Creating How-Tos

To add structured data mark-ups to how to content, you need to:

  1. Place your cursor in the editable field where you would like to insert the how to content
  2. Select the "Insert How-to" icon from the edit toolbar

This will open the "How-to Creator" pop-up box. From here, you can add specific properties to the how-to content. For example, you can:

  • Select the "Total Time" checkbox if you know the length of time it will take someone to complete all steps within the task. Once selected, you'll be able to enter the number of days, hours and minutes the task will take to complete
  • Select the "Tools/Resources" checkbox if you'd like to add a section to the how-to where you can attach or link off to different tools and resources that might help someone complete the steps.
  • In the "Number of Steps" field, enter the number of steps in your how-to instructions

Adding how-to steps

Once you've added a how-to item to a content page, you need to input the details. Review each of the fields.

In the "Title" field, add the title for your how-to. For example, the title could be "How do apply for a Building Permit"

In the "Description" field, enter a description of the how-to content. This could include information about when and why someone might need to follow these step-by-step instructions.

If you selected the "Tools/Resources" checkbox when setting up the how-to, you will have the opportunity to add links to additional resources. For example, if you were writing how-to instructions for applying for a building permit, you may want to include links to any by-laws or legislation that relates to the building permit application process.

Add a short name for each step in the how-to instructions. For example, the steps on applying for a building permit could be:

  1. Complete the Building Permit Application form
  2. Include any necessary drawings and approvals
  3. Submit the application

You'll need to add a step name for each of the steps identified when you set up the how-to. 

After each step name, you'll be able to add detailed instructions. Here you can add more information, such as a link to the application form, instructions about how to submit the form. The instructions will vary depending on the topic.

Adding and deleting steps

To add a step to the how to, you can place your cursor inside the how-to content and then:

  • Select the "Insert How-to" icon from the edit toolbar. Here you can update the number of steps from the "How-to Creator" pop-up box.
  • Right click and select the "Add How-to Step" from the dropdown menu

To delete a step from the how-to, you can place your cursor inside the how-to content and then:

  • Select the "Insert How-to" icon from the edit toolbar. Here you can update the number of steps from the "How-to Creator" pop-up box.
  • Right click and select the "Delete How-to Step" from the dropdown menu

Publish the page

Make sure to publish the page in order to complete the process. Once you publish content, it will appear on your public website.