This Is Why Most How-To Articles Suck
A snarky writer’s opinion
Most how-to articles suck.
Have you ever looked up how to do something online, only to be disappointed by the results? If you’re like me, you’ve probably had this experience more times than you can count.
Whether it’s how to fix a clogged sink or how to make a perfect omelet, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding an article that doesn’t provide any real guidance on the topic.
These articles promise step-by-step instructions on completing a task only to fall short on the delivery.
Here is why.
Here’s Why Most How-To Articles Suck
How to articles suck because they tell you what to do not how to do it.
Here is a made-up example about gardening:
Spring is the perfect time to start a garden! Whether you have a green thumb or have never gardened before, there are plenty of ways to get started. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not to mention, it can save you money at the grocery store. But where do you begin? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with small steps. Pick one or two crops that you’d like to grow, and do some research on how to best care for them. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can add more plants to your garden next season.
That’s a lovely little paragraph that doesn’t tell us anything.
Ok, it does say to pick one or two crops. That’s something tangible. But that’s WHAT to do not HOW to pick the crops.
How do we decide? What does the author suggest we start with?
I want details.
And details are what is missing from most how-to articles. Walk me through each step, talk to me about what can go wrong, how to avoid mistakes, and tips that show me you know what you’re talking about.
There’s a big difference between pretending at writing how-to and actually writing it.
Another Sucky How-To Article Example
To really hammer this idea home, let’s look at another example. I always learn best that way and, hopefully, you do, too.
Here’s a bad example of a paragraph about how to bowl:
Just like with any sport, practice makes perfect when it comes to bowling. The more you bowl, the better you’ll get. Also, be sure to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. And that’s really all there is to it! So get out there and start bowling!
Really? That’s it?
I just show up with a bottle of water and some good shoes.
You didn’t even tell me how to pick a ball, how to stand, or how to roll the bowling ball down the bowling alley lane.
I’ll be standing by the bowling balls in my comfortable shoes without a clue of what to do.
Not every article needs to be an encyclopedia of information.
That is unrealistic. But, offering some practical tips is not too much to ask.
10 Quick Tips To Write a Better How-To Article
If you want to write better how-to articles, keep these 10 tips in mind:
- Choose a topic that you are passionate about and have some knowledge of. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and ensure that your article is packed with useful information.
- Research your topic thoroughly. Look up YouTube videos on how to do the task. Read a few good articles on the topic. If you can get your hands on a kid’s book on the subject, those are usually easy to read and simplify everything. You can usually find these online on Amazon, at a local bookstore, or at your local library. If you don’t know where to look, ask your librarian for help.
- Perform and practice the task you want to describe. Run through the task from start to finish several times, taking notes on each step, movement, resource, and micro-action involved.
- Outline your article before you start writing. Use your notes from the last step to develop your outline. Each step or micro-action in your task becomes a subheading in your article or guide. This will give you a clear road map to follow and make sure that your final article is well-organized and flow smoothly.
- Keep your language as simple and clear as possible. Remember that your goal is to instruct and inform your reader, not to impress them with your vast vocabulary.
- Use short paragraphs and bullet points. This helps break up your text and make it more easily digestible for the reader. No one wants to be faced with a huge wall of text.
- Ask yourself good questions. As you explain each micro-action in the task, stop and ask yourself, “Am I leaving anything out?” And, “Am I assuming that the reader knows something that I’m not saying?” If so, put it in and write it in your guide.
- Don’t skip any steps. Even if you think they are too small and too obvious to mention. So many how-to articles skip steps. This is confusing and unnecessary.
- Examples, examples, examples. Whenever possible, give an example, case study, and template to follow.
- Crowdsource Feedback. When you’re done with your first draft, send the article to 3–5 people who don’t know how to do the task.
Ask them to read your article and attempt to follow the instructions to perform the task.
Then, ask them to give you feedback on whether they could do the task, if you left anything out, and what would make the guide even more helpful for others.
Good How-To Article Example
Let’s revisit that bowling example.
While this paragraph might not be 100% perfect, it’s lightyears ahead of the first one in terms of helpfulness:
To bowl, you will need to find a bowling alley and rent a lane.
You can do this by the hour or by the game. Then, you will need to select a ball. Bowling balls come in different weights and sizes. Pick a ball that comfortably fits your fingers and that you can easily carry. Pick up a few bowling balls to test their fit and weight.
Once you have chosen a ball, you will need to select the correct size of shoe. Shoes also come in different sizes.
After you have chosen your equipment, you will need to practice your form. When you are ready to bowl, you will approach the lane with your bowl. Take a step forward and swing your bowling arm back slightly behind you. Then bring your arm (and the ball) forward.
When your arm is extended and the bowling ball faces the bowling lane, release the ball so that it rolls down the lane and hits the pins.
You will continue this process for one or two turns. If you knock down all 10 pins on your first try, it is called a strike. Then it’s the next person’s turn. If you knock down all 10 pins on your second try, it is called a spare.
Scoring in bowling is based on how many tries it takes to knock down all 10 pins.
The more tries it takes, the lower your score will be.
See, that’s much better.
Not perfect, but better. I might have a chance at bowling.
If possible, it would be nice to include an image and video tutorial showing someone bowling, the mistakes beginners make, and answering any frequently asked questions.
When writing how-to content about something more intangible, like producing content, you can use free, “copy-and-paste” templates, screen recordings, and other helpful resources.
For example, in a blog post about how to write a cold email, you might provide a template like this:
Subject: <Product Name> ___________________________Hi <First Name>, ____________________If you’re like most people, you’re always looking for ways to <Customer Problem/Pain Point>. ____________________________<Product Name> is the perfect solution. ____________________________<Reason 1> ______________________________________________. ____________________________ Not to mention, <Reason 2> __________________________________________________. ____________________________ So what are you waiting for? Give <Product Name> a try today and see how much time and money you can save! ____________________________ Thank you, ____________________________ <Your name> ____________________________ <Your title> ____________________________ <Your company>
Final Thoughts
When I write one of these meta articles, I’m always afraid that I did a shit job, that I flubbed my way through with poorly executed commentary.
Writing good how-to articles, guides, and books is hard.
That’s why a lot of writers fudge around the edges, get all blurry in the middle, and stop short of providing real value.
Thanks for reading!
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- My Entire Free Blogging Guide (Growing List of My Writing Articles)
- How To Dominate a Niche With Content Velocity
- I Tested the Free AI Writer From H-Supertools
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