3 sharp examples of how to include visuals in a listicle (with real examples)

Example of visuals that make each list item stand on its own

Let’s start with the most obvious place people look for examples of 3 examples of how to include visuals in a listicle: the visuals that sit right next to each item. When you get this right, a reader can skim your list and understand the gist of every point just by glancing at the visuals.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

1. Icons that summarize the idea in a glance

Imagine a listicle called “7 Ways to Beat Procrastination at Work.” Instead of seven identical bullet points, each item has a simple, bold icon:

• A clock for “Use a 25-minute focus timer”
• A calendar for “Schedule your hard tasks in the morning”
• A phone with a slash through it for “Silence notifications for one hour”

These icons don’t need to be fancy. They just need to:

• Match the meaning of the item
• Use consistent colors and style
• Be big enough to read comfortably on mobile

This is one of the best examples of how to include visuals in a listicle when you’re short on time. You can reuse the same icon set across multiple posts, which makes your brand feel more consistent.

2. Before-and-after visuals that prove your point

Another powerful example of how to include visuals in a listicle is the classic before-and-after comparison. This works especially well for:

• Design makeovers
• Fitness or health journeys
• Writing or resume improvements
• Website or user interface redesigns

Say you’re writing “5 Simple Tweaks to Make Your Resume Stand Out.” For each item, you show:

• A short snippet of the “before” resume text
• The improved “after” version right below it

The visual isn’t just decoration; it’s proof. Readers don’t have to trust your opinion—they can see the difference. This is one of the clearest real examples of how visuals can carry half the teaching load for you.

If you want to go a step further, you can annotate the “after” example with colored highlights or callouts that show exactly what changed: stronger verbs, numbers, clearer job titles, and so on.

Examples of 3 examples of how to include visuals in a listicle using data

Listicles that involve numbers, trends, or comparisons are begging for visuals. Instead of dumping stats into text, you can turn them into simple graphics that people remember.

Here are three data-driven examples of how to include visuals in a listicle:

3. Tiny charts that make statistics feel human

Suppose you’re writing a listicle like “9 Surprising Facts About Sleep in America.” You might reference data from sources such as the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instead of just saying:

“About one-third of adults report not getting enough sleep.”

You can add a small bar chart or simple percentage graphic next to the item. That quick visual cue helps readers grasp the scale of the problem instantly.

This kind of graphic works especially well on mobile, where big blocks of text feel heavy. A simple visual that says “1 in 3 adults” is easier on the eyes and easier to remember.

4. Comparison tables that turn confusion into clarity

Another example of 3 examples of how to include visuals in a listicle is the comparison table. Any time your listicle compares tools, plans, or options, a table can save your reader from mental overload.

Picture a post called “6 Budgeting Apps to Help You Save Money.” Instead of forcing readers to scroll back and forth to remember which app does what, you:

• List the six apps in a simple table
• Add columns for price, best feature, and platform (iOS, Android, web)
• Use subtle color or icons to highlight your top pick

Now your listicle does double duty: it reads like a story, but it also acts as a quick reference guide. This is one of the best examples of how to include visuals in a listicle when your reader needs to make a decision.

For credibility, you can link to authoritative financial education resources like MyMoney.gov so readers know you’re not just pulling claims out of thin air.

5. Process diagrams for step-based listicles

If your listicle is really a process in disguise, a diagram can save the day. Think about posts like:

• “7 Steps to Launch Your First Newsletter”
• “5 Stages of Writing a Research Paper”
• “8 Phases of a Product Launch”

Instead of describing the steps only in text, you can add a simple horizontal or vertical flow diagram that shows the entire journey at a glance. Each step in the diagram matches an item in your list.

Readers skim the diagram first to understand the big picture, then scroll back up to read the details. This is one of the most reader-friendly examples of how to include visuals in a listicle, because it respects how people actually browse online content.

Real examples of visuals that teach, not just decorate

A lot of listicles throw in visuals that look pretty but don’t actually help the reader understand anything. The best examples of 3 examples of how to include visuals in a listicle do the opposite: they teach.

Let’s walk through a few real-world inspired patterns you can steal.

6. Annotated screenshots for tool or tech listicles

If you’re reviewing apps, software, or websites, annotated screenshots are your best friend. Instead of just saying “The dashboard is easy to use,” you show it.

For example, in a listicle titled “5 Free Tools to Organize Your Writing Projects,” each item might include:

• A screenshot of the main dashboard
• Simple labels pointing to key features: “Calendar view,” “Kanban board,” “Word count tracker”
• A short caption explaining why those features matter

Readers can immediately see whether the tool fits their style. This is a concrete example of how to include visuals in a listicle that respects your audience’s time and attention.

7. Step-by-step frames for DIY or recipe listicles

For how-to content, one of the best examples of how to include visuals in a listicle is the step sequence. Think:

• “7 Easy Weeknight Dinners in Under 30 Minutes”
• “5 Beginner Woodworking Projects You Can Finish in a Weekend”
• “6 Home Office Upgrades for Better Posture”

Instead of a single “finished product” visual, you break each item into 2–4 simple frames:

• Start: what you need or where you begin
• Middle: the messy in-progress phase
• End: the finished result

This gives readers confidence. They can see that the ugly middle is normal and that the final version is achievable. For topics that touch health or ergonomics—like posture or workspace set-up—you can even reference guidance from sources such as Mayo Clinic to make sure your listicle is not just pretty but also responsible.

