Content Writing Archives - Writesonic Blog

What is outsource content writing?

Outsourcing content writing means hiring external writers to create content for your business instead of relying on an in-house team.

This strategy helps you maintain a steady stream of high-quality content without the overhead of full-time staff.

Outsourcing typically involves:

Ideation and planning: Generating fresh ideas and creating content outlines.
Writing and editing: Skilled writers craft and polish content, including blogs, articles, social media posts, and landing pages.
Visual content creation: Collaborating with designers to produce infographics and other visuals.

And content outsourcing is more common than you might think:

56% of companies outsource content writing. [1]
69% of businesses report outsourcing blog writing helps them publish more consistently. [1]
34% of companies spend $1,000 to $5,000 monthly on outsourced content. [2]

Outsource content writing helps you create a strategic, scalable approach to your content calendar, allowing your team to focus on other critical tasks.

For example, if your goal is to publish 30 B2B articles per month, outsourcing blog posts can help you achieve that without overloading your in-house resources.

Some other benefits of outsourcing content writing include:

Cost-effective: You only pay for the content you need, saving on full-time salaries and benefits.
Access to top-tier expertise: Tap into a pool of talented writers with specialized skills, and no geographical limitations.
Faster turnaround: Outsourcing saves time, enabling your team to focus on high-priority tasks.
Consistent output: A steady flow of content ensures your marketing efforts stay on track, even during busy times.
Fresh perspectives: External writers bring new ideas and angles, helping keep your content engaging and creative.

Also read: SEO Writing: Proven Tips for Creating SEO-Optimized Content

When to consider outsourcing content writing

Outsourcing content writing can be a game changer for many businesses, but it’s not the right choice for everyone.

For example, outsourcing writing will be unnecessary if you already have a robust team of in-house writers who can do the job well.

Content optimization tools can automate the writing process if you prefer a more hands-off approach.

Writesonic is a great option for high-quality, fact-checked AI-generated content. It automates blog writing and offers a full range of content creation and SEO tools, all in one platform.

In case you’re still considering outsourced content, here are some signs to look out for:

1. You’re struggling to keep up with content demands

Outsourcing is ideal if your team is constantly behind on your content calendar or you can’t produce enough content to meet your marketing goals.

By choosing to outsource content writing, you can maintain a consistent publishing schedule without overloading your in-house team.

This ensures your content marketing strategy stays on track while freeing up your team to focus on core tasks.

2. You need specialized expertise

Sometimes, your in-house team may lack the depth of knowledge required for specific topics.

Outsourcing content allows you to tap into a pool of skilled writers with diverse expertise. This is perfect for when you have certain content pieces that require an expert opinion or approach.

Whether you need highly technical articles or niche industry content, outsourcing article writing ensures your content is well-researched and high-quality.

3. You want to cut costs

Hiring and maintaining a full-time in-house content team can be expensive.

From salaries to benefits and overhead, the costs quickly add up. Outsourcing writing services allows you to avoid these expenses while still ensuring high-quality content production.

In fact, there is a common misconception that outsourcing content needs is more expensive than an in-house team. However, this is not necessarily the case.

The cost of outsourcing and insourcing can vary depending on several factors, including the task’s complexity and the company’s internal costs.

Plus, with outsourcing, you pay for exactly what you need–nothing more.

4. You want to improve your SEO

SEO is a critical part of any content strategy. However, creating SEO-optimized content requires expertise.

Outsourcing content writing to experienced writers who specialize in SEO can help you achieve better search engine rankings. Working with experts allows you to allocate your resources more efficiently and focus on other important business tasks.

Outsourcing SEO tasks is also great for those who need very specific expertise, such as technical enhancements or off-page help.

5. You need content in multiple formats

If you’re looking to diversify your content, such as blog posts, whitepapers, eBooks, or social media content, outsourcing content writing services can help.

When you outsource writing, you gain access to specialists in various content types without needing to rely on full-time employees.

This way, you can cover all content bases with minimal overhead, plus employees won’t be burdened with extra work.

