Count the total valence electrons for all atoms
Choose the central atom, usually the least electronegative atom
Connect the atoms with single bonds
Subtract bonding electrons from the total count
Distribute remaining electrons as lone pairs to complete octets on outer atoms
Place any leftover electrons on the central atom
If the central atom does not have an octet, form double or triple bonds by converting lone pairs into bonding pairs
Check that the total number of electrons used matches the total valence electrons
Verify that formal charges are minimized
Confirm that hydrogen has 2 electrons and most other atoms have 8 electrons around them