3 Steps, 5 Steps, 7 Steps, 9 – Why Online Marketing Lists Blow Your Mind

It’s a fairly common article of faith among online marketing experts that all published lists, or “listicles”, should contain an odd number of items. In fact, this belief is so strong that it has become a “best practice” for them. This begs the question of whether there is a logical or even scientific, reason to justify the use of odd-numbered lists.

While this may, admittedly, seem to be an obscure point to make, the truth is that a large percentage of business coaches, marketing experts, virtual assistant teams, website developers, and copywriters take this theory as gospel truth. For most of them, the simple experience is all the proof they need; since such lists work best for their clients, they promote the use of them.

Here’s the thing though, since one of the goals of this blog is to offer online marketing tips to interior designers and luxury furnishing retailers, even the most minor points can matter.

Psychology of Odd-Numbered Lists

Does it really matter? Yes!

Turns out, odd numbers are one of three elements that psychologists and web content studies have shown can entice a website visitor to click on a headline and visit an article.

According to an article at Medium.com, there is research that shows that “humans are attracted to content which promises a list of tips or insights on a subject the reader wishes to know more about or one which piques their interest,” while “grouping information in parcels of three or five enables readers to absorb information better.”

Even more confusing is the fact that humans struggle to process lists of more than nine items, and: “Just as odd numbers encourage clicks, even-numbered lists can have the opposite effect as readers will assume that something has been added or omitted to keep the list to a round number of points.” (emphasis added)

Need proof? How about this?

• Human beings are lazy and lists draw the eye and interest

• Odd-numbered lists help the brain to better process batches of information

• Even-numbered lists create doubt and skepticism in your audience

(See what we did there?)

Are human beings naturally skeptical or has the use of the internet made all of us that way? Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter because the proof is in the pudding: odd-numbered lists in blog posts, marketing copy, and even in titles spark interest in your content.

Looking for more online marketing lists and tips, new design trends, new products, and furnishing ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.