Writing a post that will be read and shared is tough for any blogger. Yes, it’s mainly about having good content, but presentation is important, too. Luckily, there is a foolproof device that bloggers can use to make their posts more compelling: list posts. List posts are those that simply utilize a numbered set of items to illustrate a main idea. And the best part about list posts is that you can use them to further your personal brand by providing a list that’s relevant to your niche.
Copyblogger explains why list posts always work:
Any headline that lists a number of reasons, secrets, types, or ways will work because, once again, it makes a very specific promise of what’s in store for the reader. A nice quantifiable return on attention invested goes a long way toward prompting action, and as long as you deliver with quality content, you’ll have a satisfied reader.
It’s true. I learned this firsthand when I analyzed my blog traffic for July: three of my list posts made up 25% of my pageviews for the entire month.
Today’s assignment
Write a blog post in the list format. Go back to your purpose statement for a moment and think about what you want to be known for through your blog. Can you write a list post that positions you as an authority in your niche? Can you focus your list post on one of your main interests and engage your readers on that topic? Can you list a set of resources that will further your knowledge on a particular subject that you want to be known as an expert on?
Here are a few examples of list posts from some of the most popular blogs out there on the Internetz:
- 7 Must Read Success Lessons from Dale Carnegie (Dumb Little Man)
- My Top Five Latest Skincare Faves (Afrobella)
- 5 Ways to Reduce Social Media Distractions and Be More Productive (Mashable)
- 10 Ways To Ensure Your Nonprofit Volunteers Fail (Jeff Hurt)
- 50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Business (Chris Brogan)
Still need help writing? Look no further: Problogger offers some great tips for writing the perfect list post.
Once you write your list post, share the link in the comments section below!
Note: Please tag your posts with “31bnb” to make them easier to share with us.
what theme you are using on this site?
Welcome
thanks for this one.
love it! i can share easily my ideas with the use of list post..
i prefer list post for better understanding..
i love the link you've post! just checking it out!
Here's my attempt at a list post. http://www.makemeovereb.com/2010/08/my-five-way…
This challenge really gets a blogger thinking about what they should be writing about. It's a good exercise for anyone.
#catchingup
http://www.larryjmorris.com/blog/?p=27
This was a great “personal branding” post that really digs deep into your niche. It showed that you not only have expertise in international development, but that your blog is also a place to find out more.
This was a great “personal branding” post that really digs deep into your niche. It showed that you not only have expertise in international development, but that your blog is also a place to find out more.
I am super late but have finally done my list post.
http://www.aneldagrove.com/post/936216198/socia…
It was quite hard again because it again it emphasised the importance of knowing your stuff. It took me a really long time to come up with the right topic to list about but I stuck to my purpose statement and the things I blog about to come up with something interesting, I hope.
and yes, i realize the unoriginal-ity…ness… of this post. alas, i STILL get questions about why i even bother with twitter, and why i love to tweet so much. this blog gets cross-posted to my fb page, so maybe some of the nay-sayers will take a moment to read…
all KINDS of late… my take on the awesomness of twitter – http://www.amandamichellejones.com/?p=414
Also spending today getting caught up. Just posted: http://gracecunningham.org/2010/08/08/12-tips-o… A recent conference gave me a great topic for this type of post.
Here's my list post. I notice that I also gravitate towards list posts when I read other people's blogs, so this is great to keep in mind as I start out my blog.
5 Ways to Explore a Creative Outlet: http://www.wyokemia.com/2010/08/5-ways-to-explo…
spending today getting caught up
Here's my post on what to ask (or not) costumed interpreters.
http://interpretingslavelife.blogspot.com/2010/…
Catching up on homework. I wrote a list post, that went into quite a bit of detail:
So you Want to Go Thrifting (5, plus one, “on the way home” Thrift Stores to hit)
http://b3homedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/so-yo…
Thanks for taking a peak.
Work is getting in the way of my blogging!
my 5 favorite art museums (for now)
http://bit.ly/aEWwGP
A little late… travelin' this week!
http://employedpanache.blogspot.com/2010/08/5-w…
So happy to read your post…gives girls like me who have no idea how to style any kind of hair hope. The videos were also very nice and much appreciated.
Here is my assignment: http://npgold.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/5-reason…
I am late submitting this as I just started the challenge yesterday and wanted to play catch up! But nevertheless, here my list is!!
Four Natural Hair Styles That I Would Like To Try!
http://www.myhairisme.com/2010/08/four-naturalh…
Thanks for the clarification! I'll make another one.
Mazarine
4 Ways to Prevent Dieting Boredom
http://thereselee.com/2010/08/05/4-ways-to-prev…
What does it take to create community (a partial list)
http://katherinerw.com/2010/08/05/what-does-it-…
love. your. list.
