To put it simply, the world loves good list posts.
Think about it.
More often than not, when a blog post goes viral, it’s some sort of list. I mean, just look at all those BuzzFeed articles you can’t get enough of.
And if you want to create better content for your blog, including more list posts on your editorial calendar would be a smart move. Today, I’m sharing why.
Why List Posts Are Good for Your Blog
Before we dive in, I don’t want you to think you need to make every blog post a list from here on out. However, you should fit them in every so often because they do provide benefits for both you and your readers.
1. List Posts Are Easy to Scan
Be honest with me… How often do you skim a blog post, as opposed to reading the entire thing? There’s a good chance it happens more often than you’d like to admit. But the truth is, we can be pretty lazy readers.
We tend to scan blog posts for the information we need, as opposed to reading it word for word. And once we’ve gotten the information we’re looking for, we click off the site.
List posts allow you to quickly and easily share content in easy-to-consume bites. When your posts are formatted in this way, you’re more likely to get people to read the whole thing, plus it’s easier for them to follow along.
2. They Get Right to the Point
There’s no rambling or time-wasting when it comes to list posts. Each item clearly states one idea without going into multiple others. Once one topic has wrapped up, it’s onto the next in a way that flows. Plus, it ensures you aren’t wasting your audience’s time either. And since we’re always in a hurry to get the information we want, that’s a good thing for your readers!
3. List Posts Break Down Complicated Topics
Are you writing about something that’s a little complex? Writing list posts to break down steps or to explain a process can help give your readers a better understanding of the topic at hand. It’s much easier to follow along this way, especially when you organize your points step-by-step. I love creating lists for step-by-step guides like my post, A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Blog Posts That Get Read. Even though there’s no number in the title, there’s a detailed list within the post.
4. They Can be Persuasive
Planning to make an argument with your blog post? Consider using a list format to clearly present your opinions and ideas to readers. You can let one idea flow into the other in a way that makes sense. Just be sure to make your strongest points early on in the past and then wrap up with another strong point. This is the best way to grab their attention and hold it throughout the post. For example, check out my post on 10 Reasons Why You Should for Your Business. It’s designed to persuade people to start blogging by clearly presenting my opinions on the topic.
5. They’re Easy to Write
Another benefit to writing a list is that they’re a great way to organize your thoughts. Writing blog posts become effortless when your thoughts aren’t a jumbled mess! In my experience, list posts are some of the easiest to write. All you have to do is gather your information and get out all your thoughts and ideas.
Quick Tips for Great List Posts
Now that you know why list posts are so beneficial for you and your blog readers, you need a few tips to help you create one that stands out. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your next list:
- Choose how many items your list will have. It’s a good idea to have a set number of items you’d like your list to have. This gives you a great starting point for coming up with the things you’ll discuss in your post.
- Brainstorm more ideas than you’ll need. Sometimes your ideas don’t pan out, so it’s always handy to have a few backups ready to go! Brainstorm a few additional items for your list and you’re sure to be in good shape once you start writing.
- Order your list in a way that makes sense. Your list needs to flow from one idea to the next in a logical way. Don’t just write them in the order they first came to your mind. Depending on the list’s focus, you can do most popular to least popular (or vice versa), alphabetical (great for lists of resources), chronological, or step-by-step. The smart way to go is to put your strongest ideas first and then end with another strong idea.
- Craft a headline that’ll grab attention. To make sure your list posts are successful, they need a captivating headline. It should grab attention, while still conveying what your readers will get from the post. Never mislead them!
How would you love to create blog posts that resonate with your audience and inspire them to take action?
It’s totally possible with the lessons in my Captivating Content Kit for Bloggers! Learn how it can help you write better content!
