Let’s rewind a bit.
Not too long ago, your feed was filled with headlines like:
- “10 Shocking Facts About…”
- “7 Ways to Improve Your…”
- “25 Things You Didn’t Know About…”
These catchy headlines, known as listicles, ruled the internet. They were quick, scannable, and addictive. BuzzFeed, Mashable, and even The New York Times embraced the trend. Marketers loved them. SEO strategists swore by them.
But here we are, years later.
With Google’s algorithms becoming smarter, user expectations rising, and digital fatigue setting in, a natural question arises:
Are listicles still effective for SEO — or have they become nothing more than glorified clickbait?
Let’s dig deeper.
What Are Listicles, Really?
A listicle is a piece of content formatted as a list. It combines a structured list format with brief explanations for each point. Think “10 Ways to Grow Your Business Fast” or “7 Tools Every Marketer Should Use.”
They work because our brains crave order. Lists give us the illusion of control over the flood of information online. They promise fast value, easy scanning, and a defined end.
But here’s the thing: not all listicles are created equal. Some are helpful and packed with value. Others? Fluffy, exaggerated, and frustratingly empty.
So, where do they land today when it comes to SEO?
Why Listicles Initially Took Off and Still Do
Before we call listicles outdated, let’s be fair. There are real, strategic reasons behind their success — especially in the SEO world.
1. They Match How People Read Online
Online readers are scanners. No one wants a wall of text.
Listicles break content into bite-sized chunks. Each point acts like a mini headline, guiding the reader down the page. They’re naturally scannable — which makes them incredibly user-friendly.
2. They Have Strong CTR Potential
When well-crafted, listicles can generate excellent click-through rates (CTR). Headlines with numbers often outperform generic titles because:
- They promise a clear takeaway.
- They imply brevity and structure.
- They create curiosity without sounding vague.
Example: “14 Blogger Outreach Tools to Transform Your Digital Strategy in 2024” is far more compelling than a flat title like “Tools for Blogger Outreach.” It gives readers an exact number, hints at transformation, and feels timely.
3. They Encourage Longer Dwell Time
If each list point provides real value, users stay longer on the page. They scroll through to see what’s next. This reduces bounce rate and sends positive signals to search engines.
4. They’re Great for Featured Snippets
Google loves lists — especially for queries that start with “how to,” “best,” or “top.”
When structured properly, a listicle has a strong chance of landing in a featured snippet, giving your content prime visibility at the top of the search results.
That’s premium real estate on the SERP — and you don’t have to pay a cent for it.
So from both a structure and engagement perspective, listicles aren’t just user-friendly — they’re highly strategic.
But here’s the catch: not all listicles are created equal.
5. They Work Across Niches
Whether you’re in health, tech, finance, or fashion — the listicle format works.
From “Top 10 Keto Snacks” to “5 Investment Mistakes to Avoid,” it’s a format that fits nearly any subject matter. That versatility makes it a reliable go-to for brands and bloggers alike.
When Listicles Go Wrong: The Clickbait Problem
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the clickbait trap.
We’ve all seen listicles with over-the-top headlines like “You Won’t Believe What Happened Next” or “Top 5 Secrets That Will Change Your Life Forever.” You click in, and it’s either outdated, recycled, or completely unrelated fluff.
That’s when listicles backfire. And fast.
Why that hurts:
- Search engines notice user behavior.
If readers bounce fast or don’t engage, it signals poor content quality. - Trust gets eroded.
Once your audience feels tricked, they’re less likely to return—or share your content. - Thin content = ranking killer.
Google’s helpful content update penalizes shallow, low-value articles. Empty listicles are a target.
The solution? Make sure your listicle has substance. Each item must bring value, insight, or unique perspective—not just filler
So… Are Listicles Still Good for SEO in 2025?
Short answer?
Yes — but only when done right.
The format itself isn’t the issue. It’s all about how you use it.
Let’s take a closer look at how listicles actually perform based on real-world data.
A comprehensive study by Backlinko and BuzzSumo analyzing 912 million blog posts found something pretty remarkable: list posts receive more social shares than many other formats. In fact, they’re among the most shared types of content across social platforms.
Why? Because readers love structure. They enjoy knowing what to expect — and listicles deliver exactly that. Whether it’s a set of tips, tools, or trends, the format makes information feel more digestible and less overwhelming.
