, if you were making a cup of
tea, the following steps would be:
How-To Make Instructions
1. Boil the water
2. Put a tea bag into a cup
3. Pour hot water into the cup
4. Steep for 2-3 minutes
5. Remove the tea bag
6. Stir in some milk, cream, or sugar (or
plain)
7. Drink the tea
E Conclusion
Finish by Offering Advice
The “How To” article is really about process, not
about making a statement. A “How To” conclusion
can simply add helpful tips to make the overall
project a success. Tips and warnings can also be
given concerning common mistakes that people
make.
“How-to” articles are great ways to help people
improve themselves or their environment.
If they follow your steps, they can save time,
money and headaches. Add the finishing touch
by wishing your audience good luck in completing
the project