Should you outsource content writing or keep it in-house?

Here’s a quick comparison between leveraging an in-house team of writers and outsourcing content writing:

Criteria	Outsource content	In-house writers
Quality control	Quality won’t always be consistent	Easier to maintain stringent quality control
Expertise	Access to specialized writers with diverse knowledge	Consistent with company values and brand voice
Scaleability	Easily scale production up or down as needed	Limited by internal resources and capacity
Cost	Generally more cost-effective, especially for specific projects	Higher ongoing costs due to salaries and benefits
Resource management	No need to invest in training and development	Requires continuous investment in skill development
Flexibility	Can hire per project or on a short-term basis	Commitment to long-term employment

AI writing tools are indispensable for in-house content teams. That’s why Writesonic is something you should consider for your tech stack.

Writesonic’s AI Article Writer generates high-quality content quickly, saving time and effort. This allows teams to focus more on strategy and creativity rather than the writing process.

The AI Article Writer can handle a wide range of topics, ensuring comprehensive coverage without sacrificing quality. It is user-friendly, making it accessible to everyone, even those who are not tech-savvy.

Writesonic also helps maintain a uniform tone and style across all content through custom content guidelines and brand voice. It also aids in scaling content production, so in-house teams can meet deadlines more efficiently and manage larger projects with ease.

💡 Start creating blogs in just under 2 minutes!

How to outsource content writing: A step-by-step process

To help you start your content outsourcing journey, we’ve broken down 8 simple steps for a seamless process.

Step 1: Define your content needs, goals, and budget

Like any content strategy, outsourcing must start with clearly defining your team’s needs, goals, and budget.

Research suggests that publishing around 11 articles per month, or about four posts each week, produces the most traffic for most businesses.

Of course, this can vary depending on your company’s age, SEO goals, and content strategy.

Next, identify the purpose of your content. Is it to drive traffic, inform your audience, or encourage specific actions?

Communicate your content goals and guidelines clearly to your outsourced writers to ensure their output aligns with your objectives.

Finally, set a realistic budget and decide whether you’d like to pay per blog, per word, or on a contractual basis.

For example, freelance writers will generally charge between $25 and $100 per 500 words.

Here are some details on what outsourcing costs and plans can look like:

Per-word rates can range between $0.05 to $1.00 per word. A 1,000-word article may cost between $50 and $250. Rates can vary based on a writer’s experience and project complexity.
Per-hour rates can range from $15 to $20+ per hour. If a 1,000-word article takes 2 to 10 hours, the cost will be between $30 and $250.
Per-project or per-article rates can range between $100 and $300+ per project. This type of model is ideal for one-time projects like white papers, eBooks, or website copy.
Monthly retainer rates can range from $500 to $5,000+. This works best for businesses that need a consistent flow of content over time.

Step 2: Identify the type of writer you need

Once you’ve defined your content needs, goals, and budget, the next step is to identify the type of writer you need.

Generalist writers: These writers can cover a wide range of topics and are versatile in their writing style. They are ideal for businesses that need content on various subjects.
Specialist writers: Writers with expertise in a specific industry or niche. They are perfect for technical or highly specialized content that requires in-depth knowledge.
SEO writers: These writers are skilled in creating content optimized for search engines. They understand keyword research, on-page SEO, and content structuring to improve search rankings.
Copywriters: Focus on persuasive writing aimed at driving conversions. They are great for creating sales pages, ad copies, social media posts, email campaigns, and other marketing materials.
Technical writers: Experts in explaining complex topics in a clear and concise manner. They are ideal for creating manuals, guides, and other technical documents.
Ghostwriters: Write content on behalf of someone else, often without receiving credit. They are useful for creating content that needs to match a specific voice or style.
Thought leader writers: These writers create authoritative content that positions you as an expert in your field. They are ideal for whitepapers, opinion pieces, and industry insights.

When choosing the type of writer for your outsourced content, consider their expertise as well. Some content pieces may require less expertise, so ensure you don’t overpay for your service.

