Lean Content Academy – Listicle Builder

Their reputation for being shallow and cheap was never deserved. I felt they were a way to provide context and breadth to our readers in an easy-to-use way that fit their busy lives.

Lean Content Academy – Listicle Builder

We have done all the hard work for you so that you won’t need to.
This spreadsheet turns simple inputs into automatically generated HTML code – and formats your list article for you.

♥️ It cuts down on the time it takes to produce each article.

♥️ It is a great way to keep readers happy and improve quality.

♥️ Creators love it because they can shine their work.

A few years ago, I was the editor of a publication which used lots of list articles.
Before I started my content-marketing agency, I was a journalist.

My most recent job was to edit a lifestyle publication that featured a lot of curated lists articles.

Their reputation for being shallow and cheap was never a merit. To me, they were a way of delivering breadth and context to our readers in an easy-to-use way that fit their busy lives.
It was essential that we found the right formula
Because we used them so often, I spent a lot of time thinking how to make them better.

To make sure that we meet the goal, I first created guidelines and rules for our content staff.

Simple ones are ‘Style headers using H3’ and “Put links on an additional line below the paragraph text”.

And more tricky ones, like ‘Make sure the headings relate back to the headline’ and ‘Always surprise the reader – they haven’t come here to be told what they already know’.
And I discovered something over time
The less time my team spent focusing on the ‘simple’ elements – like styling and formatting and consistency – the more they were able to focus on the more advanced ones.

Our content production was not only faster but also more efficient.

However, the final product was superior and provided more value for our audience.

(Incidentally – This was one reason why the publication grew by 60,000 pageviews per month to 6.5 million pageviews per month during my 18 months of service.
Then I started my agency.
And we were tasked with producing huge volumes of content for big brands – at competitive rates.

We were asked once to turn around 50 just as we were getting off our feet.-60 articles in 48 hours.

The margin for error was small. With so many contributors, it was necessary to have a tight process.

One that would ensure consistency – and would allow us to focus on creating excellent content, rather than squabbling over which heading style to use.

Download immediately Lean Content Academy – Listicle Builder

That was when I developed this tool. It’s been a constant improvement process ever since.
How is the List Made Builder works
It could not be simpler.

Enter the headings you want for your list in the tool.
Please fill out the following: Paragraph text, media links and links
Copy the HTML code automatically generated into your CMS

Here you are.

You now have a formatted and complete list.
The old way of writing lists is not recommended.
Inefficient
Your brain switches constantly between research, formatting and creativity. There is no way to flow.
Inconsistent
One line or two between entries? Are there links on the same page or are they offset by one? Heading 1, 2, 3, or 4? Videos below the entry, or higher?
To come up with a better way, we’ve used cognitive and behavioral science.
Once you have chosen your topic, you can start curation mode. Lists live and die by the quality of their curation – and that should be your sole focus during that time.

Only then should you reconfigure your brain to write copy, and work on more granular aspects – like phrasing, cadence and syntax.

From there, you can tighten your curation and your copy – or you can get stuck into formatting hell.

You don’t have to make that choice with this tool.
Are you ready to save time?

Continue reading: https://archive.is/SruDu