Content Production Simplified:

Lists

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Cert No. 10700ISO 9001

Listicles

Definitive Lists

Framework Lists

Listicles simply offer a bullet

pointed list with no story devel-

oped around or prior context at-

tached to it. An example might

be, “10 search engines we’re

using right now”. The trick to

creating an engaging listicle is

to base the list on a topical or

useful subject - something that

will capture and then retain at-

tention from readers all the way

through the content. For that

reason, listicles are illustrated

with images, infographics or gifs

- lending depth and description

to a single point.

The definitive list picks up were

the listicle left off, offering ex-

haustive coverage on a specific

topic. An example for this might

be, “The top 50 most effective

search engines of all time”. This

kind of list allows for contextual

relevance to be added to every

answer, so the subject of the

list is explained in detail in the

course of the content. General-

ly definitive lists have had more

research and time put aside to

develop them, with number of

points tending to be double dig-

its and most likely rounded to a

whole number like 20, 30 and so

on.

The framework list is an article

in itself. Usually lists like this are

organised around a news story

or narrative first and the list-

ed format is added to give the

content structure. In this case,

the list is extrapolated from

the original subject, so length is

based purely on how much con-

tent is in the article. An exam-

ple of this might be, “15 useful

ways to use a search engine”.

Being easy to skim through at a

glance, lists are ideal for publishing

on social media platforms and can be

repurposed from blog posts and news

stories to create more content and

traction to a website. Find out how in

our recent news story.

Marketers frequently utilise the following three list types to deliver information in a visually appealing format:

Marketers have realised that the key to attracting an audience lies in the way that content is presented and the more concise and creative content appears, the greater attraction it will have to potential readers look-ing for answers quickly. In fact, 92% of B2B marketers are actively seeking other forms of content, besides blogs, to encourage engagement on social media net-works and boost their presence. Thus, lists have be-come a popular tool in marketing and generating social shares online.

T: 0845 600 7177E: enquiries@applegate.co.ukW: http://www.applegate.co.uk

Published by Applegate Marketplace Ltd - located at Riverside Road, Pottington Industrial Estate, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1LS, United Kingdom - is registered in England and Wales with company number 03990680 © Applegate Marketplace Ltd 2015w

Cert No. 10700ISO 9001

Whether the list contains general improvement tips, imparts wisdom to influence and inspire or simply offers a useful guide, lists are a succinct and well-or-ganised approach to communicating. As lists are usually less time consuming than say a blog to write, they prove an effective way to deliver content quick-ly. Urgent news stories, for instance, can be summa-rised into a short list and published immediately – ahead of the complete article. When it’s important to get a message out ahead of the competition or in order to retain its relevance, lists are the perfect form of producing content and sharing business messages.Why Lists?

It is widely accepted that content organised into a list is simple

to access, easier to recall and more actionable – making lists

perfect for sharing information quickly.

Consequently, lists are more likely to be consumed and passed

on via shares and other interaction through social media.

Lists can be tweaked from original blogs or news posts and

when comprised of useful information, help to enhance the

content’s credibility and visibility and by extension, the busi-

ness publishing it.

Being compact, list can easily be released and promoted across

several online platforms including blogs, websites, forums and

social networks. Adding images or building a list into an info-

graphic will improve the likelihood of it being read.

Lists offer an attractive structure and break down text into

understandable and digestible sections. We’re naturally in-

clined towards content where there is a clearly defined pat-

tern or grouping. Furthermore, adding numbers to a list will

reinforce commitment, as the reader is compelled to complete

each milestone or point on the list - lending itself to a healthy

bounce rate as the reader spends more time on a web page.

1.

2.3.

4.

5.

Apart from enticing potential readers

with an attractive headline, publish-

ers should also consider a ‘click bait’

line to lure in the targeted audience.

An example of a click bait title might

be, “10 new ways to use search en-

gines. No. 4 will change the way you

search online forever”.

Content Production Simplified:

Lists