10 Things You Need to Know to Write a Kickass Listicle

Summary

The website content provides humorous and satirical advice on crafting an engaging listicle, emphasizing the use of prime numbers, emotional connection, and strategic engagement tactics to enhance credibility and reader interaction.

Abstract

The article titled "10 Things You Need to Know to Write a Kickass Listicle" on the undefined website humorously outlines unconventional tips for writing compelling listicles. It suggests starting with an introduction, avoiding round numbers in titles for more credibility, and using prime numbers to subconsciously appeal to readers. The content playfully advises skipping the fourth point, showing credentials through personal experience, and employing Roman numerals to appear cultured. It also emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement, retweeting or commenting on one's own article for initial traction, and adding bonus points to incentivize reader reciprocation. The author, who claims to have extensive experience in listicle writing, suggests using a Call To Action (CTA) to prompt reader interaction, potentially directing them to support causes or purchase products, while also recommending the use of psychological tactics to encourage generosity from the audience.

Opinions

The author believes that starting a listicle with an introduction rather than jumping straight to the first point adds credibility.
Round numbers like 10 in titles are seen as less credible, with prime numbers being preferred due to their perceived association with research and science.
The fourth point in a listicle is often overlooked, so it might be strategically advantageous to skip it.
Displaying one's credentials, such as experience and past work, is important to establish authority with the reader.
Roman numerals are recommended to add a touch of sophistication and credibility to the listicle.
Emotional storytelling is encouraged to create a connection with readers, potentially leading to more engagement and support.
Self-engagement, such as commenting on one's own article, is suggested to create an illusion of popularity and encourage genuine reader interaction.
Adding bonus points at the end of a listicle is a tactic to appear generous and increase the likelihood of receiving support from readers, such as donations or purchases through affiliate links.
The use of a CTA is considered effective in directing reader actions, whether it's supporting the author or other causes.
The author acknowledges the manipulative nature of some of these tactics but justifies them as part of the listicle-writing game.

9 — Retweet the first tweet at the end

OK. So that’s tricky because, in theory, it works only on Twitter. So you need to find a Medium alternative.

That’s what comments are for.

Just after hitting publish, leave a comment on your own article. It sounds a bit self-serving, but real leaders like you manage by example.

Also, it makes for some fake engagement from the very start. People like that. You can also clap for your own articles. But only with your fake accounts bot army.

(Sorry, I didn’t remember how to write 9 in roman numerals.)

12 — Always add a CTA at the end

CTA stands for Call To Action. If you ask the readers to do something, there’s a higher chance they’ll do it than if you don’t ask. For example, please reciprocate with tea.

However.

You might want to use the CTA space to ask your readers to send money to someone else.

Why would you do that? One word: psychology.

Your readers will think that you’re a kind person and will want to reciprocate with a shot of vodka. It’s manipulative, but you’re writing a listicle, so that shouldn’t stop you.

Double CTA for you:

Writing school

10 Things You Need to Know to Write a Kickass Listicle

Never start with point 7

1 — Write an introduction

2 — Don’t use round numbers like 10 in the title

3 — Stay focused and on topic

5 — Skip #4. People usually don’t read it.

6 — Show credentials

VII — Use Roman numerals

VIII — Use emotions to connect with your readers

9 — Retweet the first tweet at the end

10 — Add a bonus point

11 — What the heck, add two bonus points

12 — Always add a CTA at the end

13 — Now, GO write a kickass listicle!