8 real examples of examples of how to write a listicle that actually works

Let’s start with one of the clearest examples of how to write a listicle: the step-by-step how‑to. Instead of a wall of instructions, you break the process into bite-sized steps that feel doable.

Imagine a listicle titled: “7 Steps to Start a Newsletter in 24 Hours”.

Each section focuses on one step:

• Choosing your topic
• Picking an email platform
• Writing your first issue
• Setting up a simple landing page
• Creating a basic welcome sequence
• Announcing it on social
• Scheduling your next send

What makes this a strong example of how to write a listicle is the clear promise: the reader knows exactly what they’ll get and in what order. You’re not just listing random tips; you’re guiding someone through a journey.

To strengthen this kind of listicle:

• Start each section with a verb (Choose, Write, Set up, Test).
• Add micro‑examples inside each step, like a sample subject line or a mini template.
• Link to authoritative how‑to resources when relevant. For instance, if you’re writing about public health communication, you might point readers to the CDC’s communication resources for accurate guidance.

This is one of the best examples of listicle writing for beginners because it forces you to organize your thoughts logically instead of dumping everything into one long paragraph.

Example 2: The “expert roundup” listicle

Another powerful example of examples of how to write a listicle is the expert roundup. Instead of only sharing your own opinion, you collect insights from multiple voices and structure them as a list.

Picture a piece titled: “10 Content Marketers Share Their Best Email Subject Line Tips”.

Each section highlights one expert:

• Their name and title
• One standout quote
• A short explanation of how to apply their advice

This format works especially well in 2024–2025 because audiences are more skeptical of single‑source content. They want to see real examples and diverse perspectives. You’re not just saying, “Here’s what I think.” You’re saying, “Here’s what 10 working professionals are actually doing.”

To make this example of listicle writing stronger:

• Ask each expert for one specific, testable tip, not a vague philosophy.
• Add a quick “try this” box under each quote.
• If your topic is technical or health‑related, consider linking to trustworthy background sources like NIH or Mayo Clinic so readers can go deeper on the science or data behind the advice.

This is one of the best examples of how to write a listicle that also builds relationships and credibility.

Example 3: The “beginner’s guide” listicle

Sometimes your audience is brand‑new to a topic. In that case, one of the most helpful examples of how to write a listicle is the beginner’s guide list.

Think of a headline like: “9 Things Every New Remote Worker Should Set Up in Their First Week”.

Instead of throwing advanced hacks at them, you cover the basics:

• Creating a distraction‑free workspace
• Setting up a daily schedule
• Agreeing on communication norms with their manager
• Learning the company’s tools
• Building in movement breaks
• Creating boundaries around work hours

What makes this one of the best examples of listicles is the way it anticipates beginner questions. You’re not trying to impress; you’re trying to reassure and guide.

Tips for this style:

• Use plain language. If you must use jargon, explain it.
• Add tiny actions at the end of each section (e.g., “Today, pick one time block you’ll protect for deep work.”).
• Where health or ergonomics are involved, link to trusted resources like Harvard Health Publishing so readers get accurate, science‑backed advice.

When people ask for examples of examples of how to write a listicle that doesn’t overwhelm beginners, this format is near the top of the list.

Example 4: The “trend + data” listicle

If you want your content to feel current in 2024–2025, a trend‑driven listicle is a smart move. This is one of the clearest examples of how to write a listicle that blends storytelling with numbers.

Imagine: “11 Social Media Trends Marketers Can’t Ignore in 2025”.

Each section covers one trend:

• Short, punchy name for the trend
• One or two data points from a credible source
• A quick explanation of what it means for the reader
• A simple action they can take this quarter

Examples include trends like:

• Short‑form vertical video in B2B
• Creator partnerships instead of traditional ads
• AI‑assisted content workflows (with human editing)

To avoid fluffy content, ground your claims in real data. Link to reputable research from universities (.edu) or government sources (.gov) when possible. For example, if you’re writing about health behavior changes, you might cite statistics from NIH or CDC.

This style is a strong example of listicle writing because it answers the unspoken reader question: “Okay, but how do I use this right now?”

Example 5: The “product or tool roundup” listicle

Another very practical example of how to write a listicle is the tool or product roundup. Readers love these because they shorten research time. Instead of opening 20 tabs, they get a curated list.

Picture: “13 Free Writing Tools That Actually Help You Write Faster”.

Each entry includes:

• The tool’s name and category
• What it’s best for
• One standout feature
• Who it’s not for (this builds trust)

Real examples might include grammar checkers, distraction blockers, note‑taking apps, and AI‑assisted drafting tools—with honest pros and cons.

To keep this style helpful (and not spammy):

• Be transparent about affiliate links if you use them.
• Add at least one non‑digital option (like a simple notebook system) for balance.
• If you’re writing about health‑related products, link to neutral resources like WebMD or Mayo Clinic so readers can verify safety claims.

Many content creators consider this one of the best examples of how to write a listicle that converts readers into subscribers or customers—because you’re solving a very clear problem: “Which option should I pick?”

Example 6: The “myth vs. reality” listicle

Some of the most shareable content online is myth‑busting. That makes it a great example of examples of how to write a listicle that sparks conversation.

Example headline: “7 Myths About Writing Online (And What Actually Works in 2025)”.

Each section pairs:

• The myth (stated plainly)
• Why people believe it
• What’s actually true, with an example
• One action the reader can take instead

For instance:

• Myth: “You need to post daily or you’ll be forgotten.”
• Reality: Consistency matters more than volume. Twice‑a‑week high‑quality posts often outperform daily low‑effort posts.

This format is powerful because it lets you show real examples of outdated advice and then replace them with updated, evidence‑based guidance. When you’re addressing health myths or scientific claims, you can and should point readers to authoritative fact‑checking or research—again, sources like CDC, NIH, or a major university site.

