“How to” is different from “How I did it”
A how-to story doesn’t have to be dull.
A copywriter I admire recently gave this advice. If you have a story of “How to,” write it up as “How I did it.”
It’s much more interesting, he said. People will be eager to read.
The problem comes when your “How I did it” story can’t be transferred to “How you can do it.”
Here’s why that happens.
1 — If you’re being truthful, the way you achieved your goal may not be an option for many people.
Many coaches achieved success by giving talks in bookstores or in-person schools and classes. Those places simply don’t exist anymore. Where they do exist, they attract a specialized audience. -
2 — You may have access to a special resource.
If I wrote an article about keeping fit, I might mention that my building (where I moved 5 years ago) has a gym for the residents. But what about buildings with no gyms? Would this be helpful?
An example I quote a lot is a story by a new health coach who had a good story. She grew her practice when her boyfriend shared her info with his very large, responsive list. She could write an article, “How I grew my practice without a website,” but who else can benefit?
