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- Templates
- Are Listicles and Advertorials the Same?
- What Makes Listicle Templates Effective?
- How to Produce a Captivating Listicle in 7 Steps
- 2. Identify Your Audience
- Top Tips for You to Ace the Listicle Format
- 3 Examples of eCommerce Listicles to Get You Inspired
- GemPages Templates You Can Download for Your eCommerce Store
- Key Takeaways
- FAQ about Listicle Template
Shopify Listicle Page: The Secret Weapon to Supercharge Your Pre-Sale Funnels
Listicle templates are a phenomenal concept that can garner traffic and conversions to your website like none other. Instead of a simple article that revolves around one singular subject, the listicle format grants visitors an enjoyable experience, especially when the alluring title matches the page’s content.
Still feeling hesitant about the legitimacy of this approach? Whether you are an independent blogger or an eCommerce store that is looking to give your website a much-needed step up, this guide will be your zealous assistant in making use of listicle templates.
Templates
What are Listicle Templates?
In layman’s terms, listicles are a versatile blog format that is commonly used in content marketing. These types of articles are arranged in a list format, in which the consistent layout makes it easier for readers to digest the content. You will often find the listicle format on blog pages of eCommerce brands that aim to promote a specific product or service.
Types of Listicle Templates
Simple Listicle
A simple listicle is basic, but not lacking information and takeaways.
When it comes to simple listicles, you get exactly what you see. The telltale signs of this format is the number in the headline, a no-bull structure, and minimal takeaways at the end of the article. While the content is basic, the headline is where the money is at. By using a striking, eye-catching title that targets your customer’s pain point, this type of listicle can be useful for the pre-sale funnel stage.
Definitive Listicle
Definitive listicles are known as the perfect structure to produce a comprehensive list of items of your reader’s interest.
When you pump a simple listicle up a few notches, a definitive listicle is in the work. This type of listicle is made with the use of an extensive list of items whose in-depth review or analysis is surefire. Designed for skimming and scanning, definitive listicles aim to help readers make an informed decision via expert insights.
Framework Listicle
Offer a clear-cut narrative to your readers by arranging your content in a framework listicle format.
Got a complex topic that needs to be made simple? Framework listicles might be your ultimate solution. Instead of presenting information as it is, this format guides readers through a step-by-step process that leads to an objective. You might have come across this type of listicle across various industries, from food recipes to DIY projects and of course, eCommerce guides.
Are Listicles and Advertorials the Same?
If this question pops up in your mind, let us settle this once and for all: listicles and advertorials are not the same. The most eminent difference is evident in the ultimate purpose of an advertorial, in comparison with a regular listicle. The table below contains exactly what you need to know about these two terms.
|
Listicles |
Advertorials |
|
|
Purpose |
To inform and educate readers on a specific topic |
To provide useful information with the end goal of promoting a product or service |
|
Structure |
Bullet-point format, headlines that include a specific number |
Typical article format, might or might not contain a list of items |
|
Content |
Easily digestible content with valuable takeaways |
Informative but with subtle advertising of a product or service |
|
Tone of voice |
Friendly and engaging but to the point |
Informative and persuasive with mentions of a product throughout |
|
Target audience |
Broad audience who seek insights, tips, and ideas |
Prospects who could become potential customers |
|
Call-to-action |
Optional CTA buttons |
Guaranteed CTA buttons to drive conversions directly |
Read more: Advertorial — Everything You Need to Know
What Makes Listicle Templates Effective?
We have learned of the types of listicle templates, as well as the most critical differences between them and advertorials. That said, what makes them more effective than a standard article structure?
Improved Readability
Listicles’ target audience is the average web surfer who searches for a quick read on a certain topic, thus, they might not come prepared with the mental effort to process blocks after blocks of continuous texts. This inconvenience is omitted when it comes to a typical listicle format, where lists are prioritized, turning the article into digestible chunks of information. This way, visitor’s readability is greatly improved.