For example, if you need someone to handle ad campaigns, it won’t make sense to outsource a thought leader writer who will obviously charge more.

Step 3: Develop a content plan

The next step is to create a content plan that outlines your strategy, topics, and publishing schedule.

Start by defining your content strategy, which includes setting objectives, identifying your target audience, and deciding on the types of content you need.

Conduct thorough topic research and create a content calendar that outlines your topics and publishing schedule.

For an organized content planner, consider creating a Google sheet with columns and rows for the task owner, due date, publishing date, current status, and any other details necessary to your scope of work.

Here’s a sample format you can use:

Outsource content writing - Sample content planner — Sample content planner

Your plan should also consist of content briefs that include key points, SEO guidelines, and style guides. Establish a workflow with clear deadlines, review processes, and quality control measures.

Tools like Asana, Slack, and Notion are great ways to manage tasks and store content centrally.

Finally, plan for content distribution and regularly measure performance to adjust your strategy as needed.

Step 4: Vet and select writers

When evaluating potential writers, ask yourself these questions:

Have they produced similar content to what you need?
Do they have experience working with brands like yours?
Can they provide examples of their work?
Do they have a good working relationship with their editor?
What types of milestones do they use to track their content output?

Remember that different writers specialize in various niches.

Determine whether you need a writer with expertise in your industry or someone with a broader skill set.

For example, if you’re in the tech industry, finding a writer with a background in technology can ensure they understand the nuances of your content.

You’ll also need to evaluate the writer’s brand voice. Ensure the writer’s style and tone match your brand’s personality. Review their portfolio to see if their previous work aligns with your expectations.

Also, look for writers who understand SEO best practices, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and content structuring.

This ensures your content is engaging and optimized for search engines.

Here’s a quick checklist so you can easily remember the essentials for vetting writers:

Outsorcing content writing - Writers checklist — Checklist for vetting outsourced content writers

Step 5: Set clear expectations and deadlines

When you finally have a team of outsourced writers, clearly communicate your expectations, brand guidelines, and content goals to ensure alignment and consistency in your content strategy.

As a best practice, consider creating a common Google Drive folder for your outsourced writers that explains your team’s processes, brand voice and content guidelines, and a calendar defining deadlines.

Be sure to keep everyone in the loop through a common communication channel to avoid slip-ups.

A single trusted source of documentation can help establish trust and clear expectations.

Step 6: Provide necessary resources and support

When you hire new employees, you must invest time in their onboarding by sharing necessary resources and additional support.

The same applies to an outsourced team of writers.

Share insights about your business, industry, and target audience with your outsourced team members.

The more they understand your company, the better they can create helpful content. Ensure they have access to necessary content writing tools, style guides, and any other resources they might need to produce high-quality work.

Step 7: Implement a feedback and revision process

Regular feedback is essential for improving the quality of your outsourced blogging.

So, take the time to provide constructive feedback based on your preferences, audience feedback, and performance metrics.

This helps writers understand your expectations better and refine their content to meet your needs.

You should also establish a streamlined process for revision requests and outsource writers. Consider pairing them with an internal team member responsible for reviewing their work.

Step 8: Monitor progress and content quality

With all these steps in place, always monitor the performance of your outsourced content to measure its effectiveness.

Monitor key metrics such as engagement, traffic, conversions, and ROI to assess the impact of your content creation efforts.

Use this data to refine your content strategy and optimize future content creation projects. These metrics are crucial as they can help you determine whether your investment in outsourcing blog content is really paying off.

Best practices for managing the outsourcing process

Outsourcing content writing can transform your content strategy, but to ensure a seamless and productive partnership, following these best practices will help maximize your results:

Outsource content writing best practices to follow — Content outsourcing best practices to follow

1. Provide detailed feedback

Clear and constructive feedback is crucial for aligning your outsourced content with your expectations.

Avoid giving generic feedback like, “I don’t like this. Please change it.”

Instead, always ensure your feedback is clear and actionable.

Example: “This section may not connect with our audience well. Can you look into more specific industry examples from similar organizations?”

Be sure to take the time to review the content thoroughly and highlight areas for improvement.

This helps writers understand your preferences, tone, and brand nuances, ultimately leading to higher-quality content.

2. Avoid content mills

Content mills are platforms where freelancers produce high-volume content at budget-friendly rates. While they’re great for quickly getting lots of basic content, you won’t get to choose specific writers or find niche experts.

Since these platforms pay less, most writers there are typically newcomers to the field.

These platforms may not provide the specialized expertise needed for more complex topics.

Instead, focus on working with freelancers or agencies with industry experience and a proven track record of delivering high-quality, customized content.

3. Track performance and iterate

Monitor the performance of your outsourced content using metrics like engagement, traffic, and conversions regularly.

Analyze what’s working and what’s not and iterate on your strategy. This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement, allowing you to refine your content over time.

4. Focus on long-term relationships, not just one-off projects

Building long-term relationships with your writers creates a sense of loyalty and consistency. Writers who are familiar with your brand will better understand your content needs, voice, and target audience, leading to smoother collaboration and better results over time.

5. Communicate clearly and provide detailed briefs

Communication is key to any successful outsourcing relationship.

Always provide a comprehensive brief that outlines the scope of the project, key topics, tone, SEO requirements, and any other specific instructions.

The clearer you are, the better your outsourced team will be able to deliver content that meets your expectations.

Here’s an example of what a content brief can look like:

Automate and scale your in-house content strategy with Writesonic

Creating high quality, SEO-friendly content is tough when managing an in-house marketing team. The costs add up, and juggling multiple tools gets overwhelming.

That’s where Writesonic steps in–the perfect AI content companion that helps you create amazing content effortlessly.

Why in-house teams love Writesonic:

Cut outsourcing costs: Say goodbye to expensive freelancers or agencies. Writesonic allows your team to produce high-quality content in-house. No more waiting on third parties, and no more unexpected price hikes.
End-to-end content workflow: From planning and research to writing, optimization, and publishing, Writesonic covers it all. With the AI Article Writer, your team can produce content faster—while maintaining the depth of research, SEO optimization, and quality writing that your audience expects.
Smart, scalable SEO optimization: Chatsonic, an awesome ChatGPT alternative, goes beyond content creation. The Marketing Mode feature acts as your virtual marketing consultant, guiding you through smarter SEO strategies and keyword research. All within a single platform.
Real-time web research and competitor analysis: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends. You’ll get fact-checked content every time. Say goodbye to AI hallucinated content. Writesonic digs deep into competitor strategies, enabling your team to craft superior content that ranks higher and drives traffic.
Customizable brand voice: Whether you need a fun, conversational tone or a professional, authoritative voice. Now, you can create a brand voice that resonates with your audience—no need to spend hours editing for tone and style.
SEO tools built-in: No need to juggle between different platforms. Writesonic offers automated internal linking, SEO audits, content gap analysis, and real-time performance tracking—all in one place.

With Writesonic’s comprehensive suite of AI tools, your team can create, optimize, and publish SEO-optimized content more efficiently than ever before—without compromising on quality.

Ready to ditch outsourcing? With Writesonic, you’re in control.

Start creating with Writesonic today.

Frequently asked questions

1. How much does it cost to outsource content writing?

The cost of outsourcing content writing can vary widely depending on the pricing model and the writer’s experience.

Generally, per-word rates range from $0.05 to $1.00, with more experienced writers or complex topics costing more. For hourly rates, expect to pay between $15 and $20 per hour, with the time to complete a 1,000-word article ranging from 2 to 10 hours.

Per-project rates are typically between $100 and $300, while monthly retainer rates for consistent content can start from $500 and go up to $5,000 or more.

2. How do I ensure the quality of outsourced content?

Establishing clear communication from the start is essential to ensuring the quality of outsourced content.

Providing detailed briefs, setting expectations, and giving specific feedback are key. Reviewing samples before committing to a long-term project and working with experienced, reputable writers or agencies will also help maintain high standards.

