THE LIST POST – THE MOTHER OF ALL BLOG ARTICLES
Choosing the “right” article format for each content can be critical to the success of the blog article. And since I want to make a small contribution to the success of your blog, I take care of the various article formats: First of the List Post.
Probably you have already read one. Oh well, you certainly have, because they are everywhere and many bloggers, again and again, fall back on this form. Why? Because that thing just works.
A cunning post always goes like hell. So mostly. If he is good.
What is a cunning post?
That’s easy to answer. Namely, a list of answers, topics, problems, solutions, myths, secrets, tricks, hacks, tips, mistakes, no-go’s, musts, to do’s, etc. etc. etc.
There are shortlist posts (3 ways to get rich and beautiful overnight) and long list posts (101 tricks on how to stay longer in bed)
11 reasons why a cunning post is so popular
1) Search Engines Love List Posts
The clear structure and usually the density of keywords makes Google rank items of this kind well.
2) List posts provide clear results
A headline that makes clear what it’s all about and lists that provide the answers. What more do you want from a blog article?
3) List posts are ideal for scanning
If you do not have a lot of time, you can simply read a cunning post, quickly grasp the content, and immediately take advantage of it.
4) People like lists
We are fascinated by lists. Think of books like “101 things you must do before life is over” *.
5) Numbers give a serious touch
“Hm, if there are 24 different possibilities, that seems to be well researched. I’ll take a look at the article. “A thought that I discover again and again in myself.
6) List mail provide benefits
When done well, cunning mail will deliver real benefits in the fastest way. 1 problem, 27 solutions. Great.
7) List posts are often shared
Because people love lists so much, they also want to share the good news with others. Your audience will become your personal PR team.
8) Headlines with numbers are clicked more often
As soon as numbers are in the headline, people click 20% more than usual. By the way, odd numbers work best.
9) List posts bring readers
An obvious. If a list post has sooooooo many advantages, it also brings readers.
10) List Posts are easy to write
The structure is clear, research is pure, and writing is easy due to the shortlists and paragraphs.
11) A-List Posts creates new articles
Theoretically, you can write a complete essay from every single point of a list post. That’s a great way for blog ideas.
How to Write a Legendary List Post – 11 Steps to Success
1) Pick a great problem
The stronger the primary topic, the problem, the suffering, the better your List Posts. Make sure that you come up with 3-4 points in the topic choice by yourself.
2) Collect ideas for the list
Brainstorming, Internet research, surveys, books, magazines, etc. Just collect different answers to the same problem. Always find more ideas than you want to put in the list.
3) Organize the list
Write the individual points loosely in your writing software and bring the file in a logical or dramaturgical order. Think about what the different bullet points are called and tune them in length and formatting.
4) Write the introduction
Often forgotten. Some bloggers simply push readers into the list. Write a not too long but clear introduction to what it is about.
5) Write the individual points
Formulate the single list item. Make sure that they fit in harmoniously with each other, and no point gets “special treatment.” Forgive the numbers.
6) Write the conclusion
That too often gets left behind. Even if there are many answers, you still owe the reader a final statement.
7) Write a call to action
Call the reader to add to the list and provide their own example. A cunning post has many readers and thus also many comments.
8) Format the article
Created in WordPress, think about how to format the headlines and texts of the respective points.
9) Link to external content
A cunning post is liked by Google. You can reinforce the effect even if you link to suitable external sources.
10) Check the numbers
It should have happened that the number is in the wrong order or is missing an enumeration ???? I let me know. From a friend who knows someone who may have happened before.
11) Write the headline
Here, too, I write the headline only at the end, because you do not know how many lists actually remain and thus not only a number in the headline can change.
The 5 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With a List Mail.
1) Overuse
Some bloggers ONLY write list posts. Can work, but it depends a lot on topic and niche.
2) Wrong numbers
Already mentioned, if the lists are not correct, that is a little embarrassing. But we do not discuss perfectionism here ????
3) Not numbered
A cunning post without enumerations is not a crafty post, but just a collection of short paragraphs.
4) illogical order
If the dots do not mesh, this confuses the reader more than it brings.
5) Different lengths
The one-paragraph section consists of two lines, the next to 300 words. Not only looks bad but also makes the List Post on very funny to read. Because if one point is concise and the other is way too long, then that’s just stupid. As you may notice, I’m just writing to demonstrate to you what that looks like when suddenly one dot has a lot more text than the other. If you are still reading this paragraph, I thank you. But it is meaningless because the book has only demo purposes and no benefits in itself. Just as well could be here blind text.
So now I have 3 Lists-Post packed in an article.
I think it will be clear how this format looks and works. Now it’s up to you: Write a legendary List Post!
