Guide

What is a guide?
Key features of guides
Who needs guides and why
Types of guides in internet marketing
How to write a guide
Checklist for reviewing a guide

What is a guide?

A guide is a tool that helps to understand a specific topic and solve various tasks or problems. It can be presented in various formats, such as step-by-step instructions, lists of recommendations, or checklists. Guides can range from brief to extensive materials with tables, illustrations, graphs, and even videos. However, their main purpose remains unchanged: to provide the reader with an answer to the question "How can I do this?".

Key features of guides

Guides have several important characteristics:

Narrow focus: Each guide covers only one specific task or topic.
Situationality: The guide specifies for whom it is intended and in what situations it will be useful.
Action algorithm: All recommendations are presented in a sequential order, allowing the reader to easily follow them.

Who needs guides and why

Guides are published on various platforms, including blogs, specialized websites, and newsletters. They are intended for both beginners and professionals. Detailed manuals can be useful for anyone who needs help working with a specific topic or is looking for clear instructions. The main tasks that guides solve include:

Training beginners: Guides help novice specialists acquire new skills, for example, designers learn to work with editors.
Process optimization: They simplify the execution of routine tasks, for example, by providing templates for reports.
Problem solving: They help users deal with typical issues, such as software crashes or internet connectivity problems.
Improving user experience: They explain complex processes, such as the onboarding process in apps.
Developing and implementing strategies: They provide clarity in new initiatives, such as rebranding, by offering instructions for all employees.

Additionally, guides can serve as lead magnets, offering valuable information in exchange for contact details. For example, the company LeadHit offers guides for entrepreneurs that can be obtained by providing an email address.

Types of guides in internet marketing

In internet marketing, guides are an important tool. Let's look at several popular types:

Content marketing guides: These materials help attract and retain an audience, increase brand awareness, and demonstrate expertise.
Research guides: They describe the steps for conducting marketing research, including interview questions and data collection methods.
How-to guides: Instructions for performing technically complex processes, such as creating branded products or ad placement.
Guidelines: Methodological recommendations describing standards for performing processes, such as the use of brand style.

How to write a guide

Creating a guide requires an approach that considers the target audience and topic. Here are several steps to assist in this process:

Define the target audience: Understand who you are writing for and adapt the style and terminology to their level of knowledge.
Research the topic: Focus on one specific task and conduct research to ensure you are confident in your knowledge.
Create an outline: Determine the structure of the guide, including the problem statement, relevance of the topic, and the process for solving it.
Write the guide: Follow the outline, avoiding unnecessary information and focusing on clarity and accessibility of presentation.
Add visual content: Use diagrams, images, and other elements to make the material more illustrative.

Checklist for reviewing a guide

Before publication, it is recommended to evaluate the completed guide using a checklist to identify shortcomings and improve the material. Here is an example checklist: