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What is a Listicle?

Blog-Specific Terms

A listicle is a blog post formatted as a list, typically with a number in the headline like "10 Ways to..." or "7 Best Tools for...". Each item gets its own section with a subheading and explanation.

Listicles are popular because they're scannable, easy to consume, and set clear expectations. Readers know exactly what they're getting: seven tips, not an essay.

Why Listicles Work

Listicles are highly shareable and perform well on social media. The format feels manageable - "10 things" is less intimidating than a long-form guide.

They also rank well for certain search intent types. Queries like "best [X]" or "ways to [Y]" naturally lead to listicle results. If top-ranking content is lists, your post probably should be too.

Numbers in headlines tend to get higher click-through rates than generic titles. "15 Blog Post Ideas" performs better than "Blog Post Ideas to Try."

When to Use Listicles

Listicles work well for recommendations, tips, examples, resources, or steps. They're ideal when you have multiple discrete points that don't need to build on each other.

Don't force the listicle format when another structure serves readers better. If you're explaining a concept or making an argument, traditional essay structure might work better.

Check the SERP for your target keyword. If all top results are listicles, that's what Google and users expect. If they're comprehensive guides, don't arbitrarily force a list format.

How to Structure a Listicle

Start with a brief introduction explaining what the list covers and why it matters. Include your keyword early.

Each list item should have:

  • A clear H2 or H3 heading describing the item
  • Explanation of why it matters or how to implement it
  • Examples or details that add value beyond just naming the item

End with a brief conclusion summarizing the list or providing a next step.

Common Listicle Mistakes

Don't create thin listicles where each item is just a sentence or two. If your "10 tips" post is only 500 words, it's probably thin content.

Avoid arbitrary numbers. "37 Ways to..." usually means you padded the list to hit a random number. Stick to what's actually worth including, even if that's 7 items instead of 10.

Make sure list items are relatively equal in importance and depth. If three items get 200 words each and seven get 30 words, restructure or cut the weak items.

Put this knowledge into practice

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