Understanding the Audience

We train writers to identify the correct audience for each how-to article and to understand the specific needs of the reader. For every query, they answer questions including:

• What is the urgency of the topic?

• What type of problem is the reader trying to solve?

• What are the immediate concerns of the reader?

• What information will help the reader effectively achieve their goals?

Using Authoritative & Credible Sources

Our writers cross-check facts, investigate the credibility of authors, and use wikiHow’s curated list of trusted sources. Proper sourcing not only means using multiple sources, but higher-quality ones. Our writers are trained to select:

• Sources containing evidence-based information

• Sources produced by individuals with credentials or relevant experience

• Advocacy organization sites

• Government-sponsored sites

• Academic and peer-reviewed publications

Articles are structured in a way that allows readers to learn the task at hand easily and comprehensively.

We restructure long or complex processes into shorter logical steps. This allows readers to digest the information in manageable chunks, and makes processes easier to follow along.

Writers also make sure to organize content into the most user-friendly format. Articles may be formatted as process-based parts, alternative methods that can help the reader achieve the same goal, lists of options, or sections that answer the reader’s pressing questions and provide them with all the information they need to complete their task or goal. Utilizing various formats makes it more likely that every reader will find a solution that works for them.

Writers create clear, action-oriented steps, followed by additional text that explains underlying concepts for readers who want more information. Readers not only learn how to take action, but they gain a deeper understanding of the article topic.

We also train writers to consider the unique audience of each article, and tailor the vocabulary, structure, and tone to suit the needs of the intended reader. They also work to create content that is inclusive and accessible to people of a variety of backgrounds, ages, genders, and reading levels.

Every article is reviewed by an article reviewer, fact checker, or expert partner. During the review step the credibility, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of the article is examined. We do this by verifying the sources, ensuring the article meets certain editorial standards, and by utilizing the expertise of our expert network. The goal is to make articles as helpful, comprehensive, and well-researched as possible with a focus on first-hand experience and knowledge. In addition, wikiHow’s Content Management Team continually evaluates reader feedback and data trends to improve existing content and to create new content based on what works well for our readers.

Utilizing Fact Checkers

Fact Checkers provide an additional layer of review, looking to ensure that factual information is accurate, and that the sources cited are trustworthy and reliable.

Collaborating with Experts

Our Content Management team works with industry-leading experts to ensure that our articles are accurate, up-to-date, and backed by current research. Working closely with our editorial team, wikiHow's experts enhance article content, provide advice, and answer reader questions. Experts participate in a combination of written, verbal, and video interviews to verify claims and add engaging testimony to our articles. A team of hand-picked experts—members of our innovative Brand Ambassador program—carefully reviews newly written and updated articles each week to ensure their quality and credibility. Our expert network is constantly growing and to date features more than 1600 expert collaborators.