A Guide to Crafting How-To Content Online
If you own your own business then you are most likely an expert in your field, and your Customers are in need of that expertise. An excellent and easy way to provide them with this, is by creating how-to content online.
Creating this content will showcase your skills and establish your brand as an industry leader. We want to see your Small Business succeed, and that’s why this week’s blog is all about how you can create the best how-to content online. So, keep reading to learn how you can become a how-to expert!
Choose Relevant Topics
Choosing the correct topics is the most important step when it comes to creating online how-to guides. You need to select topics that you are knowledgeable about, otherwise your audience will immediately know that you haven’t got a clue about what you’re talking about, turning them off of your business and giving you a bad reputation.
On top of the topics having to be something that you are knowledgeable in, you also need to make sure that
they align with your business’s niche to help establish it as an industry leader, and a brand that can be trusted as an expert in its field.
Go a step further by researching your audience to understand what their common questions, challenges, tasks, interests, pain points, and needs are so that you can tailor your content. It allows you to provide them with solutions that they are looking for. This will give them an extra appreciation for your business, giving you more loyal customers and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Be Clear and Concise
The point of how-to content is to teach people something, so if they don’t understand what you are saying, they will not learn anything. That’s why it’s important to communicate your instructions in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Avoid using jargon and technical terms that will confuse your audience, leading them to look elsewhere for their educational content.
Break down the process into clear steps and
organise your content in a logical sequence to create a well-structured guide that is easy for your audience to follow.
Use Visuals
Not even the most avid reader likes to read walls of boring instructional text, and it can be difficult for a lot of people to learn that way. That’s why incorporating visuals into your how-to content is imperative to its success.
Using photos, infographics, and diagrams to visually illustrate each step not only enhances comprehension, but also makes your content more engaging. This ensures that your audience understands your content and wants to come back for more.
How-to guides do not just have to be written,
video content is incredibly popular
and effective for this kind of content. Record video tutorials showcasing each step of the process. Using YouTube for longer and more complex tutorials, and platforms such as Instagram or TikTok for more simple guides, will have your customers engaged and keen for more.
Optimise for Search Engines
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is important for any content you create online, and how-to guides are no different. Since the point of a how-to guide is for people to follow it, you want to make sure that they actually see it. SEO ensures this by improving your content in global Search Engine Results Pages such as Google, exposing it to a large worldwide audience.
Achieve this by using
relevant industry keywords in your titles, headings and descriptions. This means that the people reading and following your how-to guides are actually in need of your advice, as well as your products and services, increasing the chances that they will become a Customer of your business.
If you follow our tips, you will be creating interesting and engaging how-to content that your audience will love reading. And that means they will want to consume more of your content, and you need to give them the opportunity to do so.
Guide your audience on what to do next after consuming your how-to guides. Whether it's subscribing to your newsletter, exploring your products, or following you on Social Media,
a clear call to action encourages your readers to engage with other aspects of your business online, increasing the chances that they will become loyal Customers.
It’s not just enough to post your how-to content online, even the best how-to guide in the world is still useless if no one is reading it. Like with anything you create online, you need to promote it!
Share your how-to content across your Social Media platforms,
using catchy captions to engage your current audience, encouraging them to revisit your products and services. To reach a wider audience
use relevant hashtags to your industry to gain new Customers who are actively looking for someone with your expertise.
Go a step further by
encouraging user-generated content (UGC). Invite your audience to ask questions, share their own tips and experiences, and provide feedback in the comments section. Respond to their comments promptly to foster engagement and
create a loyal community around your business that will actively look forward to your how-to guides and other content.
Whether it's DIY tutorials, step-by-step guides, or instructional videos, creating valuable how-to content can build a loyal Customer base that comes to you for your expertise. And if you follow our tips, you and your business will be well on your way to becoming industry leaders!
