If you’ve browsed the internet at all, odds are you’ve come across a listicle.
Now you’re probably asking, “WTF is a listicle??”
A listicle is an article formatted as a list, combining the structure of a list with the depth of an article. Each item on the list includes additional details like explanations, examples, or context to provide more value. Basically, it’s the merger of a “list” and “article.”
Their simple structure and quick readability are the reasons why listicles dominate digital content spaces, from blogs to social media posts.
But these numbered articles go far beyond just being reader-friendly—they’re strategic tools for boosting SEO, increasing engagement, and repurposing content.
I can attest that my customers love it when we create listicles for them for both their effectiveness with getting more web traffic and the way they convert that traffic into qualified leads.
So, today, I’m going to explore why listicles are invaluable for content creators and marketers and then give you six actionable tips to help you create great listicles that drive website traffic and increase your conversion rates. Let’s go!
3 Reasons Why Listicles Work
So, first of all, let’s go back in time to the golden age of magazine publishing. If you’ve ever seen the cover of a Cosmo or Vogue magazine, you’ll be familiar with teasers like “5 Celebrity Fashion Tips for Summer 2025” or “The 8 Most Popular Celebrity Diets That Really Work.”
Those are listicles, so this isn’t some new breakthrough without merit. These great ways of conveying information have been around for decades, and they can be used by virtually anyone looking to get better engagement on their content. And here are the reasons:
1. They’re Easy to Read & Digest
Listicles simplify information into bite-sized, well-organized chunks. This appeals to readers who are short on time or scanning for quick answers. Studies confirm that people spend only 54 seconds on average reading an online article, meaning content that’s immediately scannable—like listicles—has a better chance of holding their attention.
For example, instead of presenting a 1,500-word analysis on “How to Achieve Work-Life Balance,” a listicle titled “10 Strategies to Create Better Work-Life Balance” offers the same value in a more consumable way.
2. They’re Versatile & Repurposable
One of the standout benefits of listicles is their versatility. A well-structured listicle provides multiple entry points for repurposing:
- Break it into smaller social media posts.
- Transform the list into a video script or slideshow.
- Expand on individual points for follow-up blog posts.
This flexibility means a single listicle can fuel your content pipeline across multiple platforms, saving you time and effort.
3. SEO Loves Listicles
Search engines favour content that aligns with user intent, and listicles tick all the boxes. They provide direct answers, improve click-through rates, and are prime candidates for “featured snippets” on search platforms like Google.
For instance, a listicle titled “7 Reasons to Start Journaling” might rank higher in search results when someone types in “Why should I journal?” Furthermore, inserting relevant keywords into the title (“listicles,” “write better listicles,” etc.) and throughout the post can further boost SEO performance.
Plus, in the new world of artificial intelligence (AI) search engine optimization (SEO), listicles have a greater chance of being displayed in the AI Overview of Google or in the Search GPT results.
How to Write Listicles That Get Results
Now that we’ve established their benefits, how do you ensure your listicles stand out and perform? Here are six concise yet effective tips.
1. Start with a Clear & Enticing Headline
Your title is what draws readers in. A great listicle title shouldn’t just be descriptive—it should compel your audience to click.
- Instead of a generic title like “Tips for Fitness,” go bold with “12 Fitness Hacks to Lose Weight Without Hitting the Gym.”
- Focus on specificity, adding numbers or power words like “best,” “easy,” or “proven.” For example, “10 Proven Ways to Save Money Every Month.”
Numbers are particularly alluring for readers. A survey found that 36% of readers prefer headlines with numbers, proving their effectiveness.
2. Create an Outline Before Writing
While listicles are simple, they require careful planning. Before you begin drafting, outline your points:
- Define your core message. Are you educating, inspiring, or entertaining?
- List your key points. Ensure they’re cohesive and relevant to your theme.
- Order your list logically. Consider ranking tips from most impactful to least or grouping ideas by categories.
For example, if you’re writing “5 Ways to Improve Time Management,” you might start with foundational tips (e.g., setting priorities) before moving on to advanced strategies (e.g., leveraging time-blocking tools).
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Bigger isn’t always better. A listicle with 25 generic ideas won’t resonate as well as one with seven in-depth suggestions. Readers value substance, so focus on actionable and well-explained points.
Take the listicle “6 Ways to Save on Travel Costs.” Instead of vague ideas like “book flights early,” offer specifics like “Use fare prediction tools like Hopper to identify price drops.”
f you do have a big listicle of say 25 or more, try to segment it into categories. So, for example, if you have 25 ways to save money on your next vacation, you might want to break it down with 5 ways to save on flights, 5 ways to save on hotels, 5 ways to save at the airport, 5 ways to save on tours, 5 ways to save on restaurants.
4. Use Engaging Formatting
Proper formatting is crucial for making your listicle scannable and user-friendly. Here’s how:
- Use headings or bold numbers: For example, “1. Stick to a Sleeping Schedule.”
- Add supporting visuals: Charts, infographics, or images can amplify your point.
- Shorten paragraphs: Stick to 2–3 sentences per section to avoid overwhelming readers.
For example:
1. Make Meal Prep Fun
Did you know that meal prep can save you up to 10 hours a week and cut grocery bills by 30%? Buy in bulk and then use colour-coded and stackable storage containers to help organize your fridge.
5. Incorporate Data & Examples
Even the most engaging list loses impact without strong backing. Use statistics, examples, or real-life scenarios to validate your advice.
For example, when writing “5 Ways to Improve Your Website Loading Speed,” pair actionable advice (e.g., “compress images”) with data like, “One second of load time delay can lower conversions by 7%, according to Cloudflare.”
Real-world proof makes your tips both credible and relatable.
6. End with a Call to Action
Leave readers with a clear next step. Whether it’s encouraging social shares, linking to related resources, or inviting comments, a call to action (CTA) extends the reader’s engagement and provides value.
For instance, a listicle titled “8 Effective Interview Tips” might end with:
“Got an upcoming interview? Check out our ultimate guide to crafting a standout resume.”
Listicles: An Essential SEO Content Tool
Listicles are more than just trendy content formats—they’re practical tools for any business looking to grow their customer base. Their straightforward structure promotes readability, their flexibility makes them repurposable, and their SEO potential is unmatched. By crafting thoughtful, engaging listicles using the tips outlined above, you can attract website traffic, generate lead conversions, and provide real value to your audience.
Our content marketing strategy for Numero Uno Web Solutions’ customers frequently includes listicles and, as I said at the top, those are the content pieces that get the most traffic and conversion for them.
One last thing, if you are struggling to come up with ideas for your listicles or any other kind of content for your website or your social feeds, then feel free to reach out to me.
