Forget popsicles – there’s nothing sweeter than a clearly laid-out article to search for information. Listicles are a key part of any content marketing strategy, conveying messages logically and creatively, while directly addressing your audience’s search intent.
The list format has been around in magazines and books for eons. The rise of sites like Buzzfeed popularized the format online, catering to readers who enjoyed snackable chunks of info. But it’s grown even since the early 2000s. Now, listicles are a strategic way to structure certain articles and hone creativity in new ways. Let’s look at how they work and how you can add them to your inbound marketing toolkit.
What Is the Listicle Format?
The word listicle is a hybrid — part list, part article. This content format is basically a full-fledged article structured in list form, which means two things: first, logic and second, choices. Let me explain:
Listicles present information with numbered subheadings, making them repetitive, methodical and highly scannable. They help us find the exact information we need faster. And who doesn’t love efficiency?
Here’s why so many marketers and audiences use them:
- Engaging format: Lists create visual breaks with headings at regular intermissions. This keeps readers from becoming overwhelmed by large walls of text.
- Easily digestible: In an attention economy, people increasingly engage with small amounts of information. Listicle posts are easily scannable to find the material you’re looking for.
- Shareable: With a compact and readable structure, listicles do the rounds in social media and email campaigns. This makes them a cool strategy to boost your content ROI.
- Versatile: You can create a listicle for virtually any industry or topic. That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
Critical Considerations: Is a Listicle Article the Right Format?
The list article brings an energy of show-don’t-tell. Therefore, it’s more a question of whether the subject deserves to be a listicle. Clearly, this one doesn’t. Why? Because we’re not doing one of the following options:
- Breaking a complex topic into digestible chunks.
- Comparing A to B.
- Providing options.
- Offering a step-by-step guide.
Second, avoid click-bait headlines or overloading your blog with listicles. Buzzfeed has already shown the world how devourable an engaging listicle is. But remember, it should be a refreshing part of your content strategy, not the entire meal.
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How To Write an Effective Listicle
Speaking of meals, you could compare listicles to scrambled eggs: They’re simple, common and not as easy to nail as they look. There’s an art to creating a listicle that keeps your readers hooked from the first point to the last. Here’s how to get it right:
- Pick your keyword: Like any other article, begin with keyword research to find a strong topic that speaks to your audience’s search intent — and the value your business offers in that space. Platforms like Ahrefs and Semrush are powerful tools to start with.
- Research your topic: Jump on Google and see what’s already ranking in the SERPS. This part is important: If the first five positions are listicles, it’s a good strategy to use the same format and include additional value.
- Check search intent: While researching, check whether ranking listicles are informational or commercial. Like attracts like, so if informational articles rank, you’ll want to follow suit. If commercial pages perform better, you could always transition to a listicle landing page.
- Structure logically: Make sure your content works as a list. Does it flow in a natural order? Would readers benefit from a numbered format?
- Consistency is key: Keep your tone, formatting and style consistent throughout. If you start with brief, snappy points, resist drifting into long-winded explanations halfway through.
- Number your points: When writing listicles, make sure to number each list item, where appropriate. It’s easy to get carried away and numbers help readers keep track of where they are.
- Inject insights: Avoid repeating what’s already out there. Add some perspective or valuable information to make the listicle stand out.
- Create a click-worthy title: Your title should reflect the article’s subject matter and direction — what are you offering? Why should someone read it? Be clear, concise and command attention.
- Share it: Once your listicle is live, promote it across your channels — social media, email marketing or paid ads are all great options.
5 Great Listicle Examples
To round it out, let’s break down five listicle examples that absolutely shine. You might even pick up some good listicle ideas and inspiration for your next hit.
1. Brafton’s 11 AI Tools To Boost Your Productivity
Hailing from the Brafton blog, this one uses a hyper-structured format with bullets, breaking down a complex topic to make information accessible. Each list item is concise, so it’s easy to answer questions rapidly. The numbered format creates a sense of order and you know exactly how many AI tools you’ll read about.
Why it works: The bite-sized format reduces complexity. This makes the article super scannable and value-packed for readers and crawlers alike.
2. Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List
A classic example of a destination-focused listicle, this article doesn’t just give us wondrous places to visit — it offers an in-depth background for each one. Further, the headings appeal to the type of experience a traveler may have, whether they’re interested in history, culture or nature. Lonely Planet knows its audience and uses the listicle format to help readers compare options and make informed decisions.
Why it works: The listicle format plays on its audience’s clear passion for travel and presents a visually engaging and inspirational summary of 10 profound destinations planet Earth has to offer.
3. Neil Patel’s How to Get More YouTube Subscribers
This piece is the mecca of pro tip listicles, combining data-driven advice and personal experience. It caters to marketers who are short on time but need to maximize their YouTube reach. With a concise explanation of how to optimize a strategy and spin existing content into different formats, you walk away with a clear pathway to begin growing your subscriber list.
Why it works: The listicle provides actionable tips that save time, making the content immediately valuable. Note, Neil doesn’t number the list, because the advice focuses on broad pointers, rather than a step-by-step guide.
4. Mark Manson’s 5 Boring Ways to Become More Creative
If you’ve ever read Mark Manson, you’ll know he has a nuanced foothold in the self-help industry. And that’s his source of power. While this listicle resembles long-form content, its contrarian tone and in-depth analysis embody the value that his brand offers its audience.
It’s detailed: Each point is broken down with a mini case study, personal anecdotes or psychological evidence, showing why these best practices work. Plus, did you notice how the catchy headline sparks curiosity without screaming clickbait?
Why it works: Using data in a listicle adds authority. Personal anecdotes and valuable insight bring authenticity. This power duo makes your article more credible and relatable.
5. wikiHow’s Cat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained
What kind of listicle article would this be without a nod to the classic wikiHow? While the content doesn’t claim to be at the pinnacle of literary standards, it’s not supposed to be, either. wikiHow is there to give us the information we need, when we need it. And for those of us who need to understand the spiritual or behavioral significance of our cat’s sleeping positions, this listicle delivers succinctly, visually and directly.
Why it works: Combining images and short, easy-to-understand points, the listicle post addresses the audience’s search intent, both engaging and informing readers.
Create Tangible Value With Listicles
There’s no denying it: Listicles are a fantastic format for specific types of information. Want to walk readers through a step-by-step process? Or, how about presenting a range of choices? The clearly defined structure of a listicle facilitates powerful messaging and a deeper connection with your audience. Listicles are:
- Memorable: The structured format helps people retain information.
- Engaging: The listicle holds attention by providing constant breaks for the brain.
- Actionable: Each point gives readers something they can apply or do, making it easier to follow through.
The key is to choose your topics wisely. Don’t force a listicle where it doesn’t fit. Instead, think about when this format will make your content more valuable. When in doubt, go bold — pick subjects and angles that excite you and get creative putting your spin on the listicle format.