THE ROUND-UP POST
Today, I devote myself to a blog article format that is well suited for a blog launch or relaunch, but also ideal for illuminating a particular topic from multiple angles: The Round-Up Post!
What is a round-up post?
In a round-up post, you ask one and the same question to different people who either have something exciting to say on this subject or in themselves an expert status in your niche or similar. To have.
Opinion leaders, business people, bloggers, people who are successful in what they do. From this, you make an article that lists the answers of all.
It is essential that you plan this contribution in advance and, above all, give the interviewees clear guidelines regarding the scope of the response and the deadline. It would be nice, of course, if the respondents themselves have a website or address a large community in other ways.
The benefit for your readers
I always find it great when different people say something on the same topic because it exposes a variety of aspects. For example, during my podcast, I made it a habit to ask the same questions to my interviewees, and I am always amazed at the different results. The human aspect is in the foreground of the round-up post, and your readers learn quickly and efficiently from a variety of experts on a topic.
The benefit for you
You can imagine what happens when you interview ten people, for example, and after publication, these ten people then distribute their posts in their respective communities or on their websites. This brings you naturally many new readers.
That too is obvious. Because everyone is promoting everyone here. All have similar interests, and therefore the same audience, and so the horizon is broadened, and the expert status of the interviewees is also demonstrated. So this is a definite win-win-win situation: For you many new visitors, for the interviewees a bit more image structure, for your reader’s further information and comparison options, such as experts your topic o.ä. See.
The step-by-step guide to the perfect round-up post
1) Define the topic
Be as specific as possible, so that the answers do not spill over and everyone comes in the same horn. You want to illuminate a particular aspect precisely.
2) Formulate the question (s)
It should not be more than two. Otherwise, it will be confusing. The issues should be interlinked or build on each other.
3) Find the interview partners
Be creative, contact bloggers, writers, journalists, trainers, business people, artists, etc. And take a look at how their web and social media presence is built, because it’s essential to use it as well. For all involved. Then define the number of interview partners.
4) Contact the interview partners
Briefly present your blog and project, send the questions, and outline the scope of each answer. Define a deadline, give the interview partners enough time, and count a buffer. Please also a photo, ask for the exact job title or similar. And the domain you put to the answers.
5) Stay tuned and get the answers
Can be a challenge, some deliver the same, with some must follow-up.
6) Make a photo collage
You arrange the photos you got nice. Countless graphics tools do it for you (eg, Fotor )
7) Publish the blog article and promote what it takes
Inform all participants of the publication and ask for support via website, newsletter, social media, podcast & co, so that everyone sees the maximum.
8) Rejoice and thank you
Presumably, the article has gone through the roof, and everyone is happy. Write a thank-you email to all who were there.
Yes, and have fun creating your round-up post.
THE LINK POST
The following article format also has a win-win-win situation as an ulterior motive, similar to the round-up post. The Link Post is dedicated exclusively to your Blogger friends, making it perfect for expanding your network of friendly bloggers. Since the linked post is a relatively simple but handy format, here’s all it takes to get started.
What is a link post?
In a link post, you recommend other websites or blogs. It’s as simple as that. You’re supporting friendly bloggers, podcasts, webshops, service pages, sites that fit or complement your blog theme or niche (depending on your audience and your customers, this can be a compelling compilation).
Again, the benefit for everyone is obvious: you recommend colleagues, colleagues, maybe even competitors, and they support you by redistributing the article to their community.
The step-by-step guide for the perfect link post
1) The selection
The important thing is that you do not recommend anything, but blogs that you actually read and that you can say a few words about. So, of course, as a blogger, it makes sense to watch colleagues and know what is going on and who can deliver value to you and your readers.
2) Write an article
In addition to a few sentences for each blog and why you recommend it, a screenshot of each blog is a perfect thing. The WordPress plug-in ” BrowserShots ” will do the job for you.
3) Inform the lucky ones
Before the article appears, inform everyone involved by email or via Facebook that they are on your top list. Great joy and happy sharing will be the reaction. You see, such a link post is a good thing. Bring “good vibes” to bloggers, show your readers some new reading food, and get more readers by mutual referral. Pleasant side effect: The link post does not do much work.
THE INTERVIEW POST
It’s been over 15 years since I was allowed to conduct my first interview. I studied musicology and had managed with a lot of effort to convince a music magazine of my journalistic skills (which I had not yet) and give me a chance.
NOT EASY, BUT INSTRUCTIVE
I do not know why I got this interviewer first, but I’m very grateful for that. Already I learned a lot about interviews from my interview premiere. Subsequently, I became the expert for the “difficult,” ie, for the artists, whose handling in the meeting was a little complicated. I learned a lot about how to deal with people.
