Why do people read blogs and websites in the first place?
Some are drawn to an interesting writing style, a unique approach, or personal stories shared by bloggers.
But most people are looking for answers. They want to solve a problem, learn more about a topic, or figure out how to do something.
That’s why it’s important to create content that meets your audience’s needs. One of the best ways to do that is by writing how-to articles.
How-to articles are some of the most shared and popular types of content, right alongside infographics.
But they aren’t always easy to create. If you want to learn how to write a compelling how-to article that drives traffic to your website, here’s where to start:
1. Know Your Target Audience
Before you start writing, think about your audience. Do they already know a lot about the topic, or are they just getting started?
When you know your readers’ skill level, it’s easier to choose the right words, examples, and how much detail to include.
Ask yourself:
- Are my readers beginners or experts?
- Do they want simple tips or advanced advice?
- Will they understand special terms or should I explain them?
2. Write a Practical How-to Article
The more you understand your niche, the easier it is to choose a relevant and appealing topic. The internet is full of how-to articles, many poorly written or too basic.
Don’t add to the noise. Instead, write articles that educate your audience and offer your unique perspective.
Focused articles on specific topics often perform better than broad, general ones. Just make sure your topic isn’t so narrow that you struggle to find enough material.
How to choose a topic for a how-to article:
- Decide what you want to write about. Do you want to cover the basics, or are you up for in-depth niche research and ideas?
- Think about topics related to your niche that you know best. Make a list of them to make it easier to come up with new ideas.
- Think of 2–3 article ideas for each one.
- Pick the ones that are most useful and interesting.
- Do a quick search to see if there’s enough information available.
- Choose a topic you’re excited to write about right now.
3. Check Out Other How-To Articles on the Same Topic
Search for similar how-to articles online. This helps you avoid repeating what others have already said and gives you new ideas or extra information.
Check out:
- How-to articles written by niche experts
- Articles written by top bloggers in your niche
- Articles posted on trusted websites that feature well-researched content
This can help you write something more useful and original.
4. Ask an Expert (If You Can)
This is an optional tip worth following whenever you have the chance.
Expert quotes can add credibility and fresh insight to your article. If possible, reach out to experts on social media or by email and ask them a question related to the how-to article you’re working on.
If they respond, be sure to credit them properly and let them know when the article is published. They may even share it with their audience.
5. Use Images to Explain Things Better
Pictures always make a how-to article better. For posts where context is the main focus, like an article about how to blog consistently, using 1–2 images is enough since there aren’t many ways to illustrate it.
But if you write about how to write a guest post, screenshots can show readers step-by-step how to do it. Articles with pictures usually get more attention.
Whenever possible, add screenshots, illustrations, photos, or infographics. They add value to your content and keep readers engaged longer on your website.
There are plenty of websites where you can find images to make your posts more interesting and appealing.
For example, you can find free images on sites like Pixabay. This way, you won’t violate copyrights and can easily illustrate your article.
However, keep in mind that the number of free images available is quite limited. If you mainly write about one topic, it might become hard to find new, unused images over time.
In that case, you can look for images on larger photo stock sites like Shutterstock.com. While you do have to pay for them, the prices are reasonable, and you’ll get high-quality, royalty-free images.
Final Step: Review and Edit Your How-to Article
When you’re done writing, don’t publish it right away. Take a break, then come back and read it again with fresh eyes. Edit any parts that feel unclear, and check your grammar using tools like Grammarly.
Writing how-to articles takes time and practice. But the more you do it, the better you’ll get. Soon, you’ll find yourself writing new posts more easily, and your readers will appreciate you sharing your experience.
