‘Write a List Post’ #31DBBBDay2 with @problogger

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1229548

So, onto day two of Darren Rowse’s 31 Days to a Better Blog. For those others of you who are going to follow it too, note the hashtag at the top (Darren offers a hashtag for each day, so we can see what others using the plan are doing).

Why use lists?

• The ‘hottest’ content on bookmarking sites (Digg, etc.) are those that are written in this format, and therefore more likely to go viral/encourage engagement.
• Online readers are lazy. Lists are easy to scan.
• Lists stop the blogger rambling, as each point has to have a clear start/finish.
• Lists look neat, and therefore easier to read
• Lists, when written well, can be comprehensive & not dumbed down
• Present arguments in a more persuasive, concise, manner
• Aids writing as you work things into bite-sized pieces
• People like sharing lists (but ensure that isn’t all you post)

Today’s Task: Write a List Post

• Ideas:
  • Step-by-step explanation of the procedure
  • Collection of ideas/people
  • A ranked selection of concepts/sites, etc.
  • 1) Be blunt and tell it like it is, with little more than the list itself.
    Example: 21 ways to write posts to grow your blog traffic
  • 2) More like an essay, but points are broken down into numbered lists
    Examples: 10 ways to take better photos
  • 3) Use lists within other blog posts, which can make it easier for others to skim content.

Some topics lend themselves to lists easier than others.

Some Examples:

• 21 tips for amateur wedding photographers. Brief tips that could be expanding into individual post ideas.
• Popular digital cameras & gear. Ranking popular products from highest to lowest – giving clear value to readers
• 20 types of pages every blogger should consider. Use a small picture to draw attention to each post-point. NOTE: The advice in this post is definitely worth taking on board too!
•  10 Twitter tools that help you work smarter. List of resources = useful = shareable.
• 10 High Fliers on Twitter. Tends to cause debate, discussion, and ‘vanity link-backs’. We saw this recently with Adrian Warnock’s Top 200 Christian bloggers by Twitter number.
• The logo design process. Step-by-step process.
• Top 25 fictional adverts in sci-fi movies. Another example.

Need Inspiration?

• Look on Digg, or Deliciousfor inspiration
  • Many top articles will be lists.
  • Search for keywords related to your area of interest, and see what others have written about – use as starting points.
  • Mind-map a range of possible points. Use to refine – merge/sift out the gold for your list.
  • Lists may seem too simple, but can be very effective.
    Matt Garland is described as a master of in-depth list posts.
    • There are different styles of list posts on the blog, but consistency of formatting within a list post, otherwise the cohesion is lost.

Read More

• 10 steps to the perfect blog post.

My current ideas for list posts …

• 10 great Bible apps
• 15 suggestions for #digidisciple posts
• Step-by-step guides to using particular software to help build communication/improve our discipleship journey.
• 7 things you didn’t know about this #digidisciple

What else might you submit as a list post? Let’s encourage each other with ideas, shares, and comments!