Because readers love structure. They enjoy knowing what to expect — and listicles deliver exactly that. Whether it’s a set of tips, tools, or trends, the format makes information feel more digestible and less overwhelming.
Bottom line?
Listicles still pack an SEO punch when they’re aligned with search intent, offer real value, and are structured for clarity and engagement.
How to Create Listicles That Boost SEO (Without Being Clickbait)
Listicles are still powerful—but only when they’re built with strategy. Here’s how to craft list-style content that ranks well, earns trust, and actually delivers value.
1. Choose the Right Topic and Match the Search Intent
Before thinking about formatting or headlines, get clear on one thing: what is the user actually searching for?
Not every topic works well as a listicle. Whether or not you should use this format depends entirely on the search intent behind the keyword.
Here’s a good fit for a listicle:
A user searches for “Best productivity apps for teams.”
This works perfectly because the person is looking for options, comparisons, and features. A list-style post allows you to break down each tool with pros, cons, and use cases.
Here’s a poor fit:
A user searches for “How to fix a leaking kitchen faucet.”
This requires step-by-step instruction, not a list of ideas or tools. A tutorial or guide would serve the reader better than a numbered list.
Professional SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or even Google’s “People Also Ask” section can help you evaluate search intent.
If most of the top-ranking results are listicles, that’s a strong signal that this is the right format to use.
2. Use Numbers That Make Sense and Actually Help the Reader
Numbered headlines improve clarity and boost clicks—but only when the number feels realistic.
Avoid exaggerated titles like “101 Ways to Write Better Emails” if you only have a handful of solid ideas.
Oversized lists often lead to shallow content that turns readers (and Google) away.
Stick with focused and specific numbers like 7, 9, 10, or 14. These tend to feel more curated, trustworthy, and easier to process.
Odd numbers often perform better in click-through rate studies because they appear less manufactured.
It’s also a good SEO practice to include the number in both your meta title and H1 tag.
This improves keyword clarity and helps your content stand out on the search results page.
3. Add Genuine Value to Every List Item
This is where most listicles fall short.
Each item in your list should deliver something useful on its own. That could be insight, a tip, a mini-guide, or a quick win. Don’t treat your list like a set of labels or placeholders—naming things without explanation is filler.
Here’s how to make each point count:
Explain why it matters. Don’t just mention a tool—tell the reader why they should care.
Include real examples to show how it works in practice.
Offer takeaways like benefits or implementation tips.
Add your own point of view to make it feel original.
Simple test:
If someone reads only one item on your list—say, number four—will they still get value from it?
Yes? You’re doing it right. If not, go back and enrich that section.
Well-structured, valuable content keeps people on your page longer, which sends positive engagement signals to search engines and can boost your rankings.
4. Optimize for On-Page SEO From the Start
A well-written listicle should be easy to read and also easy for search engines to understand.
Use Proper Headings
Organize your content using H2 tags for main sections and H3 tags for each list item.
This helps Google understand your structure and increases your chances of appearing in featured snippets—especially for “best” or “top” keyword queries.
Include Semantic Keywords
Use related terms like “list post,” “scannable content,” “numbered article,” or “resources for [topic]”.
Let these variations flow naturally in your headings, subheadings, and throughout the body. Avoid keyword stuffing.
Add Internal and External Links
Internal links: Link each item to a relevant blog post or page on your site.
External links: Include credible sources when citing data, quotes, or examples. This builds authority and trust.
If your listicle answers common questions or includes steps, consider using schema markup like FAQ or HowTo.
This can improve visibility and boost SERP features like rich results.
5. Avoid Clickbait Traps—Be Clear, Honest, and Valuable
Clickbait might win the first click, but it rarely earns the second.
If your title makes a promise, your content must follow through. Otherwise, you risk disappointing the reader, increasing bounce rate, and losing trust—all of which impact SEO.
What to do instead:
Be transparent. Let readers know exactly what the list covers and who it’s for.
Follow through on your title. If it says “14 tools to boost email open rates,” then each item should contribute to that outcome.
Go beyond naming things—offer insights, explain why they matter, and how to use them.
What not to do:
“14 Mind-Blowing Tricks to 10X Your Traffic Instantly”
This overpromises and feels gimmicky.
Better version:
“14 Proven SEO Tactics That Grew Our Traffic in 2024 with Real Examples”
It’s honest, specific, and credible.
With Google’s Helpful Content updates, accuracy and usefulness matter more than hype.
Focus on helping your audience—not just attracting them.
