Contrary to what most people think, there aren't three surprising reasons why people don't read your well-written content.
But there is one interesting reason: the recent understanding of how the human brain responds to numbered lists and the desire to understand what can be won within the limits set by a topic. You are probably tempted by the idea of reading such an important piece of information under three headings.
Have you ever noticed how many blog posts and YouTube movies have names with numbered lists? Lists like "10 Tips for Better Sleep" and "5 Ways to Boost Your Productivity" are all over the place. But have you ever thought about why this common practice is so common, especially for longer material that takes more time to read?
As a marketer, I took a look into the psychology and social studies behind this behavior to understand how it could be used in marketing ways. Let's look at what numbered lists can do and why they're a useful tool for making content.
👋 So, yes, I'm talking about what this blog is supposed to be about: the purpose of numbered lists in content marketing
1. Organizing information and making it easier to read
In fact, one of the main reasons content makers use numbered lists is to make information easier to understand and read. Lists give a clear framework and break up complicated topics into pieces that are easy to understand. By putting information in a step-by-step structure, viewers can easily follow along and get the main points. This organized method makes the information easier to read as a whole.
2. The Serial Position Effect: Psychology in Action
There is a phenomenon in psychology and the social sciences called the "serial position effect." People tend to remember and pay more attention to things at the beginning and end of a list than to things in the middle, according to this effect. By making material in the form of a numbered list, marketers can use this effect to catch the attention of their audience and get them more involved.
3. Getting people excited and giving them just enough information
Numbered lists get people excited because they promise a certain amount of things or tips. They get the person interested and make them want to learn more about each point. Also, content writers make sure that the information is clear and easy to understand by reducing the number of things in the list. This method works well in today's fast-paced world, where people want quick ideas they can use.
Umm. . Well. Which content marketers have taken this into account in their work?
And how can you get people to accept it by giving them informed views?
Neil Patel: Neil Patel is a well-known marketer and developer who has written a lot about content marketing techniques. On his blog, neilpatel.com, there are pieces about how to use numbered lists to get people's attention and keep them interested.
Here is the link to Neil Patel's marketing blog if you still don't know about this marketing monster.
Expert and leader in digital marketing Jeff Bullas has tried out different ways to sell material. On his blog, jeffbullas.com, he talks about how to use numbered lists and how they affect how engaged an audience is and how much information they read.
Copyblogger is a well-known sight that gives content marketing resources and tips. They have written pieces about how numbered lists can be used in marketing to persuade and get people's attention.
These writers and websites have thought a lot about how to use numbered lists in marketing. They explain why numbered lists work, how to organize them for the most impact, and give real-life examples of how to use them successfully. Even though there may not be a lot of specific scholarly study on this topic, the information and experience given by these business experts is very helpful.
So, let's end here. Along with estimating how long it will take to read each blog, using numbered lists in content marketing is not just a chance trend but a plan based on psychology and how people act. Numbered lists involve audiences and make it easier for them to understand material by putting information in order, taking advantage of the serial position effect, and giving short, clear explanations. So, the next time you see a "Top 5" or "7 Ways" piece, think about what the author was trying to say and how they did it. Take advantage of the power of numbered lists and hook your audience with well-organized, interesting material.
⚠️ There is something else. In fact, for me, revealing of reading times in blogs is a topic we've got used to seeing in recent years. It shows how important it is to know how much time it will take to read a certain piece of content and addresses the fear of causing human tendency to avoid clicking because of the fear of making a commitment. As we have seen, the fear of commitment is everywhere. It's pretty clear that this practice is a way to ease those anxieties.
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