diff --git a/.github/label-actions.yml b/.github/label-actions.yml
index 6f8463a1df654f..a41b8515d14341 100644
--- a/.github/label-actions.yml
+++ b/.github/label-actions.yml
@@ -12,7 +12,14 @@
     Discussions without reproductions are less likely to be converted to Issues.
 
 
-    To get started, please read our guide on creating a [minimal reproduction](https://github.com/renovatebot/renovate/blob/main/docs/development/minimal-reproductions.md).
+    Please follow these steps:
+
+    1. Read our guide on creating a [minimal reproduction](https://github.com/renovatebot/renovate/blob/main/docs/development/minimal-reproductions.md).
+    2. Go to our [minimal reproduction template repository](https://github.com/renovatebot/minimal-reproduction-template).
+    3. Select the _Use this template_ button to create a new repository based on the template.
+    4. Work on the minimal reproduction in your own repository.
+    5. Fill out the information in your repository's `README.md`.
+    6. Add the link to your reproduction to the first post of your Discussion. If you are not the original author, you can post a new comment with the link.
 
 
     Good luck,
diff --git a/docs/development/minimal-reproductions.md b/docs/development/minimal-reproductions.md
index a0c9bc7e9d31d7..d4646dc18b2569 100644
--- a/docs/development/minimal-reproductions.md
+++ b/docs/development/minimal-reproductions.md
@@ -23,13 +23,13 @@ Please read this section in full _before_ starting on your minimal reproduction.
 
 There are two methods to create a reproduction, see the table for a comparison.
 
-| Start point          | Method                  | Benefits                          | Drawbacks                                  |
-| :------------------- | :---------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |
-| Empty repo           | Copy files and config   | Minimal start point               | Crafting the bad config/setup from scratch |
-| Fork production repo | Remove files and config | Start with known bad config/setup | May need to edit/delete many files         |
+| Start point                                                                                       | Method                  | Benefits                          | Drawbacks                                  |
+| :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :---------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |
+| [our minimal reproduction template](https://github.com/renovatebot/minimal-reproduction-template) | Copy files and config   | Minimal start point               | Crafting the bad config/setup from scratch |
+| Fork production repo                                                                              | Remove files and config | Start with known bad config/setup | May need to edit/delete many files         |
 
 Either method will work.
-We recommend you start from an empty repository.
+We recommend you start from [our minimal reproduction template](https://github.com/renovatebot/minimal-reproduction-template).
 
 ### General steps
 
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ _Always_ follow these steps:
 1. Use the fewest number of repository files and dependencies
 1. Reduce your Renovate config to a minimum
 1. Remove private or secret information
-1. Create a `readme.md` file and:
+1. Create a `readme.md` file (or edit the template `readme.md`) and:
    - Explain the _Current behavior_ and _Expected behavior_
    - Link to the Renovate Issue or Discussion
    - Use headings to organize the information