6 Myths, Misconceptions, Stereotypes about Artists, to Which I say F U ! http://bit.ly/aR2CeU #31bnb
I see many are up as late as me in order to experience why lists work…it better, I only have 3 hours to sleep before my run-yet another challenge!
Check it out…feedback please
http://www.4riise.org/2010/08/riise%e2%80%99s-t…
Heres mine!
http://www.lolagetslife.com/2010/08/lola-gets-l…
Thanks for sharing Mazarine. Please keep in mind that this challenge is for improving your blog during the month of August, so we want to focus on linking to new posts, not your older ones that you wrote before you started the challenge.
Alrighty, This was fun. Feedback welcome!
Top 10 Books That Changed My Life: http://wp.me/pLzKG-9o
i am feeling nostalgic so I did my list of 5 places to go in DC:
http://elledub08.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/5-pla…
I had fun with this one.
5 Recipes for Burning Down Your Kitchen:
http://myintertubeshome.wordpress.com/2010/08/0…
http://bit.ly/aGlEAl
Here's mine– top ten wedding books I found most helpful in writing my blog:
http://nakedladyinawhitesilkdress.wordpress.com…
Thanks Mazarine. I'm reading through all of your posts now. Would you mind if I blogged about your blog? I think it is great!
i'm stuck between two list post ideas so i will do one list post tonite and then i'll save the other one for a later post
I like your post! It shows that you know yourself, and your tendencies. Good to point people to that, when they insist on treating you like their shrink! You can say, “Have you seen my blog post? Let me email it to you!” And hopefully make them laugh, if nothing else!
Mazarine
Hi Madelyn! Loved your post on how to get into the nonprofit sector! Good luck in your new job!
Here are some of my list posts!
20 money saving tips for your development office
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/money-savin…
7 tips for listening to nonprofit staff
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/listening-7…
Shut your Facebook: 3 Tips for Digital Detox
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/shut-facebo…
The Top Ten Mistakes People Make in Fundraising
http://www.wildwomanfundraising.com/top-ten-mis…
And there are more! List posts are marvelous things. Always something useful in there, and you KNOW that it's not gonna be TLDR!
Mazarine
Wow, this was more challenging than I thought it would be, and I am glad I wrote my post before seeing everyone else's comments — because I probably would have gone a different route. I like what I wrote though, and I would love some feedback.
Thanks,
Madelyn
5 Steps to Begin Your Nonprofit Career
http://madelynteresa.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/5…
Unfortunately i work in finance…surrounded by accountants…not exactly woohoo fun times. But my blog is fun, even when my topics are more serious i still try to maintain a light voice. And yes, you can't go wrong with charlie brown…schultz has a key to my psyche.
Thnx so much. Yeah, I don't wanna be cutesy that's so girly and I'm a woman lol. No but seriously I appreciate the feedback and will focus less on how I'm different and more on how the challenge can make my blog better.
Here you go…5 top Fives – Failure, Future, Priorities, Mistakes & Reports
The format fits my network weaving, link sharing approach. I'm not so confident about commentary yet.
http://www.commutiny.org.uk/top-fives-failure-f…
I think that your list post is awesome and adorable (not necessarily in a cutesy way, more in a aww / adoring way).
And there's no need for you to feel bad for having a less serious blog. I'm going to go out there and say that I not-so-secretly wish that I had the time, courage, and witty-ness to write a memorable and amazing personal, non-serious, not work-related blog. So all the power to you for doing what you're doing!
http://businessforgoodnotevil.blogspot.com/2010…
The 5 “Intangibles” You Must Have For Any Job”
if work is fun, then you are in good company: plus i like your post. I am right there with you…love that charlie brown image!
Thank you very much Charron
I enjoyed your list…simple but powerful. And I love your background image.
Ok so here is my attempt at today's assignment. Let me know what you think.
3 Reasons Why I Can't Be Your Shrink – http://thecandyshoppe.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/…
Btw I feel a little out of place in the challenge. Seems like everyone is pretty serious i.e. work related blogging and mines not so much. But maybe thats just me being paranoid.
I like your post! It shows that you know yourself, and your tendencies. Good to point people to that, when they insist on treating you like their shrink! You can say, “Have you seen my blog post? Let me email it to you!” And hopefully make them laugh, if nothing else!
Mazarine
My Top 5 Favorite Blackberry Apps http://bit.ly/cbvAMK
Here you go! 8 Common Social Media Mistakes (Through Non-Profit Eyes)
http://bit.ly/bIBQBO
Thank you for all that you are doing to empower us with the Brand New Blog Challenge. See my list post
http://kadencellc.blogspot.com/2010/08/5-mornin…