Regularly evaluate the content’s performance and relevance to your audience to ensure it meets your goals.

3. Can I outsource SEO-optimized content?

Yes, you can outsource SEO-optimized content, but it’s crucial to work with writers who are knowledgeable about SEO best practices.

Platforms like Writesonic, which provide AI tools for SEO research, content optimization, and keyword analysis, can help produce content that ranks well in search engines while maintaining quality.

4. How do I protect my brand voice when outsourcing?

To protect your brand voice when outsourcing, it’s important to provide detailed guidelines on tone, language, and style.

Use content templates that align with your brand’s messaging and review drafts before publication.

Providing feedback and examples of previous content can help maintain consistency. Additionally, collaborating closely with the writer and making adjustments as needed will ensure that the final output feels authentic to your brand.

Footnotes:

Have you ever noticed how some articles just grab your attention and make it impossible to skip?

That’s the magic of listicle format blogs. They’re versatile, practical, and incredibly effective for readers.

In fact, research suggests that listicles get almost twice as much traffic than other types of blog posts.

Listicle blogs are popular simply because people are usually in a hurry to read, and lists make content much easier to scan, digest, and share.

So, if you want to learn about how to write a listicle that not only captivates your audience but also drives a ton of traffic to your site, stick around!

We’ll break down the key elements, show you some killer listicle examples, and give you practical tips to create your own.

What is a listicle?

A listicle is just a fancy term for an article that is structured as a list.

Think of it as a combination of a list and an article. You’ve probably seen titles like “10 Tips for Better Sleep” or “10 Best Content Optimization Tools.”

Each point on the list gets its own mini-section, making the blog incredibly engaging and easy to read.

The listicle template for blogs has taken over the internet for a good reason.

Listicles cater to our natural preference for organized information. Instead of wading through a wall of text, readers can quickly scan the points that interest them most.

Can you imagine reading a long, dense article about SEO strategies?

We’re pretty sure you’d much rather have that same content broken down into a listicle like “10 SEO Strategies for 2024.”

You’ll notice that listicle ideas are everywhere. From BuzzFeed’s quirky lists to Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30,” these structured articles dominate the content scene.

And it’s not just a fad — there’s data to back it up.

70% of listicle articles see an increase in CTR — just by adding a number to the headline.

But here’s the best part: listicles aren’t confined to any one niche. They’re like that versatile pair of shoes you rely on for every event.

A listicle format can make your content more engaging and digestible, whether you’re writing about tech, health, finance, or lifestyle. That’s why this blog format is a favorite among content marketers everywhere.

Why should you write more listicles?

Let’s look more deeply into why you should be incorporating more listicles into your website blog’s content mix:

1. Easy to scan and read

Let’s face it: we’re all a bit time-crunched these days.

When was the last time you read an entire article without skimming through it first?

Listicles cater to this reality by breaking down information into bite-sized, digestible chunks that are super easy to scan.

A study shows that 79% of online readers scan rather than read word-for-word, which means your content needs to be easily skimmable, and listicles fit the bill perfectly.

And with readers’ attention spans now decreasing more than ever, they simply don’t have the time to read through long paragraphs.

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Here’s a pro tip: use clear subheadings and bullet points to enhance readability.

Each point in your listicle should be concise and to the point. This structure helps your readers quickly find the information they’re looking for without getting overwhelmed by a wall of text.

Have you ever noticed how listicles flood your social media feeds, especially on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter?

That’s because they’re inherently shareable. Their catchy headlines and easily digestible content make them perfect for social sharing.

You’ll be surprised to know that listicle blog posts receive 218% more social media shares than other types of content.

That’s a massive boost in visibility! Now just think about what it can do for your website’s traffic.

An extremely quick way to garner more shares for your blog is to create a listicle that covers other popular tools, platforms, or individual profiles, such as influencers.

Because you featured a particular person, you can reach out to the people behind each tool, and many of them will be more than happy to share your content on social media.

Plus, listicles are also great content for guest blogging collaborations, leading to higher visibility.

