No matter what some critics say, list posts will always do well. I think one of the biggest strengths is that it inherently manages the readers’ expectations. The title of the list post tells them exactly what the post is about and how many bullet points there will be. Another reason is people are so curious that seeing a list post just naturally draws them in. It’s like they just HAVE to know what’s on the list!

Case and point, two of my lists posts have are among my most read articles: Top 5 myths of blogging for money and Top 5 things to do for your SEO. In fact, I may even republish them one day. Readers know exactly what they’re getting from those posts; they get five points. For new bloggers, the lists offer a wealth of info; for others, they may want to see the posts just to argue that I’m missing one or two points that should’ve made the lists.

With over 100 million blogs (though many are defunct now), list posts are more popular than ever and everyone will eventually get to writing one if they haven’t already. Here’s my 7 secrets for creating list posts.

  • Use a compelling headline – Sure I could’ve used “7 tips…” or “7 things to know…” but instead, I decided to use “7 secrets…”. Use scare tactics if you want. If your headline would fit in on a tabloid magazine then you probably did it right.

  • Keep each point short – If your list is short, using a quick sentence or short paragraph to elaborate is fine. For long lists, often times, all you need are just the points. No one will want to read your expanded version of top 100 things to do before you turn 30.

  • Stick with your perceived expertise – Imagine if I wrote a post on “10 warning signs of H1N1 virus”. Even if I knew, the post just wouldn’t be believable. I sell myself as a blog expert so I’m going to write about blogging or other related topics.

  • Deliver real content – A list post with a good title with no substance will make readers hate you. Ensure you actually have valuable info! If you’re writing “10 must-do’s before breakfast” and your list is full of things like “brush teeth” and “put on clothes”, you’re just asking for someone to send you a trojan.

  • Make it easy to scan by bolding points – Some people don’t care for all the commentary. Let them off the hook by allowing them get the gist of the article by simply glancing at all the bold text.

  • Use humor – Depending on your topic, sprinkling a bit of humor can be refreshing. Obviously this wouldn’t be appropriate if your article is “10 things you must know before placing your loved one in a nursing home”.

  • Leave the door open for more points – A great way to end a list post is to ask readers to add to your list. After all, your list can’t be totally comprehensive anyway.

Now don’t overdo it; you don’t need a list everyday like Letterman. But when timed right, a list post is not only great for attracting readers, but it also gives you a nice break from your other posts.

What are some of your “secrets” for creating your list posts?

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