Three thousand years before the birth of Christ, a Sumerian scribe named Gar Ama inscribed a list of forty-one titles and professions onto a clay tablet. This unassuming document has the distinction of being one of the oldest lists ever recovered. If Gara Ama were alive today, he might be amused to see that the literary form he used is still going strong. Indeed, their latest incarnation, the listicle, has become an omnipresent feature of the digital world. This post will examine how listicles became so popular and provide some tips for making your own listicles.
What is a listicle?
A listicle is a type of article that presents information in a structured list format, often using numbers or bullet points to enhance readability. They provide concise, engaging content that’s easy to skim, making them ideal for entertainment, advice, or quick summaries.
Why do we like listicles?
We live in an age of media saturation. We’re surrounded by more information than we could ever hope to consume. As a result, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The appeal of a listicle lies in its approachability.
- Brevity: Unlike articles and essays, listicles can be breezed through quickly. This makes them particularly well-suited to smartphone screens, so they fit in with our on-the-go lifestyle.
- Psychology: According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, our minds are predisposed to break things into categories in order to better understand information.
- Clarity: When you see a headline like "The 25 best RPGs you can (and should) play now," you know what you’re going to get. This clarity reduces cognitive friction and makes the decision to click and read much easier. The defined structure also creates a sense of progress as you move through the list.
- Simplicity: Listicles excel at taking complicated topics and breaking them down into easily digestible components. This approach helps us grasp difficult concepts by presenting information in a methodical, step-by-step manner.
- Shareability: The concise, value-packed nature of listicles makes them ideal for social sharing. Their approachability makes it easy for us to share them with our friends and family.
Writing effective listicles
While writing a listicle might seem like a straightforward proposition, there are a number of factors that can help you make it as compelling as possible.
- Choose a focused topic: The best listicles address a specific need or interest. The more targeted your listicle, the more valuable it will be to your audience. That’s why, in the gaming listicle referenced above, the author focused on RPGs instead of computer games as a whole.
- Craft a compelling headline: Your headline should clearly communicate the value readers will receive. Appealing to their curiosity can also help. Include numbers (odd numbers often perform better), powerful adjectives, and a clear benefit. For example: "13 unexpected ways to use vinegar that will save you money" is more compelling than simply "Ways to use vinegar." Be careful, though. It’s one thing to entice readers; it’s another thing to deceive them. Clickbait might get views, but it can easily turn off readers.
- Provide context: It might be tempting to just jump straight into the list, but don’t be afraid to take your time and set the scene. Establish why the information matters, address the reader's pain points, and give them an idea of what they'll learn from you.
- Be consistent: Make sure each item in your listicle is presented in the same manner. If one point includes examples, personal anecdotes, or action steps, the others should, too.
- Add visual appeal: This means lots of white space between sections and appropriate graphics. Breaking things down into bulleted lists can also be a good strategy.
- End with a conclusion: Listicles can benefit from a conclusion just like any other piece. Be sure to synthesize the information, reinforce the main takeaways, and suggest next steps or additional resources.
- Consider length: While short listicles (7 items or less) are best suited for busy audiences and simple topics, longer listicles (10+ items) are best for comprehensive guides or when each point requires minimal explanation.
Are listicle articles good for SEO?
Listicles are highly effective for SEO because their structured format naturally supports keyword optimization and readability. By breaking content into distinct sections with subheadings, listicles let search engines know that the article comprehensively addresses a topic. This in turn increases its chances of ranking for multiple keyword variations. Additionally, listicles allow for strategic placement of internal and external links, boosting credibility and ease of navigation. For a deeper dive into how listicles enhance SEO, you can check out this article.
Examples of good listicles
The content marketing agency Brafton has provided some examples of good listicles:
- “11 AI tools to boost your productivity” (Brafton): This shows how listicles can make even a complicated subject like AI easily digestible.
- “How to get more YouTube subscribers” (Neil Patel): While this piece is longer than your typical listicle, it serves up actionable advice in a way that’s appealing and accessible.
- “Cat sleeping positions: 22 common poses explained” (WikiHow): This uses images in combination with easy-to-understand information to provide readers with the information they’re seeking.
Conclusion
Five thousand years after Gar Ama sat down with his tablet and his stylus, we’re still making lists. When done right, listicles provide information in a format that respects readers' time and attention spans. The key to creating standout listicles lies in combining genuine insight with strategic formatting and presentation.
Remember: the best listicles don't just generate clicks. They provide real value that keeps readers coming back for more. Presenting quality content in a reader-friendly format helps you rise above the noise and truly connect with your audience.
Ready to start writing your own compelling listicles? Pick a topic you're knowledgeable about, follow the guidelines above, and transform your expertise into something your readers will love to consume and share!
About the author,
José Mauricio Duque
