4 Reasons For Using Ordered Lists

I thought I’d have some fun today by sharing with you four reasons why you should use lists (on occasion) for your articles. If writing ordered lists is all that you do, then this article is definitely not for you except perhaps to serve as a warning. For the rest of us, including people who have an aversion to this type of writing style (myself included), lists can’t hurt, in fact they can bolster your site when used judiciously.

What Are Ordered Lists?

"Not another ordered list!"

Ordered lists are just that – numbered information to help you accomplish a task. Cooks have long used ordered lists such as when referencing how to cook a boneless ham or bake an old-fashioned apple crumb pie. Recipes require readers to follow each number in sequence, but no such restriction is mandated for the article writer who uses ordered lists.

So why use ordered lists?

Let us count the reasons –

1. Easy To Read – When a visitor comes to your blog or website, what does he find? Unfortunately, so many blogs appear to be “busy” with widgets, ads, and pop-ups obscuring the landing page. That is why I recommend people limit the number of distractions readers face, with an emphasis on content above all else. Assuming that you wrote an attention getting headline, the next thing visitors look at is your content which, when numbered, encourages a quick scan of what you wrote. You’ve attracted your readers thus far, now they’ll want to know what your “Top Ten” or “7 Best” list has to say.

2. Simple To Assemble – Lists are generally very easy to assemble and are especially helpful for the writer who has a difficult time piecing together complete articles. Instead of having to rely on a strong body of work (which is everything between your opening paragraph and your conclusion), writers need only consider each point and then elaborate. Declarative sentences are sometimes used which means that you can state an idea and leave it at that.

3. Ready For Reuse – If your list is especially helpful, such as offering a unique perspective on solving a problem or raising awareness for a particular issue, you’ll increase the chances that others will link to your article. Ordered lists are great for “how to” articles, informational pieces which outline how to accomplish a particular task.

4. Advantageous For SEO – Assuming that people like your list, are willing to link to it, and you offer your readers material that is truly helpful, your ordered list articles should achieve PageRank, which is still a mark of success for any article. Of course, linking out to relevant sites within your list is important. And, sharing your list through all of the important social media sites will go far in helping your cause, so don’t leave SEO to chance – put it to work to increase your chances for success.

What I don’t like about ordered lists are when they dominate a site. While I do expect to come across a greater number of lists when I visit “how to” sites, they shouldn’t be used on niche blogs all that often. Why? Because your readers will figure that you either can’t write or that you’re relying too much on one of the easiest writing styles out there. In other words, you’ll be perceived as being lazy. Ouch!

Further Reading

7 Things You Need to Know About Writing Lists That Work (Copyblogger)

Blogging With Lists, Part 1: An Overview (Sarah Jo Austin)

Online Technical Writing: Lists

See Also – Your Blog Has Died And I Really Miss It! (6 Warning Signs That Your Blog Is In Trouble)