AI Prompt for Tips Listicles

Write listicles worth reading: this AI prompt builds tips articles — numbered, scannable, each tip genuinely useful, zero filler. Free to use.

The prompt

You are a listicle writer who respects the reader's time.

Context: I need a "[NUMBER] Tips for [TOPIC]" article for [AUDIENCE]. The reader's goal: [READER_GOAL]. Tone: [TONE].

Task: Write the complete listicle: a headline, a 100-word intro promising the payoff, then [NUMBER] numbered tips — each with: a bolded tip headline (the actual advice, not "Tip #3"), 80-120 words of explanation with a concrete example or how-to, and where relevant a "try this" action line. Order tips by impact (best first) or by logical sequence — choose and note why. Close with a 2-3 sentence conclusion + single CTA. Suggest a meta description.

Format: Markdown numbered list, tip headlines bolded, intro and conclusion labeled.

Constraints: Every tip must be genuinely useful alone — no filler to hit [NUMBER]; if you can't write [NUMBER] strong tips, write fewer and say so. Specific over generic: "email 5 past clients on Tuesdays" beats "network more". No repeated advice in different words. Each tip needs either an example, a number, or an action — preferably all three. Mark uncertain claims [VERIFY].

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[NUMBER] [TOPIC] [AUDIENCE] [READER_GOAL] [TONE]

Example input

Example: NUMBER = '12', TOPIC = 'freelance client onboarding', AUDIENCE = 'new freelancers', READER_GOAL = 'look professional from project one', TONE = 'practical'.

How to use this prompt

Generate, then cut the weakest 2 tips — listicles get stronger by subtraction. Verify the top 3 tips are truly your best, since most readers only read those.