In basic definition, infographics (or information graphics) are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge. They can present complex information quickly and clearly. The human brain is wired to learn and memorize content visually. If you have an idea that is rich in fact, figures, and statistics, then converting it into an infographic could be your next step. They are visually more appealing and engaging to your readers than a plain blog post. Normal readers have a tendency to scan rather than read, this way your readers are able to get a general overview of a particular subject.
With creative layouts that are visually appealing to your readers, infographics have a way of delivering information that is more likely to be shared online when compared to basic text. Embedded with codes and social share buttons makes it incredibly easy for your audience to re-post a digital infographic. With all the shares, traffic increases to your website, blog, and social media pages simply by clicking on the branding on the bottom of the infographic which will help your SEO.
Here are some things to keep in mind when creating an infographic:
- Ask questions- What would your readers want to know? How would your content be best presented in graphic form?
- Know your audience- How would they like to consume the content? How could they benefit from your infographic?
- Tell a story- Dropping facts onto a page with vibrant colors will not make it instantly shareable. It needs to have some flow to it.
- Let the data guide you- Don’t just pick and choose from mountains of data, it can be overwhelming to your readers. Narrow in on what is important to you and your readers.
- Be accurate- Nothing could be worse that having incorrect information on an infographic that you have branded with your company’s logo and it gets shared with people everywhere!
- Keep it simple- Don’t get too wordy, don’t try and cram tons of pages of report findings into one infographic. Your readers are supposed to enjoy this. Less is more.
- Organize the info- Group like pieces of data or facts together so they make sense.
- Show, don’t tell- An infographic is the ideal place to display data points, rather than talking about them. This is when things like colorful graphs, graphics and pictures get to do the talking instead of the numbers.
- Data offers- Share your company’s insights, show results of a survey or study, give users a breakdown of results, but most importantly, create action. Don’t ever leave a reader wondering what to do next.
If you know you want an infographic, but don’t know where to start, contact your PMD rep!