A step-by-step guide is a format that breaks a procedure down into numbered steps in the order in which they are performed. It is particularly well suited to generative search engines, because it has an unambiguous structure and can be adopted without interpretation. A usable guide has four parts: what the outcome is, what needs to be ready before starting, the steps themselves, and finally common mistakes or what to do if something does not work. Formulate each step as a single action with a clear verb at the start, stating how you know it was successful. Avoid steps that actually contain five activities, and references such as as mentioned above. If the procedure involves branching depending on the situation, state this at the start of the step, not only in a note beneath it.
See also: Definition Sentence at the Beginning, Question-based headings, Dual Audience of Content.
