Written by: Gaye Swan

We’ve all seen them – Top Ten Movies to See This Year, 15 Reasons You Should Use Facebook, 25 Tips for a Flatter Tummy. List blogs, or listicles, have become quite popular in recent years because they are both easy to read and easy to share on social media.

A combination of the words “list” and “article,” the origins of the listicle can be traced back to the "top 10" or "top 20" lists that have appeared in print media for decades. The lists were often used in magazines to provide readers with a quick and easy way to consume information on a particular topic.

With the rise of the internet and social media, online publishers began to experiment with the format, and the listicle was born. Now a staple of online content, you’ll find listicles on a wide range of websites, covering topics as diverse as health, technology, entertainment, and more.

 A typical list blog consists of a headline, a short introduction, and a numbered list of items. Each item is usually accompanied by a brief description, an image, or both.  To keep your listicle engaging, here is a list (what else?) of tips to follow:

1. Number one, your headline must be attention-grabbing or you will never get the chance to engage a potential reader – they will scroll right by your article to the next one. Choose something catchy and descriptive to give your readers an idea of what to expect from your listicle. 

2. Use an introduction to set the tone. Are you offering helpful tips on a serious topic? You can convey authority and compassion with your tone and language. Your intro will be different if you are taking a lighthearted look at the top five reasons to visit a vacation resort. Regardless of topic, keep your intro brief but compelling, and give readers a reason to keep reading.

3. Add some personality. Injecting sparkle, wit, sympathy, and/or humor into your listicle makes it more relatable and enjoyable.

4. Obviously, the meat of your article will be the list. Use numbers or bullet points to make your listicle concise, easy to read, and pleasing to the eye.

5. Include images or videos to make your listicle more engaging and visually interesting.

6. Keep your descriptions snappy and to the point. Use short paragraphs to highlight the key points of each item on the list.

7. Make sure that your listicle provides value to your readers. Offer helpful tips, insights, or recommendations that they can use in their lives.

Is a listicle right for your brand? List blogs can be created on a wide range of topics, and almost any subject matter can be turned into a listicle format. Here are a few ideas to get you started (again in list format, of course):

1. How-To Guides: Listicles that provide step-by-step instructions are eye-catching and popular. For example, "10 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Energy Use in Winter.”  We like this format for home services, transportation, home improvement, and crafts – but it is easily adaptable to many businesses.

2. Top 10 or Best-of Lists: Lists that rank the best or most popular items in a particular category are a classic format. For example, "The Best Places to Work Remotely in Memphis." This is an especially good format if you are in the travel, hospitality, or entertainment industries.

3. History and Trivia: Lists that provide interesting facts or trivia on a particular topic are educational and entertaining. For example, "The 10 Things You Need to Know About Listicles." This list style is engaging and helpful if you want your readers to know fun facts about your brand, business, or product.

4. Product Reviews: Listicles that review multiple products in a particular category are helpful for consumers looking to make a purchase decision. For example, "The Top 5 Walking Shoes for Women." Obviously an excellent format for the retail industry!

5. Lifestyle and Self-Improvement: Listicles that provide tips and advice for personal growth, health, and well-being are informative and inspiring. For example, "10 Early Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure." A lifestyle listicle is a good format for health and wellness, exercise, beauty and style, and fashion.

No matter what format you choose, the key to creating an engaging and effective listicle is fairly simple: choose a topic that resonates with your target audience and present the information in a clear and concise manner. Following our tips will make it as easy as 1 -2 -3!