writing the article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u00b7 Tell them how they are going to BENEFIT<\/strong> from your article.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou have the added advantage of attention when you write it conversationally. Do not address the masses. Write as if you are writing it for one person, the one reader. When you talk to your audience one-on-one, they are more receptive and attentive to what you have to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The What<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhat is it that you are writing about? I meant it when I told you to keep it simple. You need to define everything you are going to mention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also need to be clear about your intentions with writing a piece of content. Otherwise, your reader will keep false expectations and be majorly disappointed with your article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without wasting anybody\u2019s time, express what your article is going to be about and also what it is not about, and bring your audience on the same page as you are. Clear away any misconceptions and ambiguities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Why<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFirst, ask yourself why your reader wants to know it in the first place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why does it matter? Why should they be doing what you are teaching in your guide? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is in it for them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your reader needs constant reassurances that they are headed in the right direction and what they are doing is worthwhile. Give them just that. State all the benefits of learning from your how-to guide. Highlight the take-aways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it the right thing for them? If yes, why? You tell them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The How<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThose were all the appetisers to your content, and here comes the main course. This is why your reader is here in the first place. Make it easy for them, won\u2019t you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Give them clear step-by-step instructions on the how-to. Make use of doable action verbs to instruct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Write them in structured numbered or bullet points. Write in categories and sub-categories to make it comprehensive and understandable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make use of diagrams, images, infographics, or any type of visual aids which you may find relevant for your content. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give examples and analogies. Paint a verbal picture for your reader to watch and learn from.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can and should give out links to other sources which they may find useful and can refer for follow-up information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Include any additional tips that may be not part of the process but useful just the same.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Give all the necessary details about the words or terms you use, tell them where they can find something that they may need to perform the task, like the tools to build something, ingredients in case of recipes, what are the alternative options and methods etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understand that the reader could be new to this and has several inhibitions. Comfort them and urge them on. Address those possible fears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYour article is incomplete without a conclusion. It is the place where you summarize the entire post from what you promised in the introduction, key points delivered in your content, make an emotional appeal to leave a lasting impact on the readers\u2019 minds. It is that final reassurance you are giving them if there are any more lingering doubts. It is better to have a call to action too, to engage your readers till the end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Last word<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAll I can say in the end is, educational content has eternal value. But do not get caught up in the curse of knowledge effect. You cannot assume they know certain things because it is something people are \u201csupposed to know\u201d it, nor can you be showing off what you know. Write with the presumption that they don\u2019t know yet, they are beginners and you are introducing the concept to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be the favourite guide or teacher for your readers. A teacher they will remember!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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