SEO-Favored Content
Focus on delivering informative and SEO-focused content to achieve a steady flow of traffic and engagement with your listicle.
eCommerce hustlers are no strangers to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the standards it imposes on websites. For that reason, listicles are a goldmine for driving traffic, thanks to their organized structure and dead-on headlines. By utilizing relevant keywords, you can optimize your listicles for higher rankings and boost organic engagement from existing and potential customers.
More from GemPages: Master SEO with Your Shopify Blog: A 2024 Guide
Versatile Topics
We understand the versatility of the eCommerce world, that’s why we wholeheartedly believe that listicles are a top-notch format to touch on a wide range of topics that appeal to your customer’s interests. From how-to guides, top product lists, and brand inspirations to tool comparisons, listicles are a foolproof approach to getting your ideas across sans matter what niche you are in.
Time-Saving
Listicles are quick to write and quick to read - making them a highly time-saving content strategy. In lieu of having to construct a complicated narrative, a simple listicle poses as an efficient top-of-funnel marketing tactic to garner traffic and boost engagement with minimal effort.
Engaging Format
The format is what gains listicles their reputation as a brilliant content strategy in eCommerce. If done right, a perfect listicle can be spotted through a captivating headline, candid introduction, logical number of list items, interesting visual elements, valuable takeaways, and more. Since the structure leaves room for flexibility, you can tailor listicles to the most ideal length and convey the content through the tone of voice you wish.
How to Produce a Captivating Listicle in 7 Steps
1. Choose a Relevant Topic
The listicle format makes way for a plethora of topics, however, eCommerce sellers can’t afford to take a leap in the dark. The unspoken rule is to pick a topic that resonates with your customers, relevant to your product or service and is compatible with the list structure. For instance, a pet care brand could produce listicles on pet health products or pet habits - topics that intrigue pet lovers.
2. Identify Your Audience
With one topic (i.e. skincare), two brands in the same niche could have completely different approaches. The rationale lies in their target audience. Based on your typical demographics, adjust the tone of voice, references, and takeaways to meet their interests and reinforce a positive brand impression.
3. Conduct Thorough Research
To construct a simple listicle with as little as a 5-minute read, thorough research can’t be skipped. With factual information being the most important factor, make sure to gather credible insights and data from reliable sources. No bluffin’ allowed!
4. Pick a Striking Title
A head-turning title does half the job of getting readers to visit your listicle, so its significance is not to be overlooked. Clear and succinct with a specific number are the utmost qualities of a brilliant headline.
5. Outline Your Points Clearly
Once you have gotten a topic in mind, think about how your final product will look. It is best to choose a reasonable number of points and even them out for easy digestion. Subheadlines are also paramount in getting your readers to finish the listicle without losing interest.
6. Include Valuable Information and Takeaways
Examples, internal links, and a conclusion segment are excellent practices to end your listicle on a high note. With a list structure, some readers tend to skim the subheadlines and read the takeaway at the bottom. Thus, remember to close off the article properly with valuable information to instill a worthwhile reading experience in your visitors.
Top Tips for You to Ace the Listicle Format
Choose a reasonable number of list items
As briefly mentioned, the number of list items can make or break your listicle. A lengthy read is definitely not the way to go, but less is more is not always the motto either. So, what do?
As blog writers, we know a thing or two about hitting that sweet spot in regard to the number of list items in an article. For a topic that revolves around naming brand names in a specific niche or product ideas that readers prefer skimming through without the need for intensive elaboration, you can go over the top with the item numbers. On the other hand, listicles that focus on each point in detail are advised to keep the number at the minimum to prevent a drawn-out read.
For example, a blog post on Top 100 Shopify Fitness Stores Dominating the Market: Their Secrets to Success works wonderfully, with the same goes for 5 Tips To Stop Involuntary Churn On Shopify For A Seamless Shopping Experience. However, if you switch the two numbers, the listicles won’t perform as well.
Disclaimer: avoid lackluster filler points just for more content, the quality of the listicle should be at the top of your mind.
