Why you should write a listicle

Listicles, or articles presented in a list format, have become increasingly popular in recent years - and for good reason. These easy-to-digest, scannable pieces of content offer numerous benefits for both readers and content creators alike.

Here are some key reasons why you should consider writing listicles:

• They're easy to read. In today's fast-paced digital world, people often don't have the time or attention span to read long-form articles. Listicles break information down into bite-sized, numbered chunks that are quick and easy to consume.
• They're shareable. Because of their scannable nature, listicles tend to perform well on social media. People are more likely to share a "Top 10" list than a dense, text-heavy article. This can help increase your reach and drive more traffic to your site.
• They're engaging. Listicles often incorporate eye-catching visuals, attention-grabbing headlines, and interactive elements like quizzes or polls. This makes them more engaging and memorable than traditional articles.
• They're versatile. Listicles can cover a wide range of topics, from serious news stories to lighthearted pop culture roundups. No matter what industry you're in, there's likely a way to incorporate lists into your content strategy.
• They're great for SEO. Search engines love listicles because they're typically focused on a specific keyword or topic. By optimizing your listicle for relevant keywords, you can improve your search rankings and drive more organic traffic to your site.

Writing a listicle is a smart way to create content that's both user-friendly and effective at driving results for your business.

And creating listicles is easy with Type, the AI-powered writing assistant that helps you write faster and smarter.

How to write a listicle

To write an effective listicle, start by choosing a topic that lends itself well to a list format. This could be anything from "10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity" to "The 5 Best Restaurants in New York City."

Next, come up with a catchy, click-worthy headline that clearly communicates what your list is about. Use numbers, strong adjectives, and power words to make your headline stand out.

When writing your list items, keep them concise and to-the-point. Use short paragraphs or bullet points to make your content easy to scan. Incorporate relevant images, GIFs, or videos to break up the text and add visual interest.

Finally, wrap up your listicle with a brief conclusion that summarizes the key takeaways and includes a call-to-action. This could be an invitation to share the article, leave a comment, or check out a related resource.

You can also use Type and our template library filled with expert-designed templates to create listicles quickly and easily.

How to use this template

Here's how to go from our general template to a polished listicle in just a few simple steps:

1. Open up Type, click "New Document," and select the "Listicle" template from the gallery.
2. Under "knowledge sources," you can include links to any research, data, or resources you want to reference in your listicle. This will give the writing AI more context to work with.
3. Hit "Generate," and watch as Type's AI creates a custom listicle for you in seconds, complete with suggested headlines and list items.
4. Refine the listicle with our Rewrite brushes. You can adjust the tone, make the text more concise, improve readability, and more.
5. Add your own personal touches and concrete examples to make the listicle uniquely yours. If you need some inspiration, brainstorm ideas with Type Chat, the chatbot that lives right in your document.
6. When you're done, ask Type to review your listicle for any grammar, spelling, or formatting issues. A polished, error-free article will help establish your credibility and authority.
7. Export your completed listicle from Type as a web-ready HTML file. It's all set to publish on your blog or website!

Best practices and tips for success

Before you start writing your listicle, do some research to see what's already been covered on your topic. Look for unique angles or new information you can add to the conversation.

Some other tips to keep in mind:

• Choose an odd number of items. Listicles with odd numbers in the headline (like 7 or 9) tend to perform better than those with even numbers.
• Use parallel structure. Keep your list items grammatically and stylistically consistent. Start each one with the same part of speech or verb tense.
• Prioritize your list items. Put the most important or interesting items at the beginning and end of your list. Readers are most likely to remember those.
• Optimize for featured snippets. Use clear, concise headlines and formatting to increase your chances of showing up in Google's featured snippets for list-based queries.
• Encourage engagement. Ask readers to share their own tips in the comments or on social media. This boosts engagement and can give you ideas for future content.

How to access this template

Getting started with this listicle template is easy. Just log into your Type account and open a new document.

Once you're in the document editor, select the "Generate" button to open the "Generate Draft" menu. Tap "Use template →" to open the template menu, where you can choose "Listicle" from the options.

Your turn

Listicles are a powerful way to create engaging, shareable content that drives results for your business. Let Type and our battle-tested template help you write attention-grabbing listicles in a snap.

Try Type out and see how easy it is to create listicles that inform, entertain, and convert.