A How-To is a step-by-step instructional guide designed to teach users how to perform a specific task, solve a problem, or use a feature effectively. In SaaS and B2B ecosystems, how-to articles are an essential part of knowledge bases, onboarding materials, and customer education strategies, helping users become proficient with products and services.
What Is a How-To?
A how-to provides structured, actionable information that walks a user through a process, usually in chronological steps. It can be delivered as:
- 📄 Text-based documentation
- 🎥 Video tutorials
- 🖼 Visual walkthroughs (e.g., screenshots, diagrams)
- 🧠 Interactive guides (e.g., product tours, widgets)
A well-crafted how-to empowers users with self-service support and reduces the need for manual customer assistance.
Characteristics of an Effective How-To
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Step-by-Step Format | Clearly numbered or ordered instructions |
| Visual Support | Screenshots, diagrams, or videos for clarity |
| Plain Language | Beginner-friendly, jargon-free writing |
| Goal-Oriented | Focused on helping the user achieve a specific outcome |
| Search-Optimized | Includes relevant keywords and schema for SEO |
Why How-To Articles Matter in B2B and SaaS
- 🧠 Educate users on complex tools and workflows
- 📉 Reduce support tickets and onboarding friction
- 📊 Improve product adoption and feature usage
- 🔍 Capture long-tail search traffic via knowledge SEO
- 🔁 Support retention by helping users see value quickly
Example Use Cases of How-To Content
| Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
| CRM Onboarding | How to import leads into your CRM |
| Billing Configuration | How to update your payment method |
| Integration Setup | How to connect CUFinder with Salesforce |
| ABM Campaign Setup | How to build an account-based email sequence |
| Platform Navigation | How to create and manage saved lists |
How-To Content with CUFinder
CUFinder supports how-to content creation by:
- 📊 Powering documentation with real-time data examples
- 🔗 Integrating into CRMs or knowledge bases with structured documentation links
- 🧠 Assisting onboarding with pre-enriched contact workflows
- 📚 Enabling dynamic user guides personalized by industry or role
Cited Sources
- Wikipedia: Technical writing
- Wikipedia: Knowledge base
- Wikipedia: Help desk
- Wikipedia: User guide