How to Write High-Performing Listicles in ClickUp

Using ClickUp to plan and create listicle content helps you move from random ideas to polished, SEO-friendly posts with a repeatable workflow your team can follow every time.

This how-to guide breaks down each step so you can turn a simple topic into a clear, skimmable listicle that readers actually finish and share.

Why Listicles Work So Well in ClickUp Content Workflows

Before you open ClickUp and start typing, it helps to understand why listicles are so effective for blogs, guides, and resources.

• They are easy to skim: Numbered items and clear headings help busy readers jump to what matters.
• They structure complex ideas: A large topic becomes a series of simple, digestible points.
• They support SEO: Search engines favor well-structured content that answers questions quickly.
• They fit templates: Once you build a listicle template in ClickUp, you can reuse it for every new article.

With that foundation in mind, you can design a consistent process in your workspace that covers ideation, outlining, drafting, editing, and optimization.

Step 1: Collect Listicle Ideas in ClickUp

Start by capturing every potential listicle topic in one organized place inside ClickUp so you never lose a good idea.

1. Create a content list or board in ClickUp dedicated to blog ideas.

2. Add a task for each listicle concept, such as “10 Productivity Hacks for Remote Teams.”

3. Use custom fields to log key info:

   • Primary keyword
   • Search intent (informational, comparison, etc.)
   • Target audience
   • Estimated word count

4. Tag ideas that work best as listicles so you can prioritize them in your editorial calendar.

This basic system keeps your backlog organized and makes it easier to choose and refine topics during planning sessions.

Step 2: Build a Reusable ClickUp Listicle Template

Next, create a standard task template in ClickUp that contains the full structure of a strong listicle. This saves time and ensures every post hits the same quality bar.

Core Sections to Include in Your ClickUp Template

• Working title: A draft headline with a clear list number and benefit.
• Hook intro: A short section to define the problem and promise a solution.
• Main list items: Numbered points with space for explanations and examples.
• Examples section: Optional, but helpful if you plan to show specific tools or real-world use cases.
• Conclusion and CTA: A summary plus next steps for the reader.

Inside the ClickUp task, add a rich text description with these headings already laid out. Turn the task into a template so writers can spin up new listicle tasks in seconds.

Helpful ClickUp Custom Fields for Listicles

To keep every listicle aligned with your strategy, add custom fields to your template:

• Focus keyword
• Secondary keywords
• Content goal (traffic, signups, backlinks)
• Reading level
• Assigned writer and editor

Once this is configured, every task created from the template will carry the same structure and metadata, streamlining production and reporting.

Step 3: Outline Your Listicle Inside ClickUp

With a template ready, use ClickUp to transform a topic into a detailed outline before anyone starts writing full paragraphs.

1. In the task description, create your introduction: define the reader’s problem and state the value of your list.

2. Decide how many items you need. For most posts, 7–21 points is enough to be useful without overwhelming the audience.

3. Add a heading for each item. Make each one specific and benefit-driven, not vague.

4. Under each heading, add bullets noting:

   • Key idea
   • Example or mini-case study
   • Relevant tools or steps

This outline acts as a blueprint, reducing rewrites later because the structure is already agreed upon.

Step 4: Draft the Article Using ClickUp Collaboration Features

Now you are ready to turn the outline into a full article directly in ClickUp or in your preferred editor, keeping the task as your single source of truth.

Best Practices While Drafting Your Listicle

• Write for scanners first: Use short paragraphs, bold phrases, and clean headings.
• Lead with outcomes: Each numbered point should clarify what the reader gains.
• Maintain consistent formatting: Keep parallel structure across all list items.
• Use simple language: Avoid jargon unless your audience expects it.

Use ClickUp comments and mentions to loop in stakeholders for quick feedback on specific sections, headings, or examples.

Use ClickUp to Track Drafting Status

Set up workflow statuses like “Outline,” “Drafting,” “In Review,” and “Published.” As you move the ClickUp task through each stage, your team gains real-time visibility into what is done and what needs attention.

Step 5: Optimize Your Listicle for SEO

Once the draft is complete, use the information stored in the ClickUp task to run a focused optimization pass.

1. Refine the headline: Keep it clear, specific, and aligned with the main keyword.

2. Tune your introduction: Mention the primary keyword naturally and summarize what the reader will learn.

3. Improve headings: Make sure every major list item can stand alone and makes sense out of context.

4. Add internal and external links: Link to related resources, such as your own guides or external references like the original listicle examples article.

5. Check readability: Use short sentences and direct language so your listicle is approachable and easy to follow.

You can store your on-page SEO checklist inside ClickUp as a checklist on the task, ensuring each step is completed before publishing.

Step 6: Review, Edit, and Approve in ClickUp

Editing and approvals become smoother when everything happens around the same ClickUp task.

• Assign the task to an editor when drafting is done.
• Use comments to request clarifications or suggest stronger examples.
• Track changes by logging revisions in the task activity and attaching newer versions if you write outside the platform.
• Change status to “Approved” only when the listicle meets your quality and SEO standards.

This process reduces confusion about which version is final and who is responsible for each change.

Step 7: Publish and Repurpose Your Listicle Content

After approval, you are ready to publish the article to your CMS, then use ClickUp to manage repurposing across channels.

Repurposing Ideas You Can Track in ClickUp

• Turn each list item into a standalone social media post.
• Create a short video or slide deck summarizing the top points.
• Build an email series where each message expands on one section.
• Group related listicles into a larger downloadable guide.

Add subtasks or linked tasks in ClickUp for each repurposing asset so you maintain one connected content map instead of scattered files and notes.

Bonus: Combine ClickUp With Expert SEO Support

A strong system in ClickUp becomes even more effective when paired with specialized SEO strategy and technical support. If you want help designing content workflows, performance tracking dashboards, or advanced optimization processes, you can work with a consulting partner such as Consultevo.

By combining a reliable ClickUp setup with clear listicle structures, collaborative drafting, and consistent optimization, your team can produce high-quality articles faster and with more predictable results.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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