Work from both ends
Look at the goal word as well as the start. Ask which words sit one step from the goal, then try to reach one of them. Planning backwards often shows which letter you need to change first.
Change consonants first, then vowels
Count how many letters differ between the current word and the goal. Each step can fix at most one, so that count is a lower bound on the steps you need. If a letter blocks every move, try swapping a vowel to open a new family of words, for example COLD to CORD to CARD.
Use undo and hints to learn
Hint shows a good next word on a shortest route without adding it. Hints are counted in your result, so try undo and another route first. Only words from the game’s list are accepted, so prefer common words.
Play the daily for a low score
The daily ladder gives everyone the same pair, and your score is your steps plus one for every hint and one for every undo. Plan your route before you type, because an undo costs as much as an extra step. Par is the best you can do, and a run with no hints and no undos scores exactly par.
Check your result against par
When you finish, Show a shortest ladder reveals one best route so you can compare it with yours. Your ladder and hints are saved in this browser, and there is no timer, so take as long as you like.