Here’s some reasons why lists can be good for your site or blog:
1. Lists are Scannable - online readers are notoriously lazy. A list helps communicate a number of points quickly and easily.
2. Lists keep posts succinct - there is something about a list that keeps you from rambling.
3. Lists are easy to link to - most of the links to the link above simply summarize the list (giving the keypoints) - bloggers seem to like linking up in this manner.
4. Lists can be more comprehensive.
5. Lists are persuasive - if you want to mount a case for something quickly presenting numerous arguments in a list can be quite convincing.
6. Lists can add to the ease of writing - I like writing in lists because they break down my thoughts into bite sized pieces which is good not only for readers but me as a writer as I consider how to express myself.
7. Lists as Memes - Lists can start “epidemics of ideas”. For the above reasons (and others - bloggers seem to love linking to lists and as a result they have the ability to spread quickly.

Using lists on your blog as part of your writing mix is an worthwhile strategy.

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There are three basic things to learn:
- We have to understand that all compelling headlines make an intriguing promise that makes it almost irresistible to the target audience. Understanding the intended audience is key — a really great headline generally won’t appeal to everyone, and watering it down for mass appeal will only hurt you.

- We have to study headlines that have been proven to work, and that usually means direct response advertising headlines. You can also learn by studying some of the top magazine headline writers, who work for Cosmopolitan and similar glossies, and even the tabloids you see at the supermarket checkout lane.

- And most importantly, rather than simply mimicking great headlines, they understand why the headline works, and therefore can make an educated decision as to which type of headline structure is most appropriate, and how to tweak it within a certain context.

Understanding what type of headline is appropriate to a specific context is the key to writing magnetic post titles that will get your writing read.

Every copywriter and every journalist knows the importance of a powerful headline, and that awareness has spilled into the business blogosphere, where everyone is a bit of a copywriter and a bit of a journalist. And we know that great body content with a bad or even marginal headline is doomed to go largely unread. Here are some suggestions to write a great headline.

The copywriting trainers at American Writers & Artists teach The Four U’s approach to writing headlines:

Headlines, subheads and bullets should:

1. Be USEFUL to the reader,
2. Provide him with a sense of URGENCY,
3. Convey the idea that the main benefit is somehow UNIQUE; and
4. Do all of the above in an ULTRA-SPECIFIC way.

The superstar copywriter Clayton Makepeace says to ask yourself six questions before you start to write your headline:

1. Does your headline offer the reader a reward for reading?
2. What specifics could you add to make your headline more intriguing and believable?
3. Does your headline trigger a strong, actionable emotion the reader already has about the subject at hand?
4. Does your headline present a proposition that will instantly get your prospect nodding his or her head?
5. Could your headline benefit from the inclusion of a proposed transaction?
6. Could you add an element of intrigue to drive the prospect into your opening copy?

It takes work and focus, but the effort will make you a more popular blogger and a more profitable businessperson. Good look.

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