| name | listicle-generator |
| description | Creates engaging listicle articles with consistent entry structure, examples, and SEO optimization. Use when writing numbered list posts like 'Top 10' or 'Best X for Y' articles. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Glob |
| metadata | {"author":"matthewhitcham","version":"1.0"} |
Listicle Generator
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when you need to:
- Write a numbered list article (top 5, 10 tips, 7 mistakes, etc.)
- Create a "best of" roundup post optimized for search
- Produce scannable, high-engagement list content for a blog
- Build a listicle with consistent structure across all entries
DO NOT use this skill for comparison articles (use comparison-article skill) or unnumbered long-form guides. This is for structured list posts.
Core Principle
EVERY ITEM IN A LISTICLE MUST EARN ITS SPOT — IF AN ENTRY COULD BE CUT WITHOUT THE READER NOTICING, IT SHOULD NOT BE THERE.
Phase 1: Brief
Required Inputs
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|
| Topic / list premise | "What is this list about?" | No default — must be provided |
| Number of items | "How many items in the list?" | 7-10 |
| Target keyword | "What keyword should this rank for?" | Derived from topic |
| Audience | "Who is reading this?" | Solopreneurs and business owners |
| List type | "Tips, tools, mistakes, strategies, examples, or resources?" | Tips |
| Word count | "Target length?" | 1,500-2,000 words |
GATE: Confirm brief before building the list.
Phase 2: Outline
Listicle Architecture
**H1:** [Number] [Things] [About Topic] [Benefit or Hook]
**Intro** (~100-150 words) — Why this list matters
**H2: 1. [Item Title]** (~[words])
**H2: 2. [Item Title]** (~[words])
...
**H2: [N]. [Item Title]** (~[words])
**Bonus / Honorable Mentions** (optional)
**Conclusion + CTA** (~100 words)
Ordering Strategy
Choose one ordering approach:
- Priority order — most important first (best for tips/strategies)
- Ascending impact — build to the best (best for tools/resources)
- Logical sequence — follow a natural progression (best for steps)
GATE: Approve list items and order before writing.
Phase 3: Write
Entry Structure (consistent for every item)
Each list entry follows this format:
## [N]. [Item Title]
[1-2 sentence explanation of what this item is and why it matters]
[Concrete example, data point, or actionable instruction — 2-4 sentences]
[Pro tip, caveat, or "how to implement this" — 1-2 sentences]
Writing Rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|
| Consistent structure | Every entry follows the same format — explanation, example, action |
| Varying length is OK | Some entries deserve 200 words, others 100 — but stay within 100-300 per entry |
| Specific over generic | "Send invoices within 24 hours of project completion" not "Send invoices promptly" |
| Bold the item title | Skimmers should get value from scanning just the H2s |
| H2 for every item | Each list entry is an H2 — critical for SEO and scannability |
| No filler entries | If you cannot write 100 meaningful words about an item, cut it |
| Intro hooks fast | 2-3 sentences max before the first list item begins |
Intro Template
[Bold opening — stat, question, or pain point]
[Why this list matters to the reader — 1-2 sentences]
[What they will walk away with — 1 sentence]
Let's dive in.
Conclusion Template
## [Wrap-Up / Key Takeaway]
[One sentence summarizing the theme across all items]
[Tell the reader which 1-2 items to implement first]
[CTA — what to do next]
Phase 4: Polish
1. Listicle Checklist
## Pre-Publish Checklist
- [ ] H1 includes the number and target keyword
- [ ] Every list entry follows the same structural format
- [ ] Each entry includes a concrete example or actionable step
- [ ] No filler entries — every item earns its spot
- [ ] H2 headings are descriptive enough to provide value on their own
- [ ] Intro is under 150 words
- [ ] Conclusion recommends where to start
- [ ] Target keyword in H1, first 100 words, and meta description
- [ ] Word count is within 10% of target
- [ ] List order is intentional (priority, ascending, or sequential)
2. Meta Description
[Number] [topic] that [benefit]. From [item example] to [item example] — [audience] guide with actionable tips.
3. Featured Image Brief
Concept: The number [N] prominently displayed with visual icons representing top list items
Dimensions: 1200x630px
Style: Clean, bold, brand colors
Example: "7 Invoice Mistakes That Cost Freelancers Money" (1,500 words)
H1: 7 Invoice Mistakes That Cost Freelancers Money (And How to Fix Each One)
1. Not Including Payment Terms — leads to "I'll pay when I can" situations
2. Sending Invoices Late — the longer you wait, the longer they wait
3. Using Vague Line Items — "consulting" tells the client nothing
4. Forgetting to Number Your Invoices — makes tracking impossible
5. Not Following Up on Overdue Payments — silence is not a collections strategy
6. Skipping the Late Fee Line — even if you never charge it, it accelerates payment
7. Making It Hard to Pay — no online payment option = delayed payment
Conclusion: Fix #1 and #6 this week — they take 5 minutes and have the biggest impact.
Anti-Patterns
- Filler entries — padding a "10 tips" list with 3 weak items to hit the number. Better to publish 7 great items than 10 mediocre ones.
- Inconsistent entry format — some entries are 50 words, others 400. Keep structure consistent.
- Generic H2s — "Tip 3: Communication" tells the reader nothing. "Tip 3: Send a Weekly Status Update Every Monday" is useful on its own.
- No examples — abstract advice without concrete examples is forgettable. Every entry needs specificity.
- Burying the best items — if the strongest item is #8 of 10, most readers will never see it. Put the best items early (unless building to a climax).
- Long intros — listicle readers want the list. Get to item #1 within 150 words.
Recovery
- Cannot hit the target number: Lower the number. "5 Essential Tips" beats "10 Tips (5 of which are filler)."
- All items feel similar: Differentiate by adding distinct categories (mindset vs tactical vs tools) or merge similar items.
- Too many items for the word count: Either cut items or raise the word count. Do not squeeze 15 items into 1,000 words.
- User wants items they have no expertise on: Suggest replacing with items they can speak to authentically, or research thoroughly and note sources.
- List feels obvious: Add a "Most people miss this" or "Advanced tip" for each item to elevate beyond surface-level advice.
