12 Most Vital Reasons to Use Lists
Yes, this is one of those “meta” posts, but it’s an important topic for bloggers. Lists are everywhere for an excellent reason. Actually, for 12 good reasons…
1. Numerals stand out in headlines
In a world of letters, numbers stand out. Numbered lists are attention grabbers. Any time a headline includes a number, it becomes more prominent than the text around it. This makes the headline more effective for better click-through rates in search results, open rates as subject lines, and shareable as tweets.
Pro tip: Use odd numbers. They often appear to be more scientific and credible. If you don’t believe me, just look at the headlines on the magazines in the checkout aisle. (Of course, 12 Most is an exception)
2. Lists give a post structure and organization
You can’t ramble in a list. It’s a built-in structure that keeps you on topic. A list forces you to break down concepts and be organized in your thinking. This organization keeps your posts tight and makes you a more productive blogger.
3. Lists are easy to write
A list is something you can keep on the back burner and come back to anytime. Keep adding to it until it feels finished.
Pro tip: Keep the list in your back pocket.
I once kept a notepad next to my phone for one year, and I wrote down every complaint I heard about web design companies. Over time, this blog post gradually appeared: 27 Complaints about Web Design Companies.
4. Lists are easy for readers to scan
Do you seriously expect your readers to read every word? Not likely. Accept the fact that readers are really scanners, and make it easy for them with a list. Bulleted lists are great this way. Numbered lists are even better since they set expectations about the length of a post.
5. Lists are persuasive
You may need to make several points to make your case. When you number those points in a list, it’s instantly clear that you’re making a comprehensive, well-considered argument.
Pro tip: According to studies on the serial position effect, the first and the last items in a list are the most easily recalled. Audience attention and retention of list items is strongest at the beginning and end of the list. Put your most important items first and last, with the least important points in the middle.
6. List posts are easy to share
Each list item is a tweet waiting to happen. These bite-sized nuggets are made for sharing. Readers may tweet or post a favorite list item. Or when you’re tweeting the post yourself, you can use a juicy list item as a quote within a tweet.
7. Lists are magnets for links
Any list post is bait for inbound links. Bloggers know that when they link to a list, they’re linking to structured content in an organized format. They can be confident in the value to their readers.
8. Lists inspire comments
Ever scan through a list looking for that one item you were expecting to find but didn’t? Ever been tempted to mention it in the comments? A list is likely to include (or leave out) that one item that’s important to the reader, prompting them to add their thoughts in the comments.
9. Lists go well in the mix with other blog topics
If you’ve been blogging for a while and you find yourself stuck looking for ideas, try writing a list. It’s a fast way to produce high quality content. Get a list in the mix!
10. Checklists invite return visitors
If I find a list of to-do items for important tasks, I’m going to save it and come back to it. It’s a useful resource of actionable items. Some people print list posts and keep them nearby.
11. List content is easy to crowdsource
Sometimes, “writing” a blog post is as easy as tweeting a question. The answers that come back may work well as a list. Or try emailing a question to several experts or influencers. When you get their replies, you’ll suddenly find you have “5 Expert Views on Topic X.” Once you post it, they may help promote it for you.
12. They can be submitted to this site
This is such a fun blog to read. It’s also a wonderful one for which to write. But of course, 12 Most only accepts lists…
If you weren’t using lists already, now you have a good idea for why you should start. If you have any suggestions for us or examples of lists (good or bad) let us know with a comment below!
And if you plan on submitting your ideas to 12 Most, be sure to check out this information on How to Guest Post.
Featured image courtesy of stock_xchng.
7 comments
Great points, Andy - I agree with you that lists are great for providing a consistent/reliable format. It makes it easier to scan the post for the relevant points. It also makes it easier to target your comments to a specific point on the list.
And as a writer, it is sometimes easier to write small snippets in support of each topic on a list versus writing a larger and more narrative blog post.
My mother taught me #5, this is a well-known trick for writing joke lists. I guess David Letterman would be the example of just how well lists work.
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@crestodina The Pro Tip from #5 could benefit from being a little higher or lower in the list :)
But seriously, love this post Andy.
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@crestodina You're welcome Andy! Great summary on why lists are so important. People love them and share like crazy!
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