There is a variation of keywords that can be used to further support this approach, such as quick, easy, affordable, instant, etc. Many of it is hype while, depending on the quality of the information, can prove extremely valuable to a person seeking that information.
If you choose to use how-to in your article topic, be sure to have an article that is instructional. It is best if the format is broken down into steps so the reader can follow along and know where they are and left off in the tutorial.
In addition to including a methodical approach, it is helpful to include examples if possible. If it is in print, this could include drawings if the lesson is about a product, or text if the lesson is on writing.
If it is an article, it might be useful to the reader if sources were provided so they can conduct further research to learn even more about the subject. This is especially important in adding value to the article because now it is both a great how-to guide and resource in an of itself.
If your how-to is on a website, you can take your how-to tutorial to the next level by including how-to videos to illustrate the instructional information. This in a highly effective approach to teaching because different people have unique learning styles. The two most popular include visual and audio. That said, another great way to convey how-to do something is with podcasts.
Between using the a step-by-step approach, the written word with illustrations, videos and podcasts, you will certainly cover the various methods of teaching your learners.
So before you decide to put the words how-to in your article topic, be sure you really teach the readers something of value, as that is the main reason why they were drawn to your article or website in the first place. It is up to you whether or not you want to charge for this information. If you are not, be sure to give the readers something of value so they do not click away.
Giving free information away will comeback tenfold in the long run because people will want to share that information extensively. If it is really good, it could actually be the start of a viral marketing campaign for you.