How to Write an Engaging Listicle That Actually Gets Read

When I first started writing online, I thought listicles were lazy content.

You know, the posts with “27 Things That Will Make You Feel Old” that seemed to flood my social media feeds. I was wrong.

Here’s the reality: Listicles in 2025 are generating 2x more traffic than the average how-to article.

It’s a legitimate content strategy that clearly succeeds. And if you’re not using them, you’re leaving website traffic and engagement on the table.

Why I Changed My Mind About Listicles

I had an idea to try something new. I chose my top-performing how-to article and restructured it into a listicle. Same information, same utility, but different presentation.

The results? My traffic doubled.

People weren’t just clicking – they were sticking around. They were sharing. They were commenting.

The listicle format had turned my content into something people read, instead of something they just scrolled past.

How Listicles Took Over in 2025

Here are some things that are going to blow your mind about listicle content:

Traffic That Actually Matters

Listicles are pulling 2x more traffic than traditional articles. When someone clicks on “10 Essential Tools for Building a Website,” they know what they’re in for. No surprises, no let down.

Click-Through Rates That Make You Smile

Here’s a headline stat that made me pause, when testing headlines, 70% of listicles showed an increase in click-through when swapped from a non-listicle format. That’s a game-changer.

Google Actually Loves Them

I used to believe that Google would penalize the “lightweight” content, listicles and so on. Listicles are popular for featured snippets because they offer scannable answers that help users answer their questions fast.

People on Mobile Like It

Since 70 percent of people who read blogs do so on a mobile device, the easily skimmable format of listicles reflects how people actually read online. No one’s snuggling in with a coffee to read your 3,000-word essay on their phone while getting through their morning commute.

The Anatomy of a Listicle That Actually Works

Now I want to share exactly how to build a profitable listicle content.

Start with a Headline That Stops the Scroll

Your headline is everything. I mean everything.

7–9 word headlines work best and adding a number to the front of the headline can increase CTR by up to 70%.

Here’s the formula:

Number + Adjective + Keyword + Promise

Good examples:

“10 Essential Tools for Building a Website”“7 Proven Ways to Increase Blog Traffic”“15 Simple Habits That Changed My Life”

Bad examples:

“Some Tools You Might Find Useful”“Ways to Get More Traffic”“Things That Might Help You”

See the difference? Good headlines are specific, promising value, and telling you exactly what you’re getting.

Pick Topics That Actually Fit the Format

Not everything needs to be a listicle.

Listicles work best for:

Tools and resourcesTips and strategiesExamples and case studiesStep-by-step processesComparisons and reviews

If your article can’t naturally be divided into clear, valuable points, go with another format. Don’t force it.

Structure Your List Like You Actually Care About Your Readers

I also see a lot of listicles that come off really random, as if the author pulled a bunch of bullet points out of a hat. Don’t be that person.

Organize your points in a logical way:

Chronologically (as applies to processes)By importance (ascending order of preference)By Group (Categorize like-items)By difficulty (easiest to hardest)

The sweet spot? 5 to 15 items.

Fewer than 5 feels thin. Fifteen times seems to be the tipping point.

I typically go for 7-10 items – enough for it to be useful, but not so many that people’s eyes start to glass over.

Make Every Single Point Worth Reading

This is where the typical listicle usually has issues. They bloated their lists with fluff to meet a number.

Each of your listicle points should:

Provide actionable adviceInclude specific examplesOffer unique insights

We want to provide useful information to readers. Ask yourself, does this point deserve to be on the list?

The Visual Elements That Keep People Reading

Here’s a tip I wish I’d received when I first started writing, formatting is 50% of the job.

Make Scanning Effortless

Use bullet points and numbers listsKeep paragraphs short (1-2 sentences at most)Use plenty of white spaceUse subheadings to break up copy

Images Aren’t Optional

Images lead to longer ‘time on page’ and more engaging content.Screenshots when describing tools or proceduresBasic graphics or icons to offset textGraphs and charts when displaying the information

Mobile-First Formatting

Most of your readers are on mobile. Preview every listicle on your phone, before it’s published.

SEO Optimization That Gets You The Results

Consider the following SEO Optimization strategies:

Strategic Keyword Placement

I include my main keyword in:

The title (obviously)The introduction2-3 bullet points (if any) (native level, not manufactured)The conclusion

Link Like You Mean It

A listicle should be:

Internal links to relevant pages on your own siteExternal links in protocol-only referencesReader-friendly inline links that provide added value to readers

Featured Snippet Optimization

Google can’t get enough listicles for featured snippets. I actually format my content specifically to enable this:

Use numbering or bulleting in listsProvide short answers only If you have provided clear answers to all of the questions.Organize information in a logical way

The Psychology Behind Why Listicles Work

There’s real science behind why listicles consistently perform well:

Our Brains Love Structure

Humans are wired to take in information in bite-size portions. When someone sees “7 Ways to…” they know exactly what they are signing up for.

The Completion Effect

There is something inherently satisfying about finishing a listicle. It activates the same psychological reward as completing tasks on a to-do list at home.

Social Sharing Psychology

Listicles are one of the top “shared” types of content on social media. Why? They are easy to write and consult.

Common Mistakes That Kill Engagement

These are the mistakes I have made, and the ones I observe other creators making:

Padding Lists with Filler

Do not add items to simply achieve a specific number. Less is more.

Ignoring Mobile Readers

If your listicle is difficult to read on a mobile phone, you’ve lost 70% of your readership.

Forgetting the Introduction

Readers attention should be grabbed right at the beginning, so think up something to make them interested in your list.

How to Promote Your Listicles for Maximum Results

The key to successful content marketing is not just great content. This is how I share my listicles:

Social Media Strategy

Make carousel posts showcasing the key thingsUse appropriate hashtags and tag brands/people you mentioned.

Email Marketing

Feature listicles in newslettersBreak them into email seriesUse them as lead magnets

Update and Refresh

I update my best performing listicles every 6 months. New content can increase traffic by up to 106%.

The Bottom Line

Listicles succeed because they acknowledge your readers’ time and interest. They’re well structured, offer value quickly, and they match the way we actually consume content on the internet.

I am not suggesting every article should be a listicle. But if you’re not employing them strategically, you’re losing out on a format that reliably delivers traffic, engagement, and conversion.