Three Tips for Writing Listicles

Yes, they may be the product of a society with a shorter attention span, but listicles are fun to read… and write. However, like any other form of writing, there are rules for making sure they are enjoyable to read. Whether you are ranking movies or compiling a set of facts, here are three tips for making your listicles scrollable.

1. Keep Your Intro Short

When someone clicks on your listicle, they want to read your list, not the opening paragraphs. Simply set the stage, describe the methodology if you need to, and dive into the list.

2. Make Your Headings Uniform

For a list to flow, all the headings need to have the same style. If your list is made up of proper nouns like people or places, that is easy enough. If not, then remember that if you start one item with an action verb, you should do the same with the rest of them.

3. Be Creative

I’ll use an example for this one. A few years ago, I was putting together the top 50 Super Bowl moments of all time for Athlon Sports. At #40 was a moment in Super Bowl XVIII where the Washington Redskins (now known as the Commanders) were down 14-3 to the Los Angeles Raiders shortly before halftime. The Redskins ran a play called “Rocket Screen,” but Raiders linebacker Jack Squirek leapt in midair to intercept the pass and ran it into the end zone for the touchdown. If I had just titled it “Rocket Screen,” readers would have known what I was talking about, but instead I infused a little Guns N' Roses and called it “Here I am, I’m your Rocket Screen.”

One of the great things about listicles is that the research is just as fulfilling as the writing. Have fun with both as you put yours together.

💡 Want more tips on writing in different settings? Check out Three Key Components to Writing While Traveling for practical advice when deadlines follow you on the road.

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