If you’re collecting the best examples of how to write a listicle that challenges assumptions, this is high on that list.

Example 7: The “story‑driven” listicle

Not every listicle needs to feel like a checklist. One underrated example of how to write a listicle is the story‑driven format, where each item is a short narrative.

Consider: “5 Mistakes I Made in My First Year of Freelancing (And What I’d Do Differently)”.

Each section is a mini‑story:

• What happened
• How it felt
• What went wrong
• What you changed
• The lesson for the reader

Examples include:

• Undercharging your first big client
• Saying yes to every project
• Ignoring contracts
• Forgetting about taxes
• Skipping time off until burnout hits

This is one of the best examples of examples of how to write a listicle that builds connection. Readers see themselves in your stories. You’re not just listing “5 tips”; you’re saying, “I messed this up so you don’t have to.”

To make this type of listicle work:

• Keep the timeline and stakes clear in each story.
• End every section with a takeaway sentence the reader can remember.
• Use concrete details (numbers, dates, specific situations) so it doesn’t feel generic.

Example 8: The “quick wins” listicle

Finally, let’s look at one of the most clickable examples of how to write a listicle: the quick wins format. This is perfect for busy readers who want fast, low‑effort improvements.

Example headline: “15 Two‑Minute Tweaks to Make Your Blog Posts More Readable”.

Each entry is:

• Short
• Action‑focused
• Easy to try immediately

Examples include:

• Adding a clearer subheading to break up a long section
• Turning one dense paragraph into two shorter ones
• Swapping vague verbs for stronger ones
• Adding a one‑sentence summary at the top of each section

This is one of the best examples of examples of how to write a listicle that people actually use, because it respects their time. They can read one item, apply it, and see a result.

To nail this style:

• Keep your explanations tight—a few sentences per item.
• Focus on low‑friction actions that don’t require sign‑ups or new tools.
• Encourage readers to pick one or two ideas to try right away, instead of all of them.

How to choose the right listicle style for your topic

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of how to write a listicle, the natural question is: Which style should you use?

Here’s a simple way to decide, based on your goal:

• If you want to teach a process, use the how‑to in steps example.
• If you want to build authority, the expert roundup and trend + data examples include the kind of proof that earns trust.
• If you want to welcome beginners, follow the beginner’s guide example of listicle writing.
• If you want to sell or recommend, the product or tool roundup example of a listicle is your friend.
• If you want to shift beliefs, choose the myth vs. reality example.
• If you want to build connection, the story‑driven example of listicle structure is ideal.
• If you want fast engagement, the quick wins example works beautifully.

You can also blend formats. For instance, a trend article can include quick wins, or a beginner’s guide can incorporate myth‑busting sections.

When people look for the best examples of how to write a listicle, they’re usually trying to solve one of three problems:

• “I don’t know how to structure this.”
• “I’m not sure what my readers actually need.”
• “My listicles feel flat and generic.”

Using the real examples above as templates gives you a starting point you can adapt instead of reinventing the wheel every time.

Practical checklist: turning your idea into a strong listicle

To wrap this up, here’s a quick, practical checklist you can run through whenever you sit down to write your own listicle:

• Clarify the promise. Finish the sentence: “After reading this, my reader will be able to…” If you can’t, your idea is still fuzzy.
• Pick a format. Choose one of the examples of how to write a listicle above—steps, roundup, beginner’s guide, trend, product list, myth‑busting, story‑driven, or quick wins.
• Brainstorm more items than you need. If you want 8 points, brainstorm 12, then cut the weakest.
• Order with intention. Start and end with your strongest points. Put more technical or demanding items in the middle.
• Add real examples. Wherever you give advice, ask: “Can I show this with a specific story, number, or mini case study?”
• Link out wisely. Use external links to credible sources (.gov, .edu, .org) when you mention data, health, or research.
• Edit for clarity. Shorten sentences, simplify language, and break up long paragraphs.
• Check your headline. Make sure it clearly signals that this is a list and that the reader knows what they’ll get.

If you keep a short swipe file of the best examples of how to write a listicle—articles you personally enjoyed and finished—you’ll never have to start from zero. You can borrow their structure, adapt it to your topic, and layer on your own experience.

FAQ: examples of how to write a listicle

What is a good example of a simple listicle for beginners?

A classic example of a beginner‑friendly listicle is something like “7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting College.” Each item can be a short lesson—time management, budgeting, making friends, using campus resources—with a few sentences of explanation and one practical tip. It’s personal, specific, and easy to write even if you’re new to content.

How many items should I include in a listicle?

There’s no fixed rule. Many strong examples of listicles sit between 5 and 15 items. Fewer than 5 can feel thin; more than 20 can feel overwhelming unless each item is very short. Focus less on hitting a magic number and more on making sure every item earns its place.

Do I always need to use numbers in the headline?

Most of the best examples of how to write a listicle do use numbers, because they set expectations and signal scannability. That said, you can occasionally use softer phrasing like “a handful of ways” or “a few lessons,” as long as the article itself is clearly structured as a list.

How do I avoid my listicle sounding generic?

Two things: specificity and stories. Add real examples, concrete numbers, and short anecdotes. Instead of “network more,” write “set a goal to meet one new person at each event, and prepare two questions in advance.” The real examples of examples of how to write a listicle in this guide all rely on specific, grounded details.

Can I mix different listicle styles in one article?

Yes. Many advanced writers blend formats—for instance, a beginner’s guide that includes myth‑busting sections, or a trend list that ends with a few quick wins. As long as the structure feels clear and the reader always knows where they are in the article, mixing styles can make your piece richer and more engaging.