Agency Blogging: Harness the Power of the Listicle

Blogs can take a number of forms, but a simple list is one of the most popular and readable blog formats. It is composed of—you guessed it—a list, which usually includes short explanatory paragraphs about each item.

The listicle concept gives independent agents a number of ways to dish out information to their clients. Consider the following ideas: 5 key ways to save on car insurance; 3 things we always hear from clients when they have a claim; 8 ways we help businesses keep employees safe.

Here are three steps to creating your own list post:

Step 1: Introduction

Use your opening paragraph to tell the reader how this collection of ideas will help them. Keep it light by including a personal story. If you have any data relating to your list, include that in your introduction too.

Step 2: Body

Now deliver what you promised in the first section. This is the longest part of the post, so make it easy to read. Use short paragraphs, bulleted lists and bold headings to set different sections apart. Some common section headers include:

• Reason No. 1 why writing a list-based post is helpful
• Reason No. 2 why writing a list-based post is super helpful to your marketing efforts
• Reason No. 3 why everyone should be writing list-based posts

You can use a bulleted or numbered list or multiple headings. Include as many steps, numbers or bullets that enable you to thoroughly discuss your topic. Other ways to make the best possible body of your blog include visuals, short explanatory phrases in your headers and a smooth transition into your conclusion.

Step 3: Conclusion

Remind your readers of the key takeaways from your content. Reiterate what they need to do to get the desired result. And to encourage comments and conversation, ask a question about how they view the topic. Don’t forget to include a call to action for the readers. What do you want them to do next—call? Email?

Congratulations! You’ve just created an informative, easy-to-read blog post that helps your insureds, boosts your marketing materials and adds value to your agency.

René Carpenter is creative director of Kapnick Insurance Group in Southfield, Michigan.