How To Article Template Using The Recipe Format

How to articles and tutorials get a lot of traffic. People turn to the search engines to learn how to do things more and more. They do not bother with reading a whole book or blog when they are looking for a simple guide to complete a process. Your how to articles not only attract readers but they also demonstrate your experience to potential customers.
However, in order to write a successful how to article, you need to have a template that organizes your information and helps you present it to the reader logically. One how to format most of us are familiar with is the basic recipe with its list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expected results information.
How To Article Template
Introduction (Why)
Materials List (Ingredients)
Step One
(Caution)
Step Two
(Caution)
Step Three
(Caution)
Conclusion (Results)
How To Article Introduction
Before you launch into an explanation of how to do something, you may find it useful to explain to the readers why they would want to do it or why they would want to do it the way you will explain. For example, I introduced this article by explaining why you would write how to articles and why you would need a template to organize your articles.
Often readers know why they seek the information, so your introduction can be brief. Just explain enough to reassure readers that your information is what they seek.
How To Article Materials List
If the reader will need supplies or tools to complete the project, you should list all of these up front, just like the ingredients list of a recipe. Nothing is more frustrating than getting partway through a project and realizing you do not have a necessary component. Be sure to include any important details about size or compatibility between materials.
Some article writers find it helpful to blitz through a materials list expecting that they will have to go back and add items later that they remember while writing the step-by-step instructions.
How To Article Steps and Cautions
Now that you have a materials list, you can proceed with listing each step in the process. Remember to include any cautions within or immediately after each action step. Many people do not read ahead. They will complete each step as they read it, and will be very upset to read at the end of the instructions that they should have been wary of an error early in the process.
How To Article Conclusion
The last section of a how to article often details the expected results or further uses for the finished product. In a recipe, this may include the number of servings, the nutritional information, and recommended side dishes. This is also a good place to review anything the reader should double check to be sure everything was completed successfully.
When you have completed your how to article, you will want to review each step and confirm that everything you tell the reader to use is also listed in the materials list. If you can, ask a reader who is unfamiliar with the process you are describing to read your article to be sure your instructions are clear.
Finally, be sure to save a copy of your template so that your future how to articles are easier to write.