Hey! 👋
Rule the SERPs with “Listicles”
The idea 💡
Listicles structure information into easily scannable sections. They excel in the era of AI‑generated summaries because models can quickly extract numbered points. A comparison of list‑based articles and non‑lists found that lists generate 4× more traffic and 2× more social shares. Roughly 36 % of readers are more likely to click on headlines that contain numbers. With Google’s AI Overviews reducing clicks to traditional search results, writing list‑style content increases the chance your article will be featured and clicked.
Why it works »»»
Digestibility – Numbered sections help readers and AI models quickly grasp the structure. The first few items often receive the most engagement, so pack key insights early.
“Sharability” – Lists encourage social sharing because they promise a finite set of tips or resources. Readers know what they’ll get and can easily comment on their favourite item.
AI friendliness – AI summaries favour clear sentences and structured lists. Listicles make it easier for these systems to extract and present key points, improving your visibility.
Best practices »»»
Pick a specific angle – Don’t just write “10 Marketing Tips.” Instead, narrow it down: “10 AI‑Driven Marketing Tips for Small Businesses.”
Lead with value – Put your most important insight in the first three items. Eye‑tracking studies show readers are more engaged near the top of the list.
Include data and examples – Support each point with a statistic or a real‑world example. For example, highlight how a small e‑commerce brand doubled its sales after adopting live‑chat bots, then link to the relevant research.
Keep sections concise – Each list item should include a clear takeaway and a call‑to‑action or recommended next step.
Who’s doing it well?
BuzzFeed – Their lists (“21 Things Only 90s Kids Remember”) are designed for maximum shareability and often go viral.
HubSpot’s Blog – Business readers appreciate posts like “15 Sales Email Templates to Close Deals Faster,” which feature numbered sections and actionable templates.
Industry newsletters – Publications like Morning Brew and The Hustle frequently use list formats to summarise business news and trends.
Get our FREE “22 Growth Hacks to Earn Traffic Without Ads” when you subscribe today!
Need help creating high-converting blog content that ranks and converts?
We can work with you to create a strategy that rocks.
Be well,
Chris @ 22