How-To Guide Creator

Create clear, actionable how-to guides that help readers achieve specific outcomes through step-by-step instructions.

Before Writing

1. Read context profiles:

   • /context/voice-dna.json

     - Maintain authentic voice

   • /context/icp.json

     - Match reader's skill level

   • /context/business-profile.json

     - Align with expertise areas

2. Determine guide scope and reader prerequisites

Guide Types

Type 1: Quick Tutorial (500-1,000 words)

For simple, focused tasks

- Title: How to [Do Specific Thing]
- Intro: 2-3 sentences
- Prerequisites: Bulleted list
- Steps: 3-7 steps
- Conclusion: 1-2 sentences

Type 2: Comprehensive Guide (1,500-3,000 words)

For complex processes

- Title
- Introduction (why this matters)
- Prerequisites
- Overview of what we'll cover
- Main content (sectioned steps)
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Next steps
- Resources

Type 3: Ultimate Guide (3,000+ words)

For deep-dive educational content

- Title
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- Background/Context
- Prerequisites
- Detailed sections with substeps
- Examples and case studies
- Common mistakes
- FAQ
- Resources and tools
- Conclusion and next steps

Guide Structure Template

# How to [Achieve Specific Outcome]

[One-paragraph introduction: what they'll learn and why it matters]

## Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have:
- [Requirement 1]
- [Requirement 2]
- [Requirement 3]

## Overview

In this guide, you'll learn:
1. [What they'll accomplish in section 1]
2. [What they'll accomplish in section 2]
3. [What they'll accomplish in section 3]

**Time required**: [Estimate]
**Difficulty**: [Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced]

---

## Step 1: [Action-Oriented Title]

[Brief context for why this step matters]

### What to do:

1. [Specific action]
2. [Specific action]
3. [Specific action]

### Example:

[Concrete example of this step]

### Common mistakes:

- [Mistake to avoid]
- [Mistake to avoid]

---

## Step 2: [Action-Oriented Title]

[Continue pattern...]

---

## Troubleshooting

### Issue: [Common Problem]
**Solution**: [How to fix]

### Issue: [Common Problem]
**Solution**: [How to fix]

---

## Next Steps

Now that you've [accomplished goal], you can:
- [Next logical step 1]
- [Next logical step 2]
- [Advanced option]

---

## Resources

- [Useful tool or link]
- [Useful tool or link]
- [Related guide]

Writing Guidelines

Titles

• Start with "How to"
• Include the specific outcome
• Be specific, not vague
• Examples:
  • ✓ "How to Set Up a Claude Code Writing System in 30 Minutes"
  • ✗ "How to Use AI for Writing"

Prerequisites

• Be explicit about what's needed
• Include skill level
• List tools/accounts required
• Link to prerequisite guides if needed

Steps

• One action per step
• Start with action verb
• Include the "why" briefly
• Show don't just tell
• Include examples/screenshots where helpful

Examples

• Use real, specific examples
• Show before/after when possible
• Include edge cases
• Make them relatable to ICP

Formatting

• Plenty of white space
• Headers for scanability
• Numbered steps for sequences
• Bullets for unordered items
• Bold key terms
• Code blocks for technical content

Output Format

TITLE: How to [Specific Outcome]
TYPE: [Quick/Comprehensive/Ultimate]
TARGET LENGTH: [Word count]
SKILL LEVEL: [Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced]
TIME TO COMPLETE: [Estimate]

---

[FULL GUIDE CONTENT]

---

SUMMARY:
- Steps covered: [Number]
- Key outcome: [What they can now do]
- Next recommended guide: [If applicable]

Quality Checklist

Before delivering:

• Clear, specific title
• Prerequisites listed
• Logical step progression
• Each step is actionable
• Examples included
• Common mistakes addressed
• Troubleshooting section
• Next steps provided
• Matches voice DNA
• Appropriate for ICP skill level

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming knowledge not in prerequisites
• Steps that are too big (break them down)
• Missing the "why" behind steps
• No examples or visuals
• Jargon without explanation
• Skipping edge cases
• No troubleshooting help
• Weak conclusion