3. Listicles attract higher clicks on Google SERPs

Google loves listicles, and so do users.

When you search for something, you’re often greeted with listicles right at the top of the search results.

And this isn’t a coincidence.

Listicles often snag the coveted featured snippets spot because they provide clear, structured answers to users’ queries.

By structuring your content in a listicle format, you’re more likely to rank higher and attract more clicks.

Plus, the clear structure of listicles means they’re more likely to keep readers engaged, reducing bounce rates and improving your site’s SEO metrics.

Also read: How to Write an Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a listicle: 9 proven steps that drive engagement + traffic!

Creating a listicle that captivates your audience and drives engagement isn’t just about slapping a few points together.

It requires strategy, creativity, and a touch of data-driven insight.

So, let’s break down the steps to crafting a listicle that engages readers and ranks well in search engines.

Step 1: Choose a topic

Your topic is the foundation of your listicle.

It needs to resonate with your audience and align with your expertise.

Use keyword research tools like BuzzSumo and Google Trends to discover trending topics and listicle ideas. Aim for a topic specific enough to provide value but broad enough to attract a wide audience.

For example, a topic like “10 Content Marketing Strategies for 2024” can be timely and relevant if you’re in the marketing niche.

Ensure your topic addresses a common problem or interest among your target audience to grab attention.

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P.S.: Try Writesonic’s Keyword Researcher for an in-depth topic analysis!

Step 2: Write a click-worthy listicle headline

Your headline is your first impression, so make it count.

Craft a headline that grabs attention and clearly states the benefit or takeaway. For instance, “7 Proven Steps to Boost Your SEO Rankings” tells readers exactly what they’ll gain from the article.

Here are some tips to follow for a compelling and impactful listicle headline:

Use power and emotional trigger words to make your headline more enticing.
Headlines with numbers are 36% more likely to get clicked.
Be specific and clear.
For example, the title “5 Strategies to Boost Your Website Traffic by 200% in 30 Days” is much more effective than “Guide to Website Traffic”
Keep it short and sweet.

Here’s an example of a compelling listicle blog title:

As you can see, this blog title consists of a number and power words to attract readers.

At the same time, it’s short and sweet but also very clear and descriptive, so readers know exactly what to expect from this listicle article.

One thing to note here is that crafting an attractive title is also a great way to boost the SEO quality of your listicle blog.

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Pro tip: If you’re stuck and need ideas for your next listicle blog headline, try Writesonic’s FREE AI Title Generator!

Step 3: Write a compelling introduction

A captivating introduction is the key to setting the tone of your listicle blog and keeping your readers hooked.

You can do this by sharing an interesting fact, statistic, or personal example.

This sets the stage and entices readers to continue.

Finally, remember to clearly explain exactly what readers will learn from the listicle and why they should keep reading.

If you don’t offer a compelling reason to keep reading, you’ll just end up with a high bounce rate.

Step 4: Provide valuable content for each point

Each item on your list should provide actionable insights or valuable information. Avoid vague or generic advice. Enrich your content with data, examples, and practical tips.

Be sure to use your H2 and H3 headings properly.

Your list of items should be well-structured and have headings that are easily scannable and very clear for readers.

But it’s important not to make this structure too confusing for your readers otherwise, your listicle will end up serving more as an in-depth guide.

Remember that a lousy list post is filled with fluff and offers no tangible, valuable takeaways for the reader.

Your listicle should give readers more than a list of things to do. It should also include valuable content that explains each step.

Step 5: Use a consistent structure

type type type — Photo by Kenny Eliason / Unsplash

To improve readability, maintain a uniform format for each point. Start with a brief explanation, followed by tips or examples.

This consistency helps readers easily follow along and absorb the information.

For example, each point could start with a bold subheading, followed by a couple of sentences explaining the tip, and then a relevant example or data.

Also, avoid having large chunks of text throughout your listicle blog. Long paragraphs on a complex topic can overwhelm readers just by scanning an article.

To prevent this issue, keep each section between 100 and 200 words.

