If a step is weird or counterintuitive, briefly explain why. ("Lower the temperature now so the glass doesn't crack.") 3. Visual Landmarks People don't read; they scan.
The most valuable part of a guide is telling the reader what to do when things go wrong.
Start sentences with actions. "Click the button," "Whisk the eggs," "Unscrew the panel."
Don't dive straight into step one. Tell the reader why they are here.
Every few steps, describe what the project should look like. "At this stage, your mixture should look like wet sand." 4. The "Safety Net" (Troubleshooting)
What will they achieve? (e.g., "By the end, you'll have a fully functional garden irrigation system.")
"If the light is blinking red, you need to reset the router." FAQ: Answer the one question everyone asks at the 50% mark. 5. The "Success" Close
List every tool, app, or ingredient needed before they start. 2. The "Atomic" Steps Break the process down into the smallest possible actions.
If a step is weird or counterintuitive, briefly explain why. ("Lower the temperature now so the glass doesn't crack.") 3. Visual Landmarks People don't read; they scan.
The most valuable part of a guide is telling the reader what to do when things go wrong.
Start sentences with actions. "Click the button," "Whisk the eggs," "Unscrew the panel." If a step is weird or counterintuitive, briefly explain why
Don't dive straight into step one. Tell the reader why they are here.
Every few steps, describe what the project should look like. "At this stage, your mixture should look like wet sand." 4. The "Safety Net" (Troubleshooting) The most valuable part of a guide is
What will they achieve? (e.g., "By the end, you'll have a fully functional garden irrigation system.")
"If the light is blinking red, you need to reset the router." FAQ: Answer the one question everyone asks at the 50% mark. 5. The "Success" Close Tell the reader why they are here
List every tool, app, or ingredient needed before they start. 2. The "Atomic" Steps Break the process down into the smallest possible actions.
