The List Builder – A Game-Changing Formatter For Listicles – Lean Content Academy

The List Builder – A Game-Changing Formatter For Listicles

'Listicles' are supposed to be reader-friendly and super easy to create. Right?

Wrong.

Well, 50% wrong.

While audiences do indeed adore them, most agencies, editors and creators know that they're energy-sapping and frustrating to make properly.

We knew there had to be a better way. So we went and built this tool.

We've done the hard work so you'll never need to again

This spreadsheet turns simple inputs into automatically generated HTML code – and formats your list article for you.

• Agencies love it because it cuts down on time spent per article.
• Editors love it because it boosts quality and keeps readers happy.
• Creators love it because it helps their work to shine.

Not so long ago, I was editor of a publication that used LOTS of list articles

Before I started my content marketing agency, I was a journalist.

And my most recent job was editing a lifestyle publication that used a lot of curated list articles.

I never felt that their reputation as cheap and shallow was merited; for me, they were a way to deliver breadth and context to our readers in a way that suited their busy lives.

Get The List Builder – A Game-Changing Formatter For Listicles – Lean Content Academy, Only Price $29

It was crucial that we got the formula right

And because we used them so frequently, I invested a lot of time thinking about how we could make them better.

Initially, I developed a set of rules and guidelines for our content team to make sure we hit the mark.

Simple ones, like 'Style headers in H3' and 'Put links on a new line under the paragraph text'.

And more tricky ones, like 'Make sure the headings relate back to the headline' and 'Always surprise the reader – they haven't come here to be told what they already know'.

And over time, I realised something

The less time my team spent focusing on the 'simple' elements – like styling and formatting and consistency – the more they were able to focus on the more advanced ones.

Not only did the production of our content become quicker and more efficient.

But the end product was superieor and offered more value to our audience.

(Incidentally: This was one of the key reasons why the publication grew from 60,000 monthly pageviews to 6.5 million monthly pageviews during my 18 months in the role.)

 

Then I built my agency

And we were tasked with producing huge volumes of content for big brands – at competitive rates.

Once, just as we were getting off the ground, were asked to turn around 50-60 articles in the space of 48 hours.

The scope for error was tiny. And with several contributors coming together, we needed a watertight process.

One that would ensure consistency – and would allow us to focus on creating excellent content, rather than squabbling over which heading style to use.

That's when I built this tool. And I've been refining it ever since.

How the List Builder works

It couldn't be more straightforward.

1. Input the headings for your list into the tool;
2. Fill out the paragraph text, links and media links as needed
3. Copy the automatically generated HTML code into your CMS

And there you go.

You've got a fully formatted list.

Writing lists the old way is

Inefficient

Your brain is constantly switching between research, formatting, creativity and back again. There's no chance of getting into a flow.

Inconsistent

One line or two between entries? Links on the same line or offset by one? Heading 1, 2, 3 or 4? Videos below the entry or above?

We've drawn on cognitive and behavioural science to come up with a better approach

Once you've chosen your topic, the best thing you can do is enter curation mode. Lists live and die by the quality of their curation – and that should be your sole focus during that time.

Only then should you reconfigure your brain to write copy, and work on more granular aspects – like phrasing, cadence and syntax.

From there, you can tighten your curation and your copy – or you can get stuck into formatting hell.

With this tool, that's not a choice you need to make.

Ready to save time and boost quality?

Formatted in Excel and Sheets

What's included

• Listicle Builder.xlsx
• List Builder – Google Sheets Version.rtf

 

Get The List Builder – A Game-Changing Formatter For Listicles – Lean Content Academy, Only Price $29

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