Making every sentence count is essential, so condense points wherever possible while maintaining clarity.

Some other strategies for a well-structured listicle include:

Follow the KISS formula: Keep it short and simple
Make clean points: Each sentence should talk about one point. Nothing more, nothing less.
Be thorough but not verbose: Wordy explanations lose readers faster than an abrupt ending.

Also read: How to Write an Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 6: Include relevant examples or data

Support your points with statistics or case studies to add credibility.

For instance, if you’re writing about social media marketing, simply discussing its importance, benefits, and types of strategies will not be enough.

To really tap into your reader’s mind, mentioning facts from valid and reliable sources backs up your claims and provides readers with valuable insights.

Including data and examples makes your content more trustworthy and engaging. It shows that you’ve done your research and provides concrete evidence to support your advice.

You might have noticed how some listicles have hyperlinks within the blog that lead to other pages of their website.

Adding links to your other relevant blog posts keeps readers on your site longer.

Interlinking improves SEO and provides additional value to your audience by offering more in-depth information on related topics.

For example, if you’re writing a listicle about content marketing strategies, you could link to a previous post about “The Ultimate Guide to SEO.”

This keeps readers engaged with your content and increases the likelihood they’ll explore your site more.

Here’s another example directly taken from one of our blogs:

How to write a listicle: Incorporate internal linking

These links should be hyperlinked to relevant target keywords and not randomly placed throughout your listicle.

Step 8: Proofread and edit

Ensure your listicle is free of grammatical errors and typos.

Reading your blog aloud is a great way to catch awkward phrasing and ensuring a smooth flow. This will also help you determine your listicle’s readability and engagement level.

Ultimately, a polished article enhances your credibility and reader trust.

Even minor mistakes can distract readers and undermine your authority. So, take the time to proofread and refine your content before hitting publish.

Step 9: Include a call to action

When concluding your blog, end with a clear call to action that encourages readers to share the post, leave a comment, or try out your product.

This drives engagement and provides a pathway for further interaction with your content.

The goal is to leave the readers with something actionable so you can get the most ROI out of your listicle.

You might also like: 13 Tips To Optimize Your Blog Post for Search Engines

7 types of listicle examples and templates to drive more clicks

When crafting listicles, the format you choose can significantly affect the effectiveness of your content.

Different listicle formats serve various purposes, and understanding which one to use can significantly enhance the impact of your content.

Here are seven popular examples of listicles to inspire your next blog.

1. Simple list post

Features: A straightforward compilation of items or tips with brief explanations.

When to use: Ideal for providing quick, actionable advice or resource recommendations without overwhelming the reader.

Example: 7 Best Keyword Clustering Tools to Improve Topical Authority (Tested)

What we love: This listicle template delivers exactly what it promises—a concise list of the best keyword clustering tools for content writers and SEO specialists.

Each tool is briefly described, allowing readers to grasp the benefits quickly. You’ll also notice how each tool’s section follows a particular pattern covering key features, pros, cons, and pricing.

With this skimmable structure, readers can find what they’re looking for in an organized manner.

2. Definitive list post

Features: A definitive listicle is an exhaustive compilation that covers all facets of a topic in great detail.

When to use: Perfect for creating in-depth guides that aim to provide an all-inclusive look at a subject, making it invaluable for readers seeking thorough information.

Example: Writing Formal Emails: The Ultimate Guide

What we love: This listicle is a masterclass in providing exhaustive, high-value content. The blog clearly guides readers through different scenarios like cold emails and follow-ups, making it an invaluable resource for sales professionals.

It dives deep into various sales email templates, offering specific examples, detailed explanations, and practical tips, ensuring that the content is immediately useful and adaptable.

3. Checklist list post

Features: A structured list that provides a series of steps or items to check off.

When to use: Great for procedural content where readers need to follow a series of steps to complete a task.

Example: The Ultimate Blog Post Checklist: 21 Tips for Success

What we love: This listicle offers a practical, step-by-step checklist for creating successful blog posts. Each item is clearly explained, making it easy for readers to follow along and ensure they cover all essential elements.

