Listicle writing: a step-by-step method and prompt

A strong listicle helps a reader choose. It states how items were picked, gives every entry the same structure, names who each option is best for, shows honest tradeoffs, and includes a comparison table. Lists that skip criteria and pile on adjectives are easy to write and easy to ignore.

What it is

Listicles come in two main types. Option lists compare products, tools or services ("best CRM for consultants"). Idea lists collect tactics, examples or tips ("15 onboarding email examples"). Both rank well for commercial and inspirational queries, and option lists are a common source for AI assistant answers to "best X" questions.

The format works because it is scannable. It fails when the entries are shallow or obviously biased.

When to use it

• Queries that start with "best", "top", "examples of" or "alternatives to".
• You have tested the options or have real examples to show.
• You want a page that sits between awareness and decision in your funnel.
• Sales hears "how do you compare to X and Y?"

Step-by-step method

1. Define the reader and the choice. "Freelance designers choosing an invoicing tool under $20 a month" is a list. "Best invoicing tools" is a vague pile.
2. Write selection criteria. List three to six criteria and state them in the article. This is what makes the list credible.
3. Gather candidates and test them. Use each product or check each example yourself. Note real details: setup time, limits, pricing tier names, missing features.
4. Use one template per entry. For example: one-line summary, best for, key strengths, limitations, pricing (with a link to the vendor's pricing page and the date you checked).
5. Order with a reason. Rank by fit for the stated reader, or group by use case. Say which you did.
6. Build a comparison table. Columns for your criteria, one row per entry. Put it near the top for scanners.
7. Disclose and date. Disclose if your product is listed. Show when the list was last updated, since prices and features change.
8. Close with a decision guide. Short "choose X if..., choose Y if..." lines help the reader commit.

Ready-to-use prompt

You are an editor writing an honest listicle.

Topic: [e.g. best invoicing tools for freelance designers]
Reader and constraints: [WHO, BUDGET, MUST-HAVES]
Selection criteria: [3-6 CRITERIA]
Entries with my notes from testing (name, what I saw, pricing I verified on DATE): [PASTE]
Is our product included? [YES/NO, NAME]

Write:
1. A 40 to 60 word intro that names the top pick for most readers and why.
2. A "How we chose" section listing the criteria.
3. A comparison table: entry, best for, and one column per criterion.
4. One section per entry using this template: summary line, Best for, Strengths (3 bullets), Limitations (2 bullets), Pricing (as given).
5. A "Which should you pick?" section with "Choose X if..." lines.
6. A disclosure line if our product is included.

Only use facts from my notes. Write [VERIFY] next to anything uncertain. No superlatives without a reason.

Checklist

• Specific reader and decision defined
• Selection criteria stated in the article
• Every entry checked first-hand
• Same template for every entry
• Real limitations listed, including for your own product
• Comparison table near the top
• Ordering method explained
• Prices linked to source with check date
• Disclosure and updated date shown
• Decision guide at the end

How Thig automates it

The Writer agent drafts listicles and comparison pages using the competitors and positioning in your Competitor Analysis document, with tables and FAQs ready for review. The GEO agent shows which "best X" questions assistants answer without mentioning you. For headline options, use the headline writing skill.