How to Write a Listicle
You’ve seen them everywhere: engaging, clickable articles that promise “10 Ways to…” or “5 Best…” solutions. Learning how to write a listicle might seem straightforward, but creating one that drives real engagement while delivering value is easier said than done. A lack of engagement is where many marketers struggle.
The numbers don’t lie: according to Orbit Media’s blogging research, list posts are the second most popular blogging format, with 50% of marketers using them regularly. When done right, listicles combine what readers and search engines love: scannable content, clear value propositions, and structured information that’s easy to digest and share.
What is a Listicle?
Listicles sometimes get a bad rap and are dismissed as clickbait or shallow content. But the truth is, it’s not the format that determines quality. It’s how you use it.
A well-crafted list post combines organization with insights, transforming complex topics into accessible, engaging content.
A listicle may appear to be nothing more than a numbered collection of ideas. However, it’s an effective strategy for making in-depth content easy to digest and scan.
There are three main types of list articles, each serving a different purpose.
Simple Listicles
- Quick, straightforward collections of related items
- Perfect for sharing tips, ideas, or resources
- Example: “18 Awesome Slack Hacks For Marketing Teams”
Definitive Listicles
- Comprehensive, authoritative collections
- Aim to be the go-to resource on a topic
- Example: “10 Ways To Improve Your Healthcare Revenue Cycle”
Framework Listicles
- Step-by-step guides or structured processes
- Help readers achieve specific goals
- Example: “How to Build a SaaS Sales Funnel in 9 Steps”
Each list format can serve a purpose in your content strategy. By using the right listicle, you can educate, entertain, or guide your audience through a process.
Do Listicles Still Work?
Yes, listicles still work especially when they’re done right! A high-quality listicle isn’t just about slapping numbers in front of random points; it’s about delivering value in a format that readers and search engines appreciate. Below are a few reasons why list posts remain effective.
Cognitive Appeal
Our brains are wired to process information in organized chunks. When readers encounter a list format, they quickly grasp the scope of the content and decide how to engage with it. This structural clarity helps readers retain information better and reduces the cognitive load of processing complex topics.
Think about how much easier it is to remember “3 key steps” versus reading through paragraphs of unstructured text.
SEO Benefits
Search engines love well-structured content that delivers value. List articles naturally provide that structure. Listicles frequently earn featured snippets positions because they answer specific queries.
Plus, their organized format makes them ideal for voice search responses. The clear information hierarchy helps search engines understand and index content more effectively.
Reader Engagement
You don’t have to work hard to understand what you’re getting from a listicle blog. The title and structure instantly clarify what you will get (“7 Tips” means precisely that).
The format also works well on mobile devices, so people can skim content on the go. Each list item creates a natural stopping point, making it easier to return to where you left off.
Marketing Versatility
Whether you’re creating a simple blog post or an in-depth guide, the listicle format adapts to your needs. You can use it to showcase products, explain complex processes, or share industry insights.
This flexibility makes listicles particularly valuable for content marketing strategies across different stages of the buyer’s journey: from awareness-level “10 Signs You Need…” articles to decision-stage “5 Ways Our Product Solves…” pieces.
The most effective listicles combine compelling headlines, valuable content, and proper formatting to create resources readers want to engage with and share.
Listicle Examples for Every Marketing Goal
Marketers are constantly challenged to create fresh, engaging content that spurs prospects to action. The good news is that list format content can work for almost any marketing objective when you choose the proper structure for your goals.
Think about your current content challenges. Are you trying to educate, build authority, generate leads, boost SEO, or drive sales? Then, choose your structural approach (remember the three main types):
- Simple Listicles: Quick, straightforward collections
- Definitive Listicles: Comprehensive resources
- Framework Listicles: Step-by-step guides
Then match it with a purpose-driven format that aligns with your marketing goals. Whether you’re writing the content yourself or crafting an SEO content brief for an outsourced writer, here are the most effective structures for each goal, with listicle ideas.
“XX Ways to…” Posts
- Works best as framework listicles
- Perfect for how-to content and problem-solving
- Shows expertise while remaining actionable
- Example: “15 Ways to Improve Your Email Click-Through Rate (CTR)”
“XX Benefits of…” Articles
- Works best as simple listicles
- Ideal for product or service promotion
- Focuses on value proposition
- Example: “The Top 13 Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring”
“XX Reasons Why…” Content
- Works best as definitive listicles
- Great for persuasive content
- Builds compelling arguments
- Example: “5 Reasons Why the Right CRM is Vital for eCommerce Business”
“Top XX Best…” Rankings
- Works best as definitive listicles
- Perfect for comparison content
- Helps readers make decisions
- Example: “25 Best Google Chrome Extensions for Recruiters & Sourcers”
“XX Tips/Ideas for…” Resources
- Works best as simple listicles
- Offers quick, actionable advice
- Works well for practical guidance
- Example: “23 Social Media Post Ideas For Your Brand”
When you write a listicle, consider your audience’s search intent. Are they searching to learn, solve a problem, or make a purchase decision? Your choice of structure should support your content’s purpose.
A comprehensive product comparison needs the depth of a definitive listicle, while quick tips work better as a simple listicle.
How to Write a Listicle Effectively
Now you understand listicles, why they work, and which type best suits your goals. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to write a listicle article that engages readers and drives results.
Choose Your Topic
Write about something relevant to your brand and display your brand’s personality and expertise. It’s even better if it’s trending or addresses a common pain point in your industry.
Select Your Keywords
Find relevant keywords that will provide you with enough traffic but with as low a difficulty rating as possible to make gaining a higher rank easier. Make sure the search intent of your keywords and your listicle line up.
Search Your Competition
Put your keywords and working title into Google to see what ranks high. It’s essential to see what information has already been published to understand what your competition is creating and your audience wants.
Choose a Unique Angle
Take what you’ve learned from studying the competition and determine how to write a listicle that goes beyond it or in a new direction. That way, your listicle will add value for the reader.
Build Your List
Start with something surprising as a hook. An odd number of points is often more desirable, but use the number of list items that makes sense for your content. Decide if you’re making a straightforward list or a countdown.
Develop the Support Material for Each Point
Include support material wherever you can to help add credibility to your points. Adding substance will take your listicle out of the realm of clickbait.
Add Visual Elements
Visual content breaks up the text and enhances understanding. Include relevant images, screenshots, graphs, or infographics that support your points.
The best listicles feel effortless to read because they were carefully planned and executed. Deliver real value with each point, and you’ll create content that readers and search engines appreciate.
Listicle Experts, At Your Service
At ContentWriters, US-based writers are handpicked based on experience and industry expertise. They specialize in creating high-quality, engaging listicles and other content to boost SEO, visibility, and authority.
Connect with us today to add high-performing listicles to your content strategy.
An earlier version of this post was published in June, 2019 by Deborah K.
Joan Weisman’s strong research skills, SEO knowledge, adaptability of style and voice, and passion for staying current make her an asset for freelance web content, SEO, and copywriting.
