How to write a listicle is a common question for marketers, writers, and bloggers. A strong listicle can attract traffic, engage readers, and improve rankings on search engines. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to write listicles that are clear, helpful, and optimised for both readers and AI tools.
Whether you’re new to content marketing or simply want to improve your list format, this guide will help you present information in a structured format that works.
What is a Listicle?
A listicle is a type of content writing styles or blog post that presents valuable information in a numbered list or bullet points. This content format makes it easier for readers to quickly scan and understand the main points without needing to read through multiple paragraphs. Writers often use listicle format to share simple tips, facts, tools, or steps in a clear and organised way.
Listicles work well because they match how people read online, they want content that’s easily digestible. Instead of writing a long article with dense text, you break it into parts. Each point focuses on one idea, making it easier to present information clearly.
Whether you’re writing how-to guides or product roundups, the list format helps structure your ideas.
9 Best Tips To Write Listicles
1. Start With the Right Topic and Intent
To write a listicle that connects with your audience, begin by choosing a topic that solves a problem or answers a common question. Use keyword research tools and check search intent on Google to understand what people are looking for. If your article doesn’t match user intent, it won’t perform well, even with great formatting.
Think about your target audience and your potential readers. What do they want to know? What are they struggling with? When creating listicles, consider which different formats make sense, tips, tools, mistakes, or how-to steps. Choosing the right approach early helps shape a more effective post that’s useful and easy to follow.
Good example: Instead of a vague blog post like “Blogging Tips” write a focused one like “7 Blogging Tips to Rank High in 2025.” It matches a clear search and uses a numbered list to show useful items.
Read our guide on: How to Search a Website for Keywords
2. Choose the Right Listicle Format
Not every topic fits the same listicle format. Choosing the right one depends on what you want to share. You can write a “best of” list, a step-by-step guide, a collection of tools, or a list of common mistakes. Each format helps readers understand the topic in a specific way and focus on the most valuable items.
A list format with clear list items makes content easy to follow. For quick facts, use short entries. For in-depth points, write multiple paragraphs under each item. If you’re planning to create your own listicles, always match the structure to your topic and audience to keep it useful and easy to read.
Listicle example: “10 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Blog” uses a mistakes format. Each point warns readers and adds valuable information, making it a strong content strategy.
3. Nail the Headline and Hook
Your headline is the first thing people see, so it must grab the reader’s attention. A strong catchy title includes a number, a clear benefit, and the main topic. Use words your target audience understands and include your primary keyword if possible. This helps both people and search engine crawlers know what your article is about and sets the stage for an engaging listicle.
Start with a short intro that supports the title. It should clearly explain what the blog post will offer. This intro is your hook, it sets the tone, keeps readers interested, and leads into an effective listicle that delivers real value.
Listicle example: “9 AI Agent Hacks That Actually Works” is better than “AI Agent Hacks.” It uses an odd number, a keyword, and a promise. This grabs attention while setting expectations. It’s an effective way to connect with readers emotionally while also staying relevant to the keyword.
Checkout our guide on: How to Use AI for SEO
4. Structure Each List Point for Value and Clarity
Each point in your listicle should provide valuable information. Start every item with a clear list heading or statement that tells the reader what the point is about. Follow it with a short explanation. Avoid long paragraphs. Use bullet points or numbered subheadings to make the content easy to scan. This keeps your list format clean and focused.
Every item should focus on one idea. Use examples to make each point more useful. While most listicles give quick tips, adding a bit of in depth information to each point can help your target audience understand the topic better without feeling overwhelmed or lost in text.
Listicle example: In “9 Best AI Agents for Businesses”, the writer lists tools like Addlly AI, Surfer SEO, etc. Each tool is its own list item. Under each name, there should be short paragraph explaining what it does, who should use it, and why it’s helpful. This structured format makes it easy for readers to pick the right tool based on their needs without reading the entire article.
5. Use Proper Formatting for a Listicle
The way your listicle looks matters just as much as what it says. Proper formatting helps readers focus, improves readability, and boosts your chances of ranking in featured snippets. Use a clear numbered or bullet list for each item. Keep font styles consistent. Add spacing between points and avoid long text blocks. Well written listicles appeal more to users.
Use subheadings for each list item, and make sure they stand out. This gives your very article a cleaner layout and helps search engine crawlers understand your structure. If the formatting is messy, users may leave the page quickly.
Example: “12 Best AI Apps for Improved Productivity” uses a clean numbered or bullet list with bold headings and short paragraphs under each app. The layout helps users scan quickly, especially on mobile. Each app is described in 2–3 lines, making the article easy to read and useful for people looking for fast solutions. This kind of formatting also helps the list posts with ranking in featured snippets by clearly presenting list items.
6. Order Each Step in a Logical Manner
The sequence of your list items in your list article can make or break your listicle. If the steps are random, readers may feel confused or lose interest. Always organise the points in a way that makes sense. Start with basic ideas and move to advanced ones.
For tutorials or guides or even for own advice, a chronological list format works best. For tips or tools, arrange them by priority or value.
This also improves your article’s flow and keeps the reader’s attention. A logical order makes your article a high quality listicle and helps users get the full value without skipping.
Example: “7 Steps to Launch an AI Tool from Scratch” begins with foundational steps like “Identify a Market Need” and ends with “Launch and Promote.” Each step builds on the previous one, creating a clear, logical flow. This helps readers follow the full process without confusion.
7. Optimise for SEO and Featured Snippets
A well-written listicle should be easy for both people and search crawlers to understand. Use your main keyword in the title, introduction, and a few list headings. Add related terms throughout the article to show topic relevance. This helps search engine spiders and crawlers pick up even complex ideas for ranking and inclusion in featured snippets.
