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How often do you read “definitive guide to” or “ultimate guide to” [insert topic here] kinda posts? These kind of posts or articles are extremely popular and are a great way to get exposure and recognition. We’ll go into more details in a second, read on. ;)

First, let’s try to find out why people like definitive guides so much.

Definitive or Ultimate guides are extremely popular for simple reasons. People are often not sure or don’t have a lot of knowledge on a certain topic and want more tips and tricks or a step-by-step method to achieve this or that, and a definitive guide provides just that.

Why call this a “definitive” or “ultimate” guide?

Because the words “definitive” and “ultimate” are impact words. Those 2 words (and also synonyms) tells the reader (or listener) that what they are reading will provide them with a proven and tested method, and is the only way, the only sure way to achieve [insert topic/task here]. The words “definitive” and “ultimate” shows some sort of authority. And, well, when you are looking for something you have little or no knowledge of, or simply looking to read more about a certain topic, a definitive guide tells your brain “this is what i’m looking for, that person knows what he or she is talking about, so i should keep reading“.

The difference between “How To” and “Definitive Guide”

Tutorials and how-to articles are great, and are certainly a good way to make people want to read, and it positions you as a leader and people sees you as someone who knows what he or she is talking about. But it doesn’t have the same impact as “definitive guides”. How-to tutorials usually gives precise information and will be extremely beneficial to someone looking for that particular piece of information, while on the other hand a definitive guide will not only provide all that, but will hook the reader or listener right from the top because it provides not only knowledge and information, but also has authority (impact words!)

Tell someone you’re gonna give them free information and show them how to do this or that, and they’ll listen, tell people you’re gonna show them the only, sure fire, bulletproof, proven and tested way to do this and that and they will be hooked and maybe read it more than once!

So How Can I Write A “Definitive Guide” Then?

I think one of the first steps in writing a definitive guide is to do some research. Has anyone else already published an article about the exact same thing you wanna write about? Is there room for a definitive guide in that particular niche? Do you know enough about the topic you’re going to write about, or do you lack some knowledge? What are the benefits for the people who will read or listen to your definitive guide?

You kinda have to answer those questions before you begin writing. If you lack some knowledge, do some extensive research, you’ll most likely find the information you need to begin writing and/or complete your article or post. If you can’t find it, why not ask an expert in that field to help you out? Or better, start a group writing project and have tens and maybe hundreds of people participate, this way you’re definitive guide will be more of an experiment than a definitive guide, but will get way more exposure!

I don’t have enough knowledge, and can’t find anyone to help me!

That’s not a problem at all, it may just take a little more time before you write your definitive guide. The key, i think, if you don’t know enough about a certain topic, is to focus and learn. Say you want to write a ultimate guide to taking outstanding and beautiful pictures, but all you have is a camera phone… you get the idea! You love taking pictures, but are no expert in that field. Well, gotta start somewhere! Go buy a really quality digital camera, start taking pictures, read books and blogs about digital photography, or even take lessons! Then, when you feel you have enough knowledge, start writing! You can even start writing your guide while you’re in the learning process, you can always edit the article before you publish it. And as you learn, a lot of what you have already written will change and evolve, since you get better and better everytime you take a picture, and you know more after 6 months of taking lessons and learning than you did when you started. Start writing when you feel the time is right or when you think you can help people get better at this or that, and provide some value.

It will get you exposure and recognition.

Writing a such guide will most likely get you some good exposure, and recognition. Hey you wrote the Ultimate Guide To [insert topic here], you are the expert!

The problem with definitive guides.

Well, there is one problem with that, everyone can claim to be an expert in any field and write a definitive guide. That shouldn’t stop you from writing your own guide! Anyway, you are the expert in your field! Write it anyway, people will read, then watch the results! It might not get the exposure and the results you expected, but consider your guide as one of your pillar articles, and in the end it is quality content that people visiting your blog or website should read, since it is you that wrote it, and you are the expert!

Write your ultimate guide with authority, make sure you know what you’re talking about, and remember that one of the keys to a successful definitive guide is readers/visitors input and feedback! Invite people to comment, share and express their thoughts and opinions. You could even try to get people that are working in a similar niche to comment on your guide or help you write it.

Ideas, Thoughts and Opinions Please

So, are you thinking of writing your own ultimate, definitive, sure fire, bulletproof, one and only, guide to [random topic]? You wrote one in the past? What were your results? Please take some time to share your experience and thoughts. Comments and feedback are an important part of any definitive guide, since a such guide is never as useful as it could be, if no one reads or uses it. Have people participate and add value to it.

*this definitive guide to “definitive guide” is far from being complete, I could’ve wrote a mile long post, but I don’t want people to feel overwhelmed. A ultimate guide can also be a serie of posts or articles. It is way easier to digest and understand. This is the reason why i labeled this post as “work in progress”. Your input and feedback is very very welcome! (required! hehe)

Take care! :)

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