What Are Infographics?

Infographics are a combination of graphic design, content and data. They are a visually compelling communication medium that allows marketers to present complex information that tells a story or transforms otherwise dry information into a captivating graphic. Ideally, an infographic is something that can be shared via social media.

6 Reasons to Use Infographics

The average attention span of a human is eight seconds, which is one second less than a goldfish. Therefore, marketers need to make a meaningful impact immediately to connect with their target audiences. Here are six reasons why infographics help accomplish that goal:

1. Grab your attention. We are visual creatures and a well-designed and attractive graphic taps into the optic nerve that drives the brain. Simply put, infographics are far more fun and engaging that plain text.

2. Demonstrate expertise. Infographics make use of tables, graphs, charts and other information. This visual representation of extensive research shows subject-matter expertise and can enhance credibility in the marketplace.

3. Make complicated information more understandable. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Effective infographics convey lots of data and information in a relatively small space. They extract the most essential facts and figures and deliver them in a relevant way.

4. Boost brand value. Infographics go beyond telling people about your brand. They demonstrate your value and knowledge in a meaningful manner. That’s why it is important that they support your defined brand image and include a company logo and website address or other contact information.

5. Take your content viral. Because they contain lots of information about a single subject, they are ideal for sharing via social-media channels.

6. Boost SEO. Once your infographic is posted on your website and shared via social media, it can generate backlinks that are essential to driving SEO.

Designing Infographics

There are a variety of online tools available for creating infographics. Some of these include Canva, Piktochart and Venngage. Whether you choose to design graphics yourself or enlist the help of a graphic designer, remember that the goal of an infographic is to tell a story. Introduce your topic and gradually explain your idea bit by bit using relevant data and information. Remember to include your logo and contact information, and be sure that the overall design complements your brand look.