Overview: Choosing the Right Article Type

When creating an article, it's important to match the article type to the reader's needs. The main goal is to help people accomplish specific tasks, make decisions, or access information efficiently. Understanding the purpose behind the reader's question will guide you in selecting the most effective article format.

• Article types are chosen based on what the reader is trying to achieve.
• Matching the article type to the need improves clarity and usefulness.

Key Article Types

There are several common types of articles, each suited to a different kind of reader need:

• Reference Article: Used when readers need information or specific wording to respond to a situation. This type provides facts, definitions, or standard responses.
• Step-by-Step Guide: Appropriate when readers need to perform a series of actions in a specific order. These guides are straightforward and often include clear instructions.
• Checklist: Useful when readers must complete several tasks, not necessarily in a strict sequence. Each checklist item represents a task to be done.
• Workflow or Decision Tree: Best when the answer depends on different conditions or choices. These articles help readers navigate decisions or troubleshoot issues.
• Foundational Article: Essential for explaining the what, why, who, when, or overview of how something applies. These articles are ideal when someone asks, "What is this, why do we do it, and when does it apply?"

Summary

• Reference articles provide information or standard responses.
• Step-by-step guides outline a clear sequence of actions.
• Checklists help track completion of multiple tasks.
• Workflows and decision trees support complex processes, decision-making, and troubleshooting.
• Foundational articles explain the basic principles and context, answering fundamental questions.

How to Identify the Right Article Type

The type of article you create should be based on how you would answer the reader's question. Consider the following approaches:

• If your answer is to provide information or a standard response, use a reference article.
• If your answer is a series of clicks or actions, use a step-by-step guide.
• If your answer involves completing several tasks, use a checklist.
• If your answer depends on different situations or choices, use a workflow or decision tree.
• If your answer needs to explain what something is, why it's done, and when it applies, use a foundational article.

Tips

• Think about how you would naturally respond to the reader's need.
• The structure of your answer determines the best article type.
• Choosing the right format makes your article more effective.

Why Article Type Matters

Selecting the correct article type ensures that readers can quickly find the help they need and apply it successfully. It also helps maintain consistency and clarity across your documentation.

• Proper article types improve user experience.
• Consistency in article structure aids understanding.
• Clear formats reduce confusion and errors.