Infographics are visual representations of rather complex information. Infographics show the information in digestible chunks that viewers can easily and immediately understand. It attempts to provide a universal explanation.
Facts about Infographics
For starters, here are some noteworthy facts about infographics:
- About 50% of our brain is used for visual processing.
- Approximately 90% of all information transmitted to our brain is visual.
- Visual information is processed 60,000 times faster than contextual information.
- About 40% of the users respond better to visual information than contextual information.
- About 90% of all information that humans remember is based on visual impact.
- Since 2007, the utilization of visual representation grew up to 9900%.
- From 2010 to 2012, the search volume for the term ‘infographic’ grew by 800%.
- As of May 2014, there are 13.6 million results in Google for the term ‘infographic.’
- Infographics go viral.
- Infographics creation increases by 1% daily.
- Online publishers who use infographics saw a 12% increase in traffic on an average compared to those who don’t.
- It takes 5 minutes to 5 hours to make an infographic, depending on its complexity.
How to make share-worthy infographics
Infographics are great because the user will leave your site in just 5 seconds or so. People want information as quickly as possible, and they want information that they can actually pass on to other users. Here lies the challenge of creating an infographic. Below are some of the ways to make remarkable infographics that drive the reader to hit the ‘Share’ button.
1) Campaign-driven infographic
The design of the campaign must depend on the campaign goal and not the other way around. So, adjust the development process in terms of the campaign size and available resources.
2) Cover an engaging topic
Be open when choosing a subject. The subject may not solely about your business. However, make sure that you can establish expertise with your chosen topic. Making share-worthy infographics start with choosing a topic that most people can relate to.
3) Quality, quality, quality
Determine the layout and design of the infographic after determining the facts and statistics. Never compromise the quality of the design. Make it look good with the right amount of data and design elements. Rate the share-worthiness of your graphic. Is the infographic valuable and appealing enough so others will share it? Are you proud of it?
4) Research, research, research
Speaking of data, infographics boost brand awareness. Design is important, but the more important aspects are concept and research. What ‘info’ goes into the infographic makes the difference.
There should be a balance between “info” and “graphics”. The information that you present must display the depth of your knowledge and position regarding the topic you’ve decided to cover. Dig deeper so you may retrieve valuable information. Sort the information.
Let the data drive the design. Do not design the infographic without a clear understanding of what data to include in it.
5) Check (and double-check) the facts
Infographics spread quickly, and there’s nothing more embarrassing than finding out that the information is wrong. The most embarrassing part was when someone else pointed it out for you. Not cool.
Also, the facts and statistics must be current, factual, topical, reliable and helpful. Make sure that the information is presented logically. Don’t cover false facts with attractive designs. It won’t work.
6) Balanced visuals and texts
There must be a text-based content strategy alongside the visual content strategy. Text and graphics are both useful. However, each has its own limitations. Text heavily relies on the capability of the reader to process the information presented. Graphics, on the other hand, cannot communicate concepts effectively. The combination of text and graphics thereby minimizes the weaknesses of each medium.
7) Think pragmatically
There must be a synergy between your industry and your chosen design elements to go into the infographic. Simplify your readers’ understanding of the information you present by using descriptive symbols. For instance, use spoon and fork when representing sales of a restaurant business. Use symbols and objects sparingly. Remember less is more when it comes to infographics.
8) Showcase the wow
Emphasize the most important facts by using various colors and images, but use them with restrictions. There should be simplicity and consistency. Choose a particular style of images/photos and use them consistently. The same goes for fonts and font size. Make the infographic easy to read and comprehend; otherwise, it will defeat its main purpose which is to un-complicate things.
9) Don’t tell – show!
Communicate the images through the use of colors and images. Use the design in communicating with the audience. Simplify the layout and white frame the contents. White spaces are powerful. They serve as a breather.
10) Inject humor
Aside from its visual appeal, the infographic should be fun to read. If there is an opportunity to make it hilarious without going overboard, then do so. Infographics don’t have to be plain, serious and boring.
11) Put your credentials
For copyright purposes, make sure that the infographic has a logo and URL. Visuals spread quickly, and some individuals and businesses claim the origination of some infographics. Make sure that the original creator(s) will be credited by putting your information on the infographic itself. Include sources, if applicable. Use reputable sources.
12) Create a buzz
Leverage some marketing strategies. Share it on social media, but share it with only the people who will find your infographic useful. Consider portability when you develop, design and publish an infographic. Put an embed code that creates an automatic link that online users can use when sharing it.
A note on SEO
Images including infographics do not add SEO value since Google cannot read them. However, infographics can target the right audience. Infographics benefit SEO campaigns because of their high sharability. They build the link portfolio.
SEO requires inbound links. The more people share your infographic, the higher the inbound links. Not because infographics are link baits, they will build your link portfolio. The infographic must be interesting and engaging. The secret is creating an infographic that is worth sharing.
More often than not, an infographic provides high ROI in terms of link generation.
A word of caution
Nowadays, infographics are big, and it’ll only get bigger in the coming months. Infographics can be easily branded. They are highly viral as well. However, infographics must be used responsibly and moderately. Don’t oversaturate the website with empty and valueless infographics.
If designing is not a strength, hire someone to do it for you. Creating visual infographics need not be expensive. You can have a decent infographic for only $250 or less. Also, you can use any of the free tools online in creating your own infographic. Draw inspiration from existing visuals on Google Images or Pinterest.
In sum, make the infographics informative and engaging. When transforming static texts into more engaging and dynamic visuals, think of the overall experience of the reader or viewer. Give your audience the opportunity to repost the infographic by making it compelling and attractive. Providing an unparalleled value is a virtue that all marketers emphasize. Do it right the first time. Get your point across. Drive interest. Get exposure. Build your reputation.
