Ann Smarty on the Bold Strategy Behind Self-Serving Listicles

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ann Smarty discusses the strategic, albeit self-serving, approach behind certain listicle content, particularly those that rank their own solutions highly. Smarty expresses a degree of admiration, bordering on envy, for the confidence required to execute such a strategy.

She begins by framing the discussion not around the ethics of such content, but around the sheer boldness of its execution:

Without questioning the ethical part of self-serving listicles (I always said, if it is done very well, why not), I just wish I had the guts to publish something like this on my site and list myself as #1 best solution 😅 Kind of jealous I cannot find this kind of confidence in me 👑

Smarty then proceeds to dissect the tactical elements that make these self-promotional listicles effective, highlighting that the success is not accidental but a result of deliberate strategy. As she points out, the effectiveness is undeniable, with such content often ranking well and being cited by AI models.

Deconstructing the Self-Serving Listicles Strategy

Ann Smarty outlines a clear, three-pronged strategy employed by creators of these listicles. This approach, while potentially controversial, is presented by Smarty as a testament to effective marketing execution. She emphasizes that her commentary is observational and acknowledges the success these methods can yield.

Key Strategic Components

According to Ann Smarty, the core components of this strategy are:

• Positioning their own solution at the very top of the list.
• Devoting significantly more detail and attention to their own offering compared to others featured.
• Including smaller competitors who do not pose a substantial threat, thereby maintaining the appearance of a broad comparison while controlling the narrative.

Smarty elaborates on the execution, noting the detailed approach:

And while this listicle is notably well done, there’s an obvious strategy here: ✅ They list their own solution #1 ✅ Their section is much more detailed than others ✅ They list smaller competitors (those that are not really seriously competing with them)

This detailed examination of their own product, contrasted with the more superficial treatment of competitors, serves to elevate their offering in the eyes of the reader and search engines alike. Smarty suggests that this tactical advantage is a key driver of their success.

The Boldness Factor and Market Success

A recurring theme in Ann Smarty’s post is the element of confidence and boldness required to implement such a strategy. She views it as a commendable, if personally difficult, approach to content marketing.

Smarty reiterates her stance on the validity of the strategy, irrespective of personal comfort levels with its execution:

Again, not saying this is wrong. This one ranks and gets cited by LLMs a lot. Whatever works, guys. I just wish I were that bold!

This sentiment underscores her analytical perspective; she recognizes the effectiveness of the strategy and admires the audacity of those who employ it, even if it doesn’t align with her own content creation philosophy. The post serves as a candid look at a common, yet often unacknowledged, content marketing tactic.