A listicle, much like a cavoodle or jazzercise, conjures up notions of fun and frivolity. A portmanteau derived from the terms ‘list’ and ‘article’, listicles have reached saturation point thanks to websites like Buzzfeed.

1. LISTICLES
What are they and how can
they help your business?
Infodec
Communications
1

2. A listicle, much like a cavoodle or
jazzercise, conjures up notions of fun
and frivolity. A portmanteau derived
from the terms ‘list’ and ‘article’,
listicles have reached saturation
point thanks to websites like
Buzzfeed.
Regularly, it is dismissed as ‘cheap
content creation’ due to its
perceived lack of creative merit and
the recycled content, yet it
continues to draw users in with its
accessibility, shareability and
relatability- all relevant factors
affecting end-users of your business.
So how can businesses effectively
utilise listicles in order to attract,
grow, retain and motivate their
customers and clients? To help you
out we’ve have created our own
listicle to drive home the hard-hitting
facts of this short-form
communication tool.
September 17, 20152

3. 5 reasons
why listicles are
the new black
September 17, 20153

4. 1. Rankings are everything – putting the
most important point first
 Ranked listicles hold value for end-
users when they offer a qualitative
judgement. It is a powerful tool that
can be used to communicate the
benefits of a service or product in
short, sharp bites. The information
contained within the ranked listicle
need not be related or sequential,
as long as it provides the client or
customer with a solid knowledge
base that can be used to make
informed decisions.
September 17, 20154

5. 2. Audience Appeal
 Younger and time poor
audiences devour snack-sized
snippets of information that can
be easily shared across various
social media platforms. The very
nature of a listicle signifies a
somewhat lighter approach to
delivering content, meaning you
are more likely to successfully cut
through the clutter of denser
articles with a similar subject
matter. Altering our delivery of
content to meet the desires of
our target audiences ensures
greater reach and engagement.
September 17, 20155

6. 3. Time is of the essence
 Listicles are undoubtedly
cheaper and more time-
effective to produce.
Factoring research time into
content creation is often
dismissed or overlooked, yet it
has the potential to negatively
impact on the effectiveness
and timeliness of reaching
your audience. When you
have an important and/or
time sensitive message to
share with your client base,
listicles are a powerful way to
get their attention and
encourage then to contact
you.
September 17, 20156

7. 4. Variety is the spice of life
 As consumers of the mass
media, we are
bombarded with a number
of competing content
platforms-whether that be
via video-encryption, blog
posts, newsletters, social
media posts or slideshows.
Including listicles in your
content delivery strategy is
a refreshing way to
change up your marketing
and communication style
and as a direct result,
reach a tired audience in
need of stimulation.
September 17, 20157

8. 5. Tell me and I
forget. Teach me
and I remember
 Consider the humble recipe book. Complex things
are divided into a methodology for ease of
understanding. Approach your business the same
way and share complex ideas or research in a
layperson-friendly format. Your commitment to
empowering your audience will pay dividends as
they have access to new information and gain a
greater understanding of how you can help them.
September 17, 20158

9. Summary
with examples on
how to create
your own Listicles
September 17, 20159

10. September 17, 201510
Although the listicle has had its time in the light-
hearted spotlight, it is clear that it can be used
as an invaluable method of communication to
reach an ever-changing audience.
The key is to include this short-form writing style in
addition to your business’ traditional
communications strategies in order to stave off
the danger of listicle saturation in an increasingly
complicated marketplace.

11. We’ve put together a few
examples of how different
businesses could use listicles.
September 17, 201511
 Plumbers: Top 10 water
saving tips for summer
 Accountants: Six tax
effective planning tools
you can use to get
ahead in the new
financial year
 Personal Trainers: Top
12 training tips to get
your body ready for
summer
 Stylist: 15 of the Best
Ways to Dress for your
Body Type (courtesy of
Buzzfeed)

12. If you would like to find out how Infodec
Communications can help you communication
methods that get your clients to take
action contact us today.
September 17, 201512