In today’s digital world, visual content is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are turning to social media platforms for information and entertainment. Among the various forms of visual content, infographics have emerged as a powerful tool for data visualization and sharing information in a visually appealing and easily consumable manner. Infographics are a combination of text, images, and design elements that are used to present complex information in a simplified and attractive way. With the rise of social media, the demand for shareable infographics has also increased, making it an essential skill for marketers, content creators, and businesses alike. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of shareable infographics, their importance, types, creation process, tools, and tips for sharing, along with some successful examples.
Importance of Shareable Infographics
Infographics have become an integral part of content marketing strategies for various reasons. Here are some of the key reasons why creating shareable infographics should be a priority for businesses and content creators:
Visual Appeal and Easy Consumption
Humans are visual beings, and our brains process visual information 60,000 times faster than text. This means that infographics can grab and hold the attention of the audience better than any other form of content. With the increasing amount of information available on the internet, people prefer consuming information that is easy to understand and visually appealing. Infographics serve both these purposes, making them highly effective in communication and engagement.
Increases Traffic and Engagement
Adding visuals to written content has been proven to increase the time spent on a page and reduce bounce rates. This also applies to infographics, which can help drive traffic to your website or social media pages. Additionally, infographics are highly shareable, making it easier for your content to reach a wider audience and increase engagement.
Improves Brand Awareness and Credibility
Using infographics in your marketing and communication efforts can help improve your brand’s visibility and credibility. Well-designed infographics that provide relevant and valuable information can create a positive impression on your audience and make them more likely to trust your brand.
Boosts Social Media Reach
As mentioned earlier, people are more likely to share and engage with visual content on social media platforms. By creating shareable infographics, you can increase your social media reach and attract potential customers or followers.
Types of Infographics
Infographics come in various forms, depending on the type of data and information they are presenting. Here are some of the most common types of infographics:
Statistical Infographics
Statistical infographics, also known as statistical graphics, use charts, graphs, and other visual elements to present numerical data. They are ideal for conveying complex data and statistics in a simple and attractive manner.
Informational Infographics
Informational infographics focus on explaining a concept or idea using a combination of text, images, and visuals. These infographics are commonly used for educational purposes and are great for breaking down complicated information into easily understandable chunks.
Process Infographics
Process infographics are used to explain a step-by-step process or procedure. They are often used in instructional or how-to articles and can be highly effective in guiding the audience through a specific process.
Timeline Infographics
As the name suggests, timeline infographics present information in chronological order. They are best suited for showcasing historical or sequential events and can also be used to highlight a project’s progress or milestones.
Comparison Infographics
Comparison infographics are used to compare two or more items, such as products, services, or data sets. They are useful for highlighting differences or similarities between different options and helping the audience make informed decisions.
How to Create Engaging Infographics
Creating an engaging infographic requires a combination of creativity, design skills, and knowledge about your audience. Here are some steps to follow when creating infographics:
Step 1: Define Your Goal and Audience
Before starting the design process, it is essential to define the goal of your infographic and identify your target audience. This will help determine the type of data, visuals, and tone you should use to make your infographic more effective.
Step 2: Research and Collect Data
The success of an infographic largely depends on the accuracy and relevance of the information presented. It is crucial to research and collect data from reliable sources to ensure that your infographic is informative and credible.
Step 3: Plan the Layout and Storyboard
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to plan the layout of your infographic. This includes deciding which data to highlight, the visual elements to use, and the overall flow of information. Creating a rough storyboard can also be helpful in organizing your thoughts and ideas.
Step 4: Design and Visual Elements
The design and visual elements of your infographic are what make it visually appealing and engaging. Use colors, fonts, and images that align with your brand and appeal to your target audience. Charts, graphs, icons, and illustrations can also be used to present information creatively.
Step 5: Add Text and Make it Scannable
While visual elements are essential, text is also crucial in communicating your message effectively. Keep your text concise, use bullet points or numbered lists, and break up large chunks of text into smaller paragraphs to make your infographic more scannable.
Step 6: Review and Edit
Before publishing or sharing your infographic, make sure to review and edit it for any errors or inconsistencies. It is also helpful to get feedback from others to improve your design or make any necessary changes.
Tools for Creating Infographics
Creating infographics has become much more accessible with the availability of various tools and software. Here are some popular tools that can help you in creating engaging infographics:
Canva
Canva is a user-friendly and versatile graphic design tool that offers a vast library of templates, fonts, and graphics to create professional-looking infographics.
Piktochart
Piktochart is another popular tool for creating infographics with a drag-and-drop interface. It also offers a variety of customizable templates, charts, and icons.
Venngage
Venngage is a data visualization and infographic maker that offers an extensive library of templates, charts, icons, and design elements.
Adobe Illustrator
For more advanced users, Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating infographics from scratch. It offers precise control over design elements and allows for more customization options.
Tips for Sharing Infographics
Creating a shareable infographic is one thing, but making sure it reaches the right audience and gets shared is another. Here are some tips for effectively sharing your infographics:
Choose the Right Platform
When sharing your infographic, consider which platform your target audience is most active on. For example, if your target audience is professionals, LinkedIn would be a better platform than Instagram.
Optimize for SEO
Make sure to optimize your infographic for SEO by adding alt text and meta descriptions. This will make it easier for search engines to index your infographic, making it more visible to a wider audience.
Engage with Your Audience
Engagement is key when it comes to social media. Make sure to interact with your audience by responding to comments and questions about your infographic. This will also help increase the reach of your infographic through social media algorithms.
Share at the Right Time
Timing is crucial when it comes to sharing infographics. Research shows that the best time to post on social media platforms is during weekdays between 9 am to 3 pm. However, this may vary depending on your audience, so it’s essential to test and analyze your posting times to find what works best.
Include a Call to Action
Don’t forget to include a call to action at the end of your infographic. This can be in the form of a link to your website, social media page, or a specific product or service. A clear call to action can help convert your audience into potential customers or followers.
Examples of Successful Shareable Infographics
To get a better understanding of how infographics can be used effectively for sharing information, here are some examples of successful shareable infographics:
1. The Ultimate Web Design Checklist by The Deep End Design
This infographic is an excellent example of how to present a lot of information in a visually appealing and easy-to-consume way. It uses a combination of icons, colors, and text to guide the audience through the web design process.
2. The Best Time to Post on Social Media by Sprout Social
This infographic presents essential data and statistics in a simple yet effective manner. The bold colors and minimalistic design make it easy to read and understand, and the information is highly relevant for businesses and content creators.
3. How To Choose a Color Scheme by Visme
This infographic is a great example of using visuals to explain a step-by-step process. It also includes helpful tips and advice, making it valuable and shareable for anyone looking to choose a color scheme for their designs.
Conclusion
Infographics have become a staple in visual content marketing, especially with the rise of social media. By creating shareable infographics, businesses and content creators can effectively reach and engage with their target audience and increase brand visibility and credibility. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can create engaging infographics that are informative, visually appealing, and shareworthy. So go ahead and start creating your own shareable infographics today!
