How-To Guide Template

“How to” queries are among the most common in AI search. When someone asks ChatGPT “How to implement FAQ schema” or Perplexity “How to set up Google Analytics,” the AI needs clear, sequential instructions from a trustworthy source. This template structures your how-to guides for maximum AI extraction and citation.

Why How-To Content Works for AEO

How-to content excels in AI search because:

1. Explicit intent: The user has told the AI exactly what they need
2. Sequential structure: Step-by-step formats are easy for AI to extract
3. Schema support: HowTo schema explicitly tells AI your content is instructional
4. Action-oriented: AI prefers content that gives users something to do

The Template

Page Structure

URL: /guides/how-to-[action]/ or /blog/how-to-[action]/
Title: How to [Action]: Step-by-Step Guide ([Year])
Meta: Learn how to [action] in [number] steps. Covers
  [key aspect 1], [key aspect 2], and common mistakes.

HowTo Schema

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "HowTo",
  "name": "How to [Action]",
  "description": "A step-by-step guide to [action].",
  "totalTime": "PT30M",
  "estimatedCost": {
    "@type": "MonetaryAmount",
    "currency": "USD",
    "value": "0"
  },
  "supply": [
    { "@type": "HowToSupply", "name": "Supply item 1" }
  ],
  "tool": [
    { "@type": "HowToTool", "name": "Tool needed 1" }
  ],
  "step": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Step 1 title",
      "text": "Step 1 instruction text",
      "url": "https://yoursite.com/guide#step-1"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Step 2 title",
      "text": "Step 2 instruction text",
      "url": "https://yoursite.com/guide#step-2"
    }
  ]
}

Content Structure

Opening

H1: How to [Action]: Step-by-Step Guide

[Summary - 40-60 words]
Explain what this guide covers, who it's for, and what
they'll have when they're done. Include estimated time.

## What You'll Need

- [Prerequisite or tool 1]
- [Prerequisite or tool 2]
- [Prerequisite or tool 3]

**Estimated time:** [X] minutes
**Difficulty:** Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Each step follows the same structure:

## Step [N]: [Action Verb] + [Object]

[1-2 sentence overview of what this step accomplishes]

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

**Tip:** [Helpful advice specific to this step]

**Common mistake:** [What to avoid and why]

Step heading best practices:

• Start with an action verb (Create, Configure, Add, Set up, Verify)
• Be specific (“Add Product schema to your page” not “Set up schema”)
• Number steps sequentially
• Keep to 5-8 steps total (break complex processes into separate guides)

Verification Section

## Verify Your Work

After completing all steps, verify everything works:

- [ ] [Verification check 1]
- [ ] [Verification check 2]
- [ ] [Verification check 3]

**How to test:** [Specific testing instructions]

Troubleshooting Section

## Troubleshooting

### [Common problem 1]
**Solution:** [Specific fix]

### [Common problem 2]
**Solution:** [Specific fix]

### [Common problem 3]
**Solution:** [Specific fix]

FAQ Section

## FAQ

### How long does [action] take?
[Specific time estimate with context]

### Do I need [tool/skill] for this?
[Clear answer with alternatives]

### What if [common concern]?
[Reassuring answer with solution]

How-To Page AEO Checklist

• Title starts with “How to” and includes the target action
• Summary in first 60 words explains what + who + outcome
• Prerequisites listed upfront (tools, skills, time)
• Steps numbered sequentially with action-verb headings
• Each step is self-contained and specific
• HowTo schema implemented with all steps
• totalTime estimate in schema
• Verification/testing section after steps
• Troubleshooting for common problems
• FAQ section with FAQPage schema
• Author credentials (expertise in this area)
• “Last updated” date visible

How Genrank Automates This

Genrank’s Parseability dimension evaluates whether AI engines can extract step-by-step information from your content. The audit identifies how-to content that lacks HowTo schema, has unclear step structure, or is missing the sequential signals AI engines need to cite instructional content.