8. Callout boxes for definitions and key tips

Sometimes the most helpful visual isn’t a picture at all—it’s a layout choice. Callout boxes, shaded backgrounds, or bold pull quotes can function as visuals inside your listicle.

For example, in “9 Copywriting Tricks to Boost Your Email Open Rates,” you might:

• Put each “before/after” subject line in a shaded box
• Highlight a key rule (like “Keep it under 50 characters”) in a bold, centered callout
• Use consistent styling so readers know: “When I see this box, it’s something I should remember”

These are subtle visuals, but they guide the eye and break up the wall of text. They’re also easy to implement in most content management systems.

How to choose the right visual for each list item

Now that you’ve seen several examples of 3 examples of how to include visuals in a listicle, the next question is: Which type should you use when?

A simple way to decide is to ask one question for each item in your listicle:

“What is the one thing I want the reader to remember from this item?”

Then match that answer to a visual style:

• If it’s a number or comparison, use a chart or table.
• If it’s a change or improvement, use before-and-after.
• If it’s a tool or interface, use screenshots.
• If it’s a process, use a diagram or step sequence.
• If it’s a definition or rule, use a callout box or bold text.

This keeps your visuals intentional instead of random. You’re not adding graphics because “content needs images.” You’re using specific examples of visuals to do specific jobs.

2024–2025 trends: what’s working now in visual listicles

In 2024 and 2025, a few trends are shaping how people use visuals in listicles:

Shorter attention spans, more skimming. Readers often land on your page from social or search, skim for 10–15 seconds, and decide whether to stay. Visuals that summarize the whole list—like process diagrams and comparison tables—are becoming more important because they reward that quick scan.

Mobile-first reading. Most traffic now comes from phones. That means your examples of 3 examples of how to include visuals in a listicle should be designed for small screens: big text, simple shapes, and visuals that still make sense when stacked vertically.

Accessibility awareness. More writers are paying attention to color contrast, readable fonts, and descriptions that help people using assistive technology. When you design visuals, think about:

• Clear, readable text sizes
• Strong contrast between text and background
• Simple labels instead of tiny, cluttered details

For guidance on accessibility best practices, you can look at resources from organizations like the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. Even if you’re just writing listicles, these standards help you create visuals more people can actually use.

Authenticity over perfection. Highly polished, stock-style visuals are starting to feel generic. Readers respond better to visuals that look like they were made by a real person: simple diagrams, annotated screenshots, and rough-but-clear sketches. Your visuals don’t have to be perfect; they just have to be honest and helpful.

Putting it all together in your next listicle

Let’s imagine you’re writing a new post: “7 Simple Ways to Make Your Writing More Clear.” Here’s how you might apply the best examples of how to include visuals in a listicle from this guide:

• For an item about short sentences, you show a before-and-after paragraph with the shorter version highlighted.
• For an item about cutting jargon, you add a callout box with a mini glossary: “Instead of X, say Y.”
• For an item about using active voice, you create a tiny table with passive vs. active sentence pairs.
• For an item about structuring your ideas, you include a simple flow diagram that shows intro → main point → example → takeaway.

By the time a reader finishes, they haven’t just read seven tips. They’ve seen seven working examples of how to include visuals in a listicle—and they’re more likely to remember and apply what you taught.

The bottom line: treat each visual as a teaching tool, not a decoration. When in doubt, ask yourself, “Does this visual make the idea faster or easier to understand?” If the answer is yes, you’re using visuals the way the best listicle writers do.

FAQ: Examples of visuals in listicles

Q: What are some simple examples of visuals I can add to a listicle if I’m not a designer?
You can use icons, basic tables, highlighted callout boxes, annotated screenshots, or before-and-after text snippets. These are all low-design, high-impact examples of how to include visuals in a listicle without fancy tools.

Q: Can I overdo it with visuals in a listicle?
Yes. If every inch of the page is packed with graphics, your reader won’t know where to look. Aim for visuals that clarify, not clutter. A good rule of thumb is one meaningful visual per list item, plus maybe one summary visual (like a table or diagram) for the whole post.

Q: What is one example of a visual that almost every listicle can use?
A simple comparison table or summary box at the end works for most topics. It gives scanners a quick recap and helps committed readers review what they just learned.

Q: How do I make sure my visuals are accessible to more readers?
Use clear text, strong contrast, and simple layouts. Avoid tiny fonts and overly complex charts. Following general accessibility guidance, like that provided by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, will make your examples of visuals more readable for everyone.

Q: Do I always need original visuals, or can I reuse templates?
You can absolutely reuse templates for icons, tables, and callout boxes. In fact, consistent visual patterns across your listicles help readers recognize your style and focus on the content instead of relearning your layout every time.