# Listicle Generator > 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. - Skill: `reaperinvest/listicle-generator` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add reaperinvest/listicle-generator` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/reaperinvest/listicle-generator/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Marketing & Growth - Author: reaperinvest (https://skillmd.com/u/reaperinvest) - Updated: 2026-09-22 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/reaperinvest/listicle-generator --- # 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.