Ever wonder how some obscure films or forgotten novels suddenly gain a cult following? A big part of it comes from the power of “top 10 and why you should like…” articles advocating for overlooked works. But how can news organizations effectively leverage this format to drive engagement and build community? Let’s get into it, and I’ll show you how to create content that will have readers saying, “Where has this been all my life?”
1. Identify the Overlooked Gem
The first step is finding the perfect “overlooked gem.” This isn’t about picking something you like. It’s about finding something with untapped potential for a passionate fanbase. Consider these questions:
- Does it have a unique premise or style?
- Was it unfairly overshadowed by a bigger release?
- Does it tackle themes that resonate with a specific niche audience?
For example, let’s say you’re covering film in Atlanta. Instead of another piece on the latest Marvel blockbuster, you could highlight “Brick,” a 2005 neo-noir film shot in San Clemente High School in California. It’s a unique blend of high school drama and hard-boiled detective fiction. It has a distinctive visual style. And it stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt before he was a household name. It’s ripe for rediscovery.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to go deep into specific subgenres. A “top 10 overlooked steampunk novels” list will attract a more dedicated audience than a general “top 10 overlooked books” list.
2. Research and Immerse Yourself
Once you’ve chosen your subject, it’s time to become an expert. Watch the film, read the book, play the game – whatever it takes. But don’t stop there. Dig into its history. Read reviews, interviews, and fan theories. Understand the context in which it was created and the reasons why it might have been initially overlooked.
I remember when I was working at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. We had a reporter who wanted to do a piece on a local indie band that had broken up years ago. He spent weeks tracking down old interviews, listening to their music, and talking to former band members. The resulting article wasn’t just a review; it was a deep dive into the Atlanta music scene of the early 2000s, and it resonated with readers in a way that a typical concert review never could.
3. Craft a Compelling “Top 10” Hook
The “top 10” format is a classic for a reason: it’s easily digestible and promises a curated selection of information. However, you need a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Don’t just say “Top 10 Reasons to Watch Brick.” Try something more intriguing:
- “10 Ways ‘Brick’ Predicted the Future of Neo-Noir”
- “The 10 Most Underrated Performances in ‘Brick'”
- “10 Reasons ‘Brick’ Is the Best High School Movie You’ve Never Seen”
Common Mistake: Using clickbait titles. Avoid sensationalism and hyperbole. Focus on delivering genuine value and insights. You’ll gain more trust with your audience.
4. Structure Your Article for Maximum Impact
Each entry in your “top 10” list should be concise, engaging, and informative. Start with a strong headline that summarizes the point. Then, provide a brief explanation, supporting evidence, and personal insights. Use visuals (screenshots, GIFs, images) to break up the text and illustrate your points.
For “Brick,” you might have an entry like this:
#3: The Dashiell Hammett Dialogue
“Brick” uses hard-boiled detective slang in a high school setting, creating a uniquely jarring and memorable effect. Writer/Director Rian Johnson drew heavy inspiration from Dashiell Hammett, author of The Maltese Falcon. This isn’t just window dressing; it elevates the film’s themes of betrayal and corruption to operatic levels. The slang feels both artificial and perfectly fitting, a testament to the clever writing.
Pro Tip: Numbered lists are great, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other formats. You could use a timeline, a character guide, or a series of interconnected arguments.
5. Articulate “Why You Should Like It”
This is where you really make your case. Don’t just describe the overlooked work; explain why it matters. What makes it special? What does it offer that other works don’t? Connect it to broader cultural trends, personal experiences, or relevant social issues. Explain why it will resonate with your audience.
Consider the film’s appeal to fans of noir. Connect it to the genre’s themes of disillusionment, moral ambiguity, and the corrupting influence of power. Explain how “Brick” updates these themes for a modern audience.