Keep It Evergreen to Extend Its Lifespan
If you want your listicle to stay relevant long after it’s published, treat it like a living document.
Update it regularly—ideally every quarter—to reflect new tools, trends, or data.
Add dates in the title when appropriate, such as “Best AI Tools in 2025,” to show freshness and improve click-through rates.
Also, try to focus on topics that don’t go out of style quickly. Evergreen content continues to attract traffic, earn links, and perform well in search results over time.
And don’t forget: updating your content often prompts Google to re-crawl it. This can help improve rankings, especially when paired with a visible “Last Updated” tag on the page.
When You Should Avoid Listicles
Not every topic deserves a list. Here’s when to skip them:
- Complex, nuanced topics that require depth and flow.
- Thought leadership content where opinion and argument matter more than structure.
- Narrative stories that lose their meaning when chopped into parts.
Ask yourself: is the format serving the topic or restricting it?
How to Promote Listicles for Maximum Reach
Even the best content needs promotion. Here’s how to give your listicle the spotlight it deserves.
1. Repurpose into Other Formats
- Carousel posts for LinkedIn or Instagram
- Short videos for each list item
- Infographics that visualize your entire list
- Email newsletters featuring highlights
This not only improves visibility but also builds authority.
2. Outreach for Backlinks
If your listicle includes tools, quotes, or influencers, reach out to them.
Example: “We featured your SEO plugin in our latest post on must-have tools for marketers.”
They’re more likely to link back or share it.
3. Internal Linking
Listicles are perfect for internal SEO. Link out to related blog posts for more context. For example, a post on “10 Ways to Improve Page Speed” can link to your detailed tutorial on optimizing images.
This keeps users on your site longer and improves site architecture.
Beyond Text: Future-Proofing Your Listicles
The internet is evolving. So should your content.
Here’s how you can take your listicles to the next level:
1. Add Interactive Elements
- Use collapsible sections for each item
- Include sliders or embedded polls
- Let users vote or react to items
2. Incorporate Video Snippets
Especially for tutorial-style listicles, a 10-second video demo per step can boost engagement.
3. Experiment With AI Summaries
Offer quick TL;DRs for mobile readers at the top of your post.
4. Use Schema Markup
Help search engines display your list in rich snippets. Numbered lists, FAQs, and HowTos benefit from this.
Are Listicles Just Clickbait? Let’s Get Honest
At their worst, listicles are clickbait — all flash, no substance.
At their best, they’re one of the most effective SEO formats available. It all comes down to:
- Intention
- Execution
- Reader value
Let’s bust a myth here: Clickbait is not the same as a catchy headline.
Clickbait misleads. A strong title sets a promise — and the content fulfills it.
A listicle that actually delivers on what it claims can outshine any bland blog post.
The key is to respect the reader.
Final Verdict: Are Listicles Still Effective for SEO?
Let’s circle back to the big question.
Are listicles still effective for SEO or just clickbait?
Yes, listicles are still effective for SEO — when created thoughtfully, with the reader in mind. No, they’re not just clickbait — unless you write them like clickbait
Quick Tips for Writing Listicles That Work in 2025
Let’s close with a rapid-fire checklist you can refer to:
Choose a focused topic based on search intentke sure every point adds value
- Choose a focused topic based on search intent
- Use numbers realistically (7–15 is the sweet spot)
- Make sure every point adds value
- Include internal/external links
- Optimize headings with keywords
- Avoid sensational language
- Add visuals or media for better engagement
- Promote across platforms
- Reach out to people or brands you mention
- Link to other quality content (yours or others’)
- Keep your promises
- And above all — respect the reader
FAQ:
Q1: Are listicles good for SEO in 2025?
Yes. If they’re well-structured, provide genuine value, and align with search intent, listicles can still perform strongly in search rankings.
Q2: What is the ideal number of items in a listicle?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but odd numbers between 7 and 15 tend to generate more clicks. Focus on depth and quality, not just quantity.
Q3: Can listicles rank in featured snippets?
Absolutely. Google often highlights numbered lists in featured snippets—especially for queries that start with “best”, “top,” or “how to.”
Q4: Are listicles considered clickbait?
Not inherently. Listicles only become clickbait when they promise more than they deliver. When done right, they are credible, informative, and build audience trust.
Q5: Should I still use listicles if everyone else is using them?
Yes—if yours are better. Stand out by offering original insights, thoughtful design, and clear, concise writing that adds more value than your competitors.