diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 09c3e64..dcf3131 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -8,6 +8,10 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning][].
 [keep a changelog]: https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/
 [semantic versioning]: https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html
 
+## [Unreleased]
+
+-   Improve instruction text in quarto template to get users started more quickly ([#40](https://github.com/Boehringer-Ingelheim/dso/pull/40))
+
 ## v0.9.0
 
 ### New Features
diff --git a/src/dso/templates/stage/quarto/src/{{ stage_name }}.qmd b/src/dso/templates/stage/quarto/src/{{ stage_name }}.qmd
index 1ec9b35..6280fd0 100644
--- a/src/dso/templates/stage/quarto/src/{{ stage_name }}.qmd	
+++ b/src/dso/templates/stage/quarto/src/{{ stage_name }}.qmd	
@@ -5,18 +5,29 @@ require(conflicted)
 require(dso)
 ```
 
+Load the stage-specific 'params.yaml' config using the `read_params(..)` function. This function specifically loads
+only the stage-dependent parameters that are defined in the 'params' section of the 'dvc.yaml' file.
+
 ```{r}
 #| label: read_params
-# read_params sets the stage directory, runs 'dso compile-config'
-# and loads params defined in the 'dvc.yaml' 'params' section of the stage
 
 params <- read_params("{{ stage_path }}")
 ```
 
+When modifying the 'dvc.yaml', 'params.in.yaml', or 'params.yaml' files during development, use the 'reload(params)'
+function to ensure proper application of the changes by rebuilding and reloading the configuration.
+
+```{r}
+#| label: reload_params
+
+reload(params)
+```
+
+To locate your files relative to the stage path use `stage_here(..)`.
+
 ```{r}
 #| label: obtain_files_relative_to_stage_dir
 
-# stage_here locates your files relative to the stage path set in read_params
 # e.g.
 samplesheet <- readr::read_csv(stage_here(params$samplesheet))
 ```