What is a Listicle?

What is a Listicle?

A listicle is a type of article or blog post presented in list format, where each item on the list includes a description or explanation that adds value to the topic.

Unlike roundup posts, which feature expert opinions or advice, listicles are typically based on the author’s research or personal perspective.

The primary purpose of a listicle is to organize related items or concepts in an easy-to-read format, making information digestible for readers.

Listicles are especially effective for comparing similar products or options and are a popular format for including affiliate links, allowing bloggers to earn commissions from sales.

Listicles are important because they benefit both readers and writers.

For readers, they are skimmable, informative, and help in making educated decisions by presenting multiple options.

For writers, listicles provide a versatile platform to share ideas while maximizing affiliate sales opportunities in a single post.

Common Types of Listicles

Some of the most popular types of listicles include the following:

• Informational Listicles: These types of listicles present information in an easy-to-read list form. For example, 15 facts about the stock market or 23 fashion tips.
• Recommendation Listicles: These types of listicles recommend products to readers. A recommendation listicle can include one product type, like the 12 best red lipsticks, or follow a theme, such as the 27 best Amazon finds.
• Educational Listicles: Educational listicles feature a list of facts. Like flashcards, educational listicles quickly show the reader information as a heading, then go into details in the text.
• How-To Listicles: How-to listicles outline the list of steps for doing something, like DIY home decor, how to write a blog post, and how to find a job.

The most popular types of listicles are those with engaging, easy-to-read content that appeals to broad audiences.

Lighthearted listicles, such as “15 Things All Dog Lovers Do” or “37 Funniest Memes,” often gain popularity due to their entertainment value and shareability.

Alternatively, listicles that provide useful or interesting information, like “13 Things You Need to Know About the Food You Eat” or “12 Things Not to Do on a Date,” can go viral by offering practical value to readers.

Ultimately, the popularity of a listicle depends on how well its content resonates with the intended audience.

Examples of Listicles

Below, we’ll explain more about the different types of listicles and include examples for each.

1. Informational Listicles

Informational listicles present readers with a list of information that doesn’t look like a textbook.

Check out this listicle by Timeout about the best films of 2022.

This informational listicle by Timeout features the movie title as headings, an image from the film, and text underneath.

The text provides readers with a brief synopsis and reasons why they’ll enjoy the film.

Each heading is a link directing readers to other content on the Timeout site or sending readers to recommended product pages.

2. Recommendation Listicles

Recommendation listicles share a list of recommended products with readers.

For example, check out these best makeup dupes from the writers at Self.

In this listicle, readers will find affiliate links to the expensive brand name-product and the cheaper dupe product.

Each heading is a type of makeup, and the text under each heading comprehensively compares the dupe and name-brand products.

3. How-To Listicles

How-to listicles give step-by-step instructions on how to do something.

For a remarkable example of a how-to listicle, check out this post about how to do a smokey eye by Ipsy.

Readers will quickly spot the headers listing steps for how to apply products to recreate the iconic makeup look.

Under each header are detailed instructions.

What we love about this listicle is that it also includes an educational listicle after the how-to section.

The headers become the names of varying smokey eye looks, and the text underneath discusses the details between the different types, so readers walk away as smokey eye experts.

4. Listicle Content Ideas

If you’re wondering what topics to write about, listicles cover all types.

Writers often feature topics like health, beauty, finance, entertainment, and fun facts as listicles.

Remember, content is king. When choosing content ideas, ensure that the listicle fits the blog’s niche.

For example, a writing blog is better suited for a listicle about the best WordPress plugins than a listicle with steps for how to catch a fish.

How To Write a Listicle

Below, we’ll go into more detail about every step of the listicle writing process.

Follow the steps below to write a fabulous listicle.

• Step 1: Pick a listicle topic
• Step 2: Do keyword research
• Step 3: Create a numbered list
• Step 4: Add text for each item
• Step 5: Insert images

Step 1: Pick a Listicle Topic

The first step of writing a listicle is choosing a topic.

Keep your listicle themes within the theme of your blog niche to ensure consistency in your content.

Once you decide on the topic, choose which type of listicle style suits the topic best.

Pick from informational, recommendations, how-to, and educational listicles.

Step 2: Do Keyword Research

After you’ve decided on your topic, do keyword research to optimize your content for search engines.

Keyword research also ensures that your listicle touches on subjects that readers are interested in.

Step 3: Create a Numbered List

Now that you have insight into popular searches, you’re ready to create a list of things for your listicle to discuss.

Do a quick Google search to determine how many items to include on your list.

If the number one Google search discusses 21 things, include 23 things on your listicle.

Step 4: Add Text for Each Item

Add text for each item on your numbered list.

The text should be brief but meet the user intent for each item.

Bloggers don’t have to include text for each item in a listicle.

Some listicles only use images.

However, adding text allows the blogger to insert keywords for better on-page SEO.

Step 5: Insert Images

For the final touch, add images to your listicle.

Images help break up the content, so it’s easier to read and help the reader to visualize the products or concepts better.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to publish your listicle.

Listicle Best Practices

Now that you know how to write one, check out these tips for listicle best practices.

1. Avoid Clickbait Titles

Clickbait titles are exaggerated claims or attention-grabbing headlines for the sole purpose of generating a click.

While clickbait is catchy and enticing, many readers are put off by them and prefer titles that better represent the article’s content.

2. Remember the Reader

Remember your readers and speak to them like friends.

Listicles should be engaging, so speak to the reader using first-person and second-person pronouns.

Remember that a reader is a person on the other side of the screen, and focus your content on that person.

While recommendation listicles are great places to include affiliate links, don’t bombard your readers with too many options or recommend products you wouldn’t purchase yourself.

3. Go In-Depth

Listicles can be light and fluffy, but sharable listicles offer readers something they didn’t have before they opened your post.

Good listicles go in-depth for each item on the list without going overboard.

The length of a listicle should be between 1500 and 200 words.

Treat each numbered item like a mini-essay.

However, if you find you have more to write about for each item, perhaps your topic is better suited as a long-form blog post than a listicle.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the ins and outs of listicles, you’re ready to begin writing your own.

Engage your audiences with captivating listicles with recommended products, interesting facts, and adorable images.

Be sure to follow our best practices to maximize the impact of your listicle. Happy blogging!