Lists, glorious lists- the power of a list

I guess it's a numbers game

When I started writing, I avoided the listicle.

I thought it was for the bottom-of-the-barrel writers—the ones writing clickbait for Buzzfeed. You know the ones.

7 Celebrities You Won’t Recognise (OMG, you won’t believe number 3!!)

Oh, how times have changed. I am now a regular user of the listicle format, and the reasons are apparent- they work. Numbers in headlines draw attention, and people respond to the list format.

It all started with the most famous list of all; the 10 Commandments. Would that have worked as well if it was called the “The rules of life” or “The guide for better living?”

Nope.

So in an homage to the listicle, here are a few I have written this month which I would love you to read. I guess I could have titled this email: 4 Listicles By Ash You Must Read.

The marketing list

I find this a great way to provide marketing insights with humor and some examples.

This article looks at when big companies use photoshop and really mess up an advertisement.

6 Photoshop Fails By Big Brands That Would Embarrass Amateurs

The health and fitness list

If you saw me, you wouldn’t immediately think, “now there is a guy who should write health articles.” Well, firstly that’s not nice. And secondly, research. It’s all research.

I tried a few health articles, and this one really took off. I think it’s an intriguing headline. And yes, the lure of the list.

8 Health Tips That Experts Say Are Myths

The sex list

I’ve said a few times that sex sells. So when the article above went well, I thought I could apply the same thinking to sex.

And guess what? It worked. Writing is much easier when you can replicate the success of a format easily.

7 Common Sex Facts Debunked As Myths By Experts

Homage to the original list

So with the success of the list, I thought I should pay homage to the original list. And do it in the best way I know- through a satirical lens.

I hope you get a laugh from this.

Memo To The Writers of the Ten Commandments

A writing club

Finally, this month I wanted to let you know about a Writing Club of sorts I have launched with one of my co-editors Kelly Eden.

Since April, we have been running our successful Medium Mentor Community Course, and due to feedback (5 stars!!), we are running a Level 2. It is a lot more detailed and interactive; for more information on that, click here.

For those waiting for the next Level 1 course, it will run again in November.

As always, thanks for reading!

Ash