to create a listicle with 6 examples //

The listicle is one of the most used formats for writing online content.

55% Of bloggers who have published a listicle within the past 12 months, only how-to articles rank higher.

This popularity is due to people’s love for reading lists.

Clicking on list headlines is what we love. They’re very specific and set expectations for what’s in the article. It’s easy to see what we are getting into and it’s gratifying.

We love reading lists, because our brains were wired to this type of information sorting.

You’ll also love writing listsicles by the end of this article.

What is a Listicle?

A listicle refers to a content type that combines two things: an article or a list.

In a listicle you present information in a structured list format. A few paragraphs will usually be added to each list item to help the reader to understand it, give background information or explain why it is important.

Listicles are structured in a specific manner. Each list item is denoted by a subheading number.

Here’s an example from the Reader’s Digest listing of the 100 Best Books of All Time. Each book’s title appears as a number on the list. Each list item has a summary that explains the book’s inclusion on the list and why it is important.

Listicles: Why listicles are important

Listicles are a popular type of content for many reasons.

• They make it easy to digest by breaking down the topic into smaller, more manageable pieces.
• It is easy to read, making it easier for readers to find the most relevant information.
• The listicle is useful for clarifying complex ideas and processes when it is written on a topic that is educational.
• List format makes difficult topics and lengthy explanations easier to understand and less intimidating.

Listicles can be written and published as part of your content strategy. This is a great way to meet brand content goals and achieve SEO goals.

Listicles are more engaging than others – people will click on a listicle headline that is similar to theirs.

According to a BuzzSumo analysis of the most shared headlines, the articles that received the most engagement began with a number. For example, “7 unique decorating ideas for holidays” or “10 best books of all times.”

Listicles accounted for half of the top 10 expert SEO columns on Search Engine Land 2022. This article is an example of a listicle.

Keyword rankings are important. Your listicles will rank higher in search engines if they are well researched and optimized for keywords/topics. This will drive traffic to your site.

Let’s now answer the question: How can you create a list that accomplishes all of these?

How to create listicles that are engaging for your audience

It can be very easy to write listicles. You can elevate your listicles by using these steps.

1. Select a topic for a great listicle

First, choose a topic that is suitable for a list. Not all topics will work well when creating a list.

Simple topics make the best listicle topics. They can be easily sorted into lists. If you are left with information that doesn’t make sense in your list after you have done your sorting, it is time to rethink or refine the topic.

This article could have been called a listicle. However, all of the information I wanted would not fit within the list format. (See also the definition and reasons why you should create a listicle). These “danglers”, on the other hand, ruin the list and negate the neatness, simplicity and satisfaction that the format offers.

The bottom line: You shouldn’t make your article a list if you don’t manage to fit all of the information into a list.

2. Make sure you have a headline that is clear and concise.

Your listicle headline should be self-explanatory, but it shouldn’t be clickbaity.

Click-bait headlines promise much more than they deliver. This means that your headline may initially excite your reader, but once they click and begin reading, they feel disappointed.

This is a mistake. Be clear and precise about what your article will contain. Your headline should include the number of steps/points in your article.

If I were to write a list of the top eco-friendly clothing companies, this would be my example:

“10 incredible eco-friendly clothing brands that are perfect for earth-conscious shoppers”

Or, if you were writing a listicle with tips to save money heating/cooling

“5 easy tips to save money heating and cooling your house”

Although these headlines are descriptive, they don’t promise too much. The number of points on the list is also included in the headlines.

Another great example is this listicle headline by a plumber. It’s simple, but it works.

3. Draw the steps and points.

Next, list all steps, points or items. These can be written out in a list form and numbered accordingly.

This is your outline. It’s a great step because it allows you to quickly see the entire article and zoom in on specific points.

This is the time to ensure that your items are arranged as logically possible.

• If the list items you have are steps in a process or steps, arrange them in the order they need to be completed.
• List the most important items first, so that your readers are most interested in them.

This Baking Kneads listicle offers 13 tips on how to bake a cake. These tips are arranged in a clear order. They start with prepping the ingredients and end with the correct frosting technique.

4. Do not limit yourself to a set number of points

When you are describing your list, don’t say “I must write 13 points …”.”

This is a recipe to make a long, unsatisfying list. But what if you had more valuable information? Imagine a list of 25 points that you could use, each one being useful.

What if you have trouble coming up with additional list items beyond number 7? You’ll end up with useless fluff if the rest of your points aren’t as valuable or interesting.

Instead, let your topic dictate how much information is necessary to satisfy readers.

• Google topic research is a great way to find out what other companies have included in their lists.
• Consider your brand expertise. Add what you know to make your brand more valuable.
• Think about what your audience needs and then aim to deliver it.
• Do not add additional items to your list just to reach a certain number or increase the size of your list.

This is a great example. Many people will tell you that having a certain amount of items in your listicle will make it more interesting and earn more clicks. Some people recommend using odd numbers only, while others prefer multiples of 5. A few other people stick with multiples of 5 and only a few list builders use lists with between 1 and 9.

Backlinko’s listicle includes 200 (!) items, which completely ignores any “best practices”. items.

5. Each step or point should be made clear and valuable

A list article that is useful and clear will be more valuable if each item or point is clearly defined. This is about being precise, specific, and actionable.

If I were to write a listicle on fall gardening tips, it would be easy for me to be vague.

1. Plant bulbs
2. Prune

My green-thumb readers might think, “But wait!” “Plant what bulbs?” “Pine what?”

These steps are only one thing: they can be implemented. To be valuable and clear, they must also be descriptive and specific. Here is how I would edit them.

1. Spring bulbs such as garlic, tulips and daffodils can be planted
2. Prune hardy perennials, and woody herbs

These actions could be described in the paragraph text. You’ll make your overall list more valuable and optimized, if you get more clear at the list level. This is especially useful for the scanning reader. This also aids search engine crawlers to understand the content of your site.

This is a great example from a Eartheasy gardening tips listicle:

6. Make sure you use the correct formatting when creating a listicle

Use the same format for each list you create.

You could also skip formatting altogether and do what feels right. Listicles are very popular because of the numbered list format. This is why they are so captivating and attention-grabbing. Why mess with a tried-and-true standard?

These are the rules:

• Each list item should be formatted as a numbering heading.
• Each point on the list should have the same heading (all H2s, H3s, etc.). ).
• Each item on the list should be described. Each item should be described to the reader.
• If you are listing steps in a process, order your points chronologically. If there is no clear ordering scheme, place the most important points at the top.
• Add images to illustrate points if they are relevant. (Example: Each book on the “best 100” list includes a photograph of its cover.

If your list is extremely long, you might consider grouping it into categories.

A listicle of Christmas stocking stuffer suggestions is, for example, organized by type of gift.

Are you ready to create your listicle

When creating your listicle, don’t be overwhelmed. Although there are many small details that will make your content rank higher and get more views, you likely already have an instinct for creating a great list.

Consider this: How many listicles did you consume in the past week? What about the last month? It’s likely that it’s a lot more than what you realize, if you’re anything like most internet readers.

All the things you love most about listicles, and add them to your content. Mix these tips and steps together. In no time, your effective listicle is ready for use in your content calendar.

Search Engine land published the post How do you write a listicle? (with 6 examples).