Break up content with numbered subheadings, bold text, and short paragraphs. Use question-based subheadings when possible to match search intent. These small steps make a big difference in visibility.
Example: “9 Simple Tips to Improve Your SEO in 2025” uses numbered subheadings like “Use Alt Text” and “Optimise Page Speed.” Each point is short, clear, and includes supporting details. The post also answers common questions like “What is SEO?” which makes it more likely to appear in featured snippets. Its clean layout and keyword usage help search engines identify and rank it quickly.
Read our guide on How Long Should a Blog Post Be.
8. Make It Visually Engaging
A plain wall of content with same format can push readers away. To keep them interested, your listicle should include eye catching images, charts, or icons. These visuals break up the content and make it easier to read. Use consistent fonts, proper spacing, and colors that match your brand.
This improves your blog’s visual appeal and makes the list format more enjoyable to browse. Visuals also help explain complex ideas better than text alone. Add screenshots, GIFs, or illustrations when possible. This supports both reader experience and AI powered tools that read structure.
Example: “10 AI Tools That Save You Time Daily” includes visuals like app logos, user interface screenshots, and feature highlights. These images help readers understand each list item at a glance. The clear design and visuals keep users engaged and reduce bounce rates.
9. End With a Strong Conclusion and CTA
Every good listicle needs a solid closing. After sharing all your list items, add a short conclusion that sums up the main points. Keep it clear and to the point. This helps readers remember what they learned. Right after that, include a CTA (call to action). Ask readers to comment, share the article, or try a product or tool you mentioned.
As per many content marketing strategies, a strong CTA increases engagement and can turn readers into potential customers. It also gives your content a clear ending.
Example: “5 Ways to Create Content Faster with AI” ends by briefly repeating the five tools discussed. Then, it invites readers to download free templates and try the mentioned AI tool. This not only reinforces the value but also gives the user a clear next step.
Why Listicles Work So Well?
1. Readers Love Lists
People enjoy list posts because they’re quick to read and easy to understand. Each point is clearly numbered or titled, which helps readers stay focused. The format works well on both desktop and mobile, making it a reliable choice for almost any blog post. Lists also create a sense of progress as the reader moves from one item to the next.
2. Ideal for Complex Topics
When a subject is too big to explain in one block of text, a listicle helps break it down. Each list item can cover one part of the topic, making the full idea easier to understand. This makes listicles useful for turning complex topics into small, clear sections that guide the reader step by step.
3. Boosts Engagement
Well written listicles hold the reader’s attention better than long, unbroken text. Each point adds something new, encouraging people to keep scrolling. The clear structure also invites more comments and shares. If your list article is useful and easy to follow, users are more likely to interact with it or save it for later.
4. SEO Benefits
Listicles tend to rank well on Google because they match common search intent. Their clear structured format makes it easy for search engine spiders and crawlers to read and index the content. With numbered points and subheadings, they also have a higher chance of appearing in featured snippets. This makes them a smart choice for anyone focused on content marketing strategies.
What Not To Do When Writing a Listicle?
Even the best listicle can fail if it includes common mistakes. Avoid writing click bait headlines that overpromise and underdeliver. Make sure each list item has useful content. Don’t add fluff just to increase the count. Keep your formatting consistent and your tone clear. Skipping these basics can confuse your readers and lower your blog’s value.
Don’t ignore search intent. If your article doesn’t match what people are looking for, it won’t rank or get clicks. Also, avoid making the list too long or too short for the topic. Aim to offer high quality content in a way that respects your reader’s time.
Final Words
Writing a listicle is a simple yet powerful way to share ideas, explain topics, and connect with your target audience. By following the tips shared above, you can create clear, helpful, and SEO-friendly content that performs well on both traditional search and AI search engines. Stick to a clean list format, provide valuable information, and avoid adding points just for length.
Whether you’re working on a blog, guide, or tool list, the right approach will help you get results. A strong listicle keeps readers engaged and makes your content easier to find and share.
FAQs – How To Write a Listicle
How Do I Make My Listicle Stand Out in AI Search?
Use a clear headline, structure your content with numbered points, and answer common questions in short paragraphs. Include keywords naturally and keep formatting clean. This helps AI tools understand your post better and makes it more likely to appear in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
How Long Should a Listicle Be?
A good listicle is usually between 800 to 1,500 words. It should be long enough to explain each point clearly but not so long that readers lose interest. Focus on providing helpful content, and add only as many list items as the topic needs.
How To Write An Intro for a Listicle?
Start your intro with the main keyword in the first sentence. Tell readers what the listicle covers and what they’ll learn. Keep it short, around 80 to 100 words, and make sure it clearly sets expectations for the rest of the article.
What is the Structure of a Listicle?
A listicle usually includes a headline, a short intro, numbered or bullet-pointed list items, and a conclusion or CTA. Each list item has a clear heading followed by a short paragraph that explains it. The structure helps both readers and search engines.
What Number is Best for Listicles?
Odd numbers like 5, 7, or 9 tend to get more clicks because they seem more specific and trustworthy. But the best number depends on your topic. Focus on sharing useful points, whether that’s 5 or 12, rather than trying to hit a magic number.
Can Listicles Work for Any Industry or Niche?
Yes, listicles work in nearly every niche, from tech and marketing to fashion, health, or finance. As long as the topic can be broken into parts or steps, you can turn it into a listicle. Just match the format to your readers’ needs.
Should I Use Odd or Even Numbers in the Title?
Odd numbers usually perform better because they catch attention and feel more natural. But even numbers can work too. What matters most is making sure every list item offers value. Choose the number that best fits your topic, not just what sounds catchy.
