Get your infographic on – why you need one and how to get it
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Infographics have been around for a while now, but many businesses have mistakenly overlooked this marketing tool.
An infographic can be reasonably simple to make but have a big impact.
What is an infographic?
An infographic is a way of combining information, data and text to convey knowledge in a visual manner.
Infographics can be highly effective in conveying otherwise complex data and information via a visual medium, with the potential to go viral.
See (and click on) the infographic on infographics to the right as an example.
Since it’s a visual medium, it makes great fodder for social media and can enhance search engine optimisation (SEO).
A good infographic encourages social sharing, and promotes natural link building (this means Google likes it).
Infographics are also great at building brand awareness and delivering concise and engaging messages.
They are particularly good for delivering complex information or big data in a format that is easily consumed. You can use them to position yourself as an expert in a particular subject and build personal and brand credibility.
Smart businesses are using them to engage their target markets and drive traffic to their websites.
Anyone can make an infographic. There are some great free/low cost DIY tools out there such as http://www.easel.ly/ and http://visual.ly/
However the key is having a GREAT infographic. Here are my top six tips for creating an effective infographic:
1. Try to stand out – if you use a pre-existing template or are trying to replicate the look of an existing infographic, tweak it enough so it is unique and you stand out. Take a look at the unique Batman infographic below. This is sure to catch the eye.
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| Source: theorange.co |
2. Keep to the (design) script – your business has a brand and a visual identity that should resonate with your target audience. So make sure your infographic reflects this. Don’t go for fonts, colours or design that don’t speak to your brand promise. I deliberately went for a reliable retro style for my first infographic,which suited my brand promise. Second time around though I will be stepping up my game in terms of design.
3. Be visual – sounds obvious but use as little text as possible to maintain the audience’s interest
4. Make it easy to share – if possible include widgets or social media sharing buttons with your infographic and encourage people to “Share it”.
Some infographic platforms or websites will give you the html code needed for others to embed your infographic on their websites, which is great at building links back to your website and improving SEO.
5. Brand it – include your logo and/or website details in the infographic itself, so if anyone does share it, it is clear who created it. This will also enhance brand awareness
6. Go professional – if you can afford it, engage a professional to create one for you. If not, use one of the free tools readily available but get someone with a good eye to critique your work.
Now all that’s left to do is get your infographic on! Contact us at Kylie Fennell for more great marketing ideas now.
I'm the author of the Kyprian Prophecy Series, as well as a Speaker, Content Creator and Marketer. I love telling stories whether they're for the business world or works of fiction. When I'm not working as a Content Marketer, I write speculative fiction, fantasy and fabulism for the young and young at heart.
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