Reserve the top spot for the most important points
You can organize the list in an alphabetical or chronological order, but popularity is our favorite method. This approach allows the most important points to have the top spot, ensuring that readers are more likely to take in the most crucial piece of information firsthand. By presenting them in an arresting manner, you will be able to maximize their time spent on the web page as well. After all, well begun is half done.
Don’t forget visual elements
A long list might tire the eyes out, so visual elements are your best friend. Images, videos, GIFs, infographics, illustrations, etc. are the no-brainers in elevating your reader’s experience. These elements help break up the walls of text and make your listicle more scannable. One thing to keep in mind: don’t grab random graphics just because they look good, but rather scout for germane visual elements that add value to your topic.
3 Examples of eCommerce Listicles to Get You Inspired
Take a look at these listicle landing page examples to get inspiration for your next project.
1. Furry Freshness
This article from Furry Freshness is a prime example of a successful listicle that ties its product with the actual informative content. The headline is kept simple and intriguing, while the listicle is planned out in an absorbable manner. By keeping it short and sweet but adding a social proof segment at the bottom, the listicle remains engaging while still being able to instill the brand’s product in the reader's mind to encourage conversion rates.
2. Javy Coffee
This listicle from Javy Coffee is a treat, in the sense that the brand did everything right, from the clear-cut headline to the alluring visual elements that guide the readers to the end of the page. The strategic placements of the CTA are also a huge plus to level up the store’s conversion rates organically.
3. The Earthling Co.
The Earthling Co. excelled at its listicle with an attention-grabbing headline and to-the-point content.
The Earthling Co. is solid proof that one shouldn’t overthink the premise of their listicles, as long as the content is helpful enough. With minimal text and photographs, the brand still managed to provide readers with insightful data that directly links to its products. By breaking it up into short paragraphs, readers won’t have a hard time comprehending the listicle.
GemPages Templates You Can Download for Your eCommerce Store
We have mentioned the perks of being a Shopify merchant in various blog posts. The liberty to customize ready-to-use templates to your store’s needs is a prominent benefit when it comes to Shopify’s verified third-party apps. In this ballpark, GemPages stands among the worthy contenders to help your digital storefront stay in its best shape.
Get your hands on these versatile listicle templates from the GemPages library.
Below are some of our most notable template types:
Listicle
Let your content take the spotlight with this simple yet captivating listicle template from GemPages.
Our freshly launched listicle template is guaranteed to provide you with the space and tools to make your content shine. On this template, high-resolution images, mobile compatibility, and a social proof segment are what make it an ideal match for all your conversion rate optimization needs. We do not stray away from the staple number format either so that you could have a solid bedrock to produce an efficient listicle. This is your sign to add this template to your Shopify store and create some magic.
Advertorial
Promote your products effectively by delivering an informative article, alongside strategically placed CTA buttons with this pre-built advertorial template brought to you by GemPages.
Advertorials are incredibly helpful in promoting your products while also educating readers about relevant topics. Understanding the goal of an effective advertorial, we have designed the only template you need to ace this format. By incorporating an explicit CTA button on the right-hand side, readers will naturally read through the article and have the option to check out the product at their disposal. Several page breaks also help make the advertorial easier to read and engage with. This is the ultimate solution for you to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and enhance trust.
Subscription
Advertise your subscription box option with ease by using our subscription template - specifically designed for businesses that are looking to stand out in this niche.
The subscription model is a popular method that numerous sellers have found success with, and it goes without saying that GemPages can help you emulate their skills with our collection of subscription templates. Made for all your upselling needs, this template boasts a handy subscription form, a social proof segment, and a benefits section to promote your products. With a flexible interface that is suitable for a wide array of industries, our subscription template might be the answer you’re seeking to level up your store.
Key Takeaways
A listicle template is all about simplicity in the structure and value in the content. While it seems like a piece of cake to churn out a listicle on whatever topic you fancy, the preparation is what will make your article a hero or a zero. Start by opting for an efficient page builder such as GemPages, brainstorm your idea, and craft out the perfect listicle that will speak to your readers. A boost in traffic and engagement is within your reach after finishing this guide.
FAQ about Listicle Template