The checklist format is perfect for helping bloggers systematically improve their content, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

4. Resource list post

Features: A curated compilation of valuable resources, such as facts, articles, or references.

When to use: Best for sharing resource lists that readers can use to enhance their work.

Example: Top HR Blogs to Follow in 2024

What we love: This listicle compiles an extensive list of HR blogs, each with a brief description and link. The blog content serves as a valuable resource for HR professionals looking to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Readers can quickly discover new, high-quality content in their field, providing a centralized hub for ongoing learning and development.

5. Expert roundup list post

Features: A collection of insights and tips from industry experts.

When to use: Ideal for providing expert opinions and showcasing diverse perspectives on a specific topic.

Example: Should You Delete Old Content? 20+ Experts Weigh In

What we love: This listicle gathers insights from over 20 experts on the topic of deleting old content. Each expert shares their unique perspective and advice, providing readers with a well-rounded view of the issue.

The diverse opinions help readers make informed decisions about their own content strategy. This format not only offers valuable advice but also builds credibility by featuring respected voices in the industry.

6. “Best of” list post

Features: A compilation of the best items or resources in a particular category.

When to use: Ideal for reviews or recommendations, helping readers make informed decisions about the best options available.

Example: Best Movies of 2024 So Far

What we love: This listicle provides a curated selection of the top movies released in 2024, each accompanied by a brief review and insightful commentary.

It’s perfect for film enthusiasts looking to catch up on the year’s standout films. The post offers a diverse range of genres and styles, ensuring there’s something for every taste. The engaging descriptions and expert reviews help readers decide which films are worth watching, making it an invaluable resource for staying updated on the latest cinematic highlights.

7. Step-by-step list post

Features: A detailed guide that breaks down a process into manageable steps.

When to use: Perfect for tutorials or instructional content that requires clear, sequential guidance.

Example: How to Outsource Content Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide

What we love: This listicle provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on outsourcing content writing. Each step is clearly explained with practical tips and examples, making it easy for readers to follow and implement.

This format ensures that readers can systematically follow the guide and achieve successful results in outsourcing their content writing tasks.

Listicle ideas for your next blog

Finding the right topic for your next listicle can make all the difference in engaging your audience and driving traffic to your site.

Here are some sample listicle blog titles tailored for various domains, designed to spark your creativity and help you brainstorm compelling content.

Listicle ideas for e-commerce or B2C companies

10 Must-Have Gadgets for Your Smart Home
15 Summer Fashion Trends You Need to Know
8 Eco-Friendly Products for a Greener Lifestyle
12 Easy Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
9 Tips to Enhance Your Home Decor on a Budget

Listicle ideas for B2B companies

7 Strategies to Boost Your Business’s Online Presence
5 Steps to Implement an Effective SEO Strategy
10 Tools Every Small Business Should Use in 2024
How to Manage a Remote Team: 6 Effective Tips for Leaders
8 Key Trends in Digital Marketing for 2024

Listicle ideas for health and wellness blogs

10 Superfoods to Boost Your Immune System
7 Easy Yoga Poses for Beginners
12 Mental Health Apps You Need to Try ASAP!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance: 8 Practical Steps
5 Essential Oils and Their Benefits

Listicle ideas for technology and innovation blogs

10 Breakthrough Technologies to Watch in 2024
7 Tips for Enhancing Cybersecurity in Your Business
12 Must-Have Apps for Productivity
5 Trends Shaping the Future of AI
8 Practical Ways to Implement IoT in Your Home

Listicle ideas for travel and adventure blogs

10 Hidden Gems to Explore in Europe
7 Adventure Sports to Try This Summer
A 10-Step Checklist for Stress-Free Vacation Planning
8 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in USA
5 Best Road Trips for Summer 2024 in USA

Write Listicles that go viral with Writesonic AI Article Writer 6.0!

There you have it!

It’s clear that listicles are a powerful addition to your website’s content strategy.

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Data-driven content structuring: For captivating and SEO-optimized content

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