How To Write a Great "How-To" Article
"How-to" articles are very popular on the internet nowadays. I'm sure you've read at least one. (Or, if you read this blog regularly, you've read many.)
There are many benefits of writing a "how-to", some of which are:
- Search engine rankings- these articles are often keyword rich and full of information, and tend to rank high in search engines, given that you practice SEO regularly.
- Building writing skills- writing articles is not easy for many. But with regular practice, bloggers can learn the art of writing and improve the quality of their work, and perform at a faster rate.
- Learning- it is said that the best way to learn new things is by teaching others. I am a strong believer in this statement, and since I started IGTB, I have learned many new things by teaching others what I know.
A good thing about writing how-to articles is that anyone can do it, regardless of the subject. You can write about anything you want, whether it be about blogging, or building a boat, or playing the guitar. Write about what interests you. More often than not, someone else is bound to have an interest in it as well, and may benefit from the information you are offering.
Here are a few tips to help you write a link-worthy how-to:
Only write what you know.
This may seem like common sense, but there are bloggers out there who try to write about things they have little knowledge of and/or no experience doing. It's obvious when a blogger doesn't know what he or she is talking about, so save your time and reputation and cover topics you are familiar with.
If you feel you must write about something that you are not familiar with, at least take the time to do the research and learn all you can on the subject. Don't cut corners.
Make it idiot-proof.
How many times have you read instructions you couldn't understand? And how did that make you feel? Frustrated?
Be descriptive and precise. Explain why things must be a certain way. Clear communication is key- choose your words, phrases and sentences carefully.
Sometimes, when describing something a little more complicated, it helps to explain it one way, and then go back and explain it another way. Keep in mind that different people have different ways of thinking.
Write a catchy headline.
This is a necessity for any good article. A how-to is no different.
While it's not very fair that your headline could determine the success (or failure) of your article, it is the truth, and it's important that you spend some time coming up with an appropriate title for your post.
It must describe what your article is about, yet still catch the reader's eye (especially those who've subscribed to your feed).
Proofread.
It's important that you make a point to proofread your work. No matter how helpful and interesting your article may be, there are a lot of people out there who are turned off by poor spelling, grammar and punctuation, and it is possible that they may never return to your website if you do not follow the rules of writing. (Mistakes are okay now and then, but consistent mistakes are often seen as a sign of laziness on the blogger's part.)
And there you have it- four tips that could help you make a good how-to into something great. Any other suggestions?
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very good, thanks. well written on a helpful topic.
Posted by: TK | May 05, 2008 at 07:53 PM