I found that exciting, and I’m still so today. Interviews are among the most exciting things there is. A few rules should be taken, however.
WHY AN INTERVIEW?
But why should you as a blogger or podcaster ever interview people? There is a clear answer to that: because it makes the content more valuable. The value and benefits to the reader increase as aspects are highlighted from a different angle. Your reader receives first-hand expert knowledge.
However, you should be aware that reading interviews are not for everyone. Use this blog article format (as well as the others already presented) sparingly and wisely.
The benefit to your blog or podcast is that you get in touch with people who either have a thrilling readership, audience, or fan base or are essential to your network. And last but not least, you just get to know exciting, new people. For me, friendships have evolved from interviews over and over again.
INTERVIEWS – THE THREE DIFFERENT FORMS AND THEIR ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
THE WRITTEN INTERVIEW
Written transcripts are the easiest to organize, and the effort is minimal. There is no need to find a date together. Simply contact the interviewee, send questions, and check them out a few times – done.
But this also reveals the disadvantage: it is the most impersonal form of the interview. You can not respond flexibly to the answers, can not ask when it gets exciting, or re-drill if the answer was evasive.
THE SKYPE INTERVIEW
Again, scheduling is still quite easy because you are locally independent. At the same time, it is already very possible in a telephone call to respond to the partner during the interview. Ideally, one also sees oneself so that a kind of relationship can develop.
But since technology is an essential factor, video calls can always cause problems. This starts with the fact that the interviewee did not install Skype, goes over problems with the Internet connection up to the technical hurdles with the admission of sound and picture.
Therefore, the interviewee should (if possible) also record the conversation to have a back-up. Another disadvantage is distinct: The recorded conversation still needs to be transcribed.
THE PERSONAL INTERVIEW
The question of place and time of the interview can be a real problem here. Above all, the location must be chosen wisely to conduct interviews in peace. Also, here you can get in the way of technology.
It has never happened to me personally, but I know colleagues who have interviewed for a long time and then find out that the recording did not work. Therefore it is essential to double-check the technique twice and ideally always have a back-up.
The subsequent transcription effort is, of course, also here. One thing is for sure: the best interview result is still the result of a personal conversation. If possible, you should choose this shape.
THE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Here is a short checklist that contains all the points that lead to the interview (a little depending on the form) to be considered.
✔ Preparation
You have to inform yourself about the interviewee, his world, what he does, etc. in advance well. Otherwise, you will not be able to respond well to his answers and act as an interviewer also not competent.
✔ Warm-up and build trust
First, talk a little and do not fall into the house with the door, so that wire is created between you and it becomes human.
✔ The introductory question
If you do not always have the same questionnaire (as I did with my podcasts), then think of an original item that shows your interviewee that you have dealt with him/her. There is nothing that creates more trust.
✔ The time frame
Depending on your questionnaire, you need to estimate how long the interview will take and make that clear. This prevents the worst-case scenario: The interviewee breaks off due to time constraints.
✔ Press Spokespersons & Public Relations People
With well-known interview partners, it may be that the PR officer wants to be part of it. Clarify this beforehand and avoid it if possible.
✔ The questionnaire
There are two approaches: sending questions in advance so that the interviewee can prepare, or withhold the issues, and just outline what it is about to get more spontaneous, more authentic answers. How you handle, this is up to you or is specified or desired by the interviewee.
✔ Interview only one person
I have tried again and again, but multi-person interviews are not fun, and the result is mostly below average.
✔ The interview process
An interview is an active process. It is essential that you do not see yourself as a passive questioner. Be there, show your enthusiasm, enter your counterpart, ask, drill, hake.
On the other hand, be the perfect listener and shut up when your interview partner is on the move. It is essential that you always keep the reins in your hand and perform all the questions that are important to you. Stay persistent when the partner evades.
✔ The “delicate” end
If you have a tricky question, that is, that could emotionalize or even upset the interviewee, then wait and see. If you really want to ask this question, then the whole interview has to be harmonious and pleasant. Ask this question at the end so that it may be left unanswered and you can finish the discussion afterward. Nothing is worse than having to continue a conversation when your counterpart is upset. But of course, also respect the last question respectfully with your interlocutor.
✔ The release Clarify in
The end how by whom and in what form the interview result is appraised before it appears. In the media industry, one speaks of the so-called “release.” That’s an essential factor. Plan for time and get all the contact information necessary for it.
CREATE WIN-WIN-WIN SITUATIONS
Conducting interviews is always a great thing for both sides. Try it out and think about who your next interview partner might be for your blog.
As always, think in win-win-win situations, so that there should be a benefit for your readers, the interviewees and also for you.
