Introduction
Infographics have been around for a long time, and have remained a popular choice for individuals sharing information about their businesses (hint: YOU). Infographics are incredibly effective at conveying information that would usually be complex and filled with industry-specific jargon that would be difficult for someone outside of the industry to understand.
What is an Infographic?
An infographic is a data visualization tool that, as its name suggests, combines information and graphics. Its purpose is to clearly and quickly communicate information to readers. The combination of the visual elements associated with the most important data extrapolated from a dense technical report helps readers to both better understand the information at that moment as well as remember it afterward.
Why are Infographics so Popular?
There are a few reasons why infographics are a popular choice among marketers and consumers. Firstly, infographics help to break down complex data into a format that’s easier for viewers to digest. This is particularly important in the digital age when the average attention span is eight seconds and people don’t want to have to spend a ton of time figuring out what a complicated graph is trying to tell them about a topic.
By breaking down complex data into the most important takeaways and using a visual tool to communicate them, you’re helping them reach your point faster. This will make your audience more likely to engage with your content.
Secondly, the human brain absorbs visual information 60 times more than written information, so the combination of visuals and text plays a significant role in helping your followers retain the information.
It’s for these reasons that infographics are liked and shared more on social media compared to other types of media, including videos and photos. On Facebook alone, infographics receive twice as much engagement compared to other media types. Having infographics on your website also drives 12% more traffic to your site. As you can tell, infographics are an excellent way to get your point across and boost your traffic at the same time.
Top Tips for Making an Infographic
1. Don’t cram too much information into your infographic.
The point of an infographic is to break down complicated data, so you shouldn’t stuff your infographic full of information. Pick the top three to five pieces of information your customers should know and only include those.
2. Plan out your story before you make the infographic.
Once you’ve picked the information to include, plan out the order of it. There should be a clear flow from one piece of data to the next, and your readers shouldn’t get lost along the way.
3. Make sure your visuals are relevant to the point and the overall message.
Your infographic is telling a story, so the visuals that accompany each piece of information should be relevant to it. A visual that doesn’t make sense with the data it’s complimenting will confuse the reader and won’t help them remember the information late on, or the only thing they’ll remember is the confusing visuals.
4. Pick a colour scheme.
Aim for your colour scheme to match that of your business. You want your infographic to match your brand. That way, your followers will immediately associate it with you when they see your infographic on their feed.
5. Pick your fonts.
If your brand guide includes fonts to use, select one of those fonts for your infographic’s text. If not, be sure to select a font that’s easy to read. You don’t want people to scroll past your infographic because they took a glance at the font and couldn’t easily read it.
On that note, you should also ensure your font is a size that’s easy to read. If it’s too small, it’s unlikely people will read it because they won’t want to squint or zoom in to read it.
FAQs
1. What type of tool are infographics?
Infographics are a data visualization tool, which means it combines information — like statistics or research findings — with the power of graphics. Humans are largely visual learners, so being able to see the information makes it easier for us to understand and remember.
2. How can I use an infographic in my business?
There are a few ways you can use infographics in your business. Infographics can be used to communicate the benefits of a product or service you offer, the benefits of choosing your business, or even your customers’ favourite products or services you offer. Just make sure you don’t cram too much written information into your infographic.
3. What are the benefits of using infographics?
Infographics have a number of benefits, with the most important benefit being the ability to help your customers understand the information you’re sharing. Infographics are also more likable and shareable, so if they look appealing, the information tells a story, and you have the right SEO strategy, you can anticipate receiving higher engagement with your infographic posts.
4. Aren’t infographics only for Pinterest?
Nope, infographics can work with all social platforms! Just be sure to resize your document accordingly so it will upload in its entirety on each of your socials.
5. How do I find visuals to use in my infographics?
Stock image sites like Pixabay, Pexels, and CC Search are great places to find images you can use in your visuals. You can find a wide range of image types on these sites, from full photographs to minimalist illustrations. If you use Canva to make your infographics, you’ll also be able to access images there.
6. What type of programs can I use to make infographics?
There are lots of programs out there that will allow you to create infographics for your business. Programs like Adobe InDesign, Canva, and even Microsoft Word can all be used to make infographics, and most will provide you with different templates that’ll get you started with making infographics.
Alternatively, graphic design pros can also make infographics for you if this is a task you want to delegate.
Conclusion
Now that you know what an infographic is and why they’re so popular among social media users, you’re well on your way to start making infographics of your own. The tips in this post will help you create eye-catching infographics that clearly and quickly convey your most important information to your followers.