6. Showcase Fan Bases and Communities
Overlooked works often have passionate, dedicated fan bases. Highlight these communities in your article. Include quotes from fans, links to fan forums, and examples of fan art or fan fiction. Show that there’s already a built-in audience waiting to be discovered.
A quick search on Tumblr or Discord can uncover thriving communities dedicated to niche interests. Feature their creations and perspectives.
7. Optimize for Search (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
Yes, you need to consider search engine optimization (SEO). But don’t sacrifice quality for keywords. Focus on creating valuable, engaging content that naturally incorporates relevant terms. Use descriptive headlines, alt tags for images, and internal links to other relevant articles on your site.
I’ve always found that if I write a solid piece, the SEO tends to take care of itself. Trying to stuff keywords in just makes the article sound unnatural.
8. Promote Your Article Strategically
Once your article is published, don’t just sit back and wait for readers to find it. Promote it actively on social media. Target relevant communities and influencers. Use paid advertising to reach a wider audience. Submit it to relevant news aggregators and online publications.
Consider using Mailchimp to send a newsletter to your subscribers, highlighting the article and its key takeaways. You can segment your audience based on their interests and tailor the message accordingly.
9. Engage with Your Audience
The conversation doesn’t end when the article is published. Respond to comments, answer questions, and encourage discussion. Create a forum or social media group where readers can share their own thoughts and recommendations. Building a community around overlooked works is a great way to foster loyalty and engagement.
I had a client last year who wrote a blog post about a little-known board game. She actively participated in the comments section, answering questions and even offering tips and strategies. The result was a thriving community of board game enthusiasts who regularly visited her site.
10. Track Your Results and Iterate
Use analytics tools like Amplitude to track the performance of your article. Monitor metrics like page views, time on page, social shares, and comments. Identify what’s working and what’s not. Use this data to inform your future content strategy. What overlooked works resonated most with your audience? What topics generated the most discussion? What formats were most effective?
Case Study: In Q3 of 2025, Decatur Daily published an article titled “Top 10 Reasons Why ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’ Is the Most Important Kids’ Show You Missed.” They used Semrush to research keywords related to 90s Nickelodeon shows. The article received 15,000 page views in the first week and generated over 500 comments. Based on this success, they created a series of similar articles focusing on other overlooked 90s TV shows. By Q4, their website traffic had increased by 20%, and they had established themselves as a leading voice in 90s nostalgia content.
What if I can’t find 10 reasons to like something?
Don’t force it. A “top 5” or “top 7” list can be just as effective. Focus on quality over quantity.
How do I avoid sounding condescending when advocating for an overlooked work?
Avoid phrases like “you should know this” or “it’s a shame you haven’t heard of this.” Instead, express your own enthusiasm and explain why you find it valuable.
What if the overlooked work is controversial?
Address the controversy head-on. Acknowledge the criticisms but also explain why you believe it’s still worth exploring. A nuanced approach can be more engaging than a purely positive one.
How do I find overlooked works in my local area?
Talk to local artists, musicians, and writers. Visit independent bookstores, record stores, and art galleries. Attend local events and festivals. Ask around and see what hidden gems you can uncover. For example, check out what’s playing at the Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon Avenue, or ask the clerks at Criminal Records in Little Five Points for their recommendations.
What if the work I’m advocating for is genuinely bad?
Be honest about its flaws. Acknowledge its shortcomings but also highlight its redeeming qualities. Sometimes, the very things that make a work “bad” are what make it interesting.
Creating “top 10 and why you should like…” articles advocating for overlooked works isn’t just about filling space; it’s about sparking discovery, building community, and offering your audience something truly unique. Forget chasing the mainstream hype. Instead, embrace the power of the niche and watch your readership grow. So, what are you waiting for? Go find that hidden gem and share it with the world. Or maybe start by reading about why we obsess over obscure art.
And if you’re trying to resurrect a forgotten show, see if fan obsession can help.
Want to learn more about the power of niche? Niche TV’s Secret Strength might hold the answer.
