In order to optimize audience engagement and brand development, you need to tap into the mounting screen culture that calls for more and more visual communication.
Infographics are a great way to make your data more compelling and to spread your message to a wider audience in an easily digestible form.
While creating infographics might seem as simple as inputting data into a predefined template, the process of creating a truly great infographic is not a cake walk.
That is why the tips below aim to elevate your infographic to an insane level, so that your collection of data can be transformed into a true work of art.
So sit back, and read on for some insightful information.
DO’S
1. DO identify and focus on your target audience
In order to engage effectively with your audience, always keep them at the forefront of your mind as you design your infographics.
2. DO your research
In order to maintain your credibility, thoroughly research the information you present and triple-check your sources. Your data should also be current, as your intention is to educate your audience not to sell them outdated information.
3. DO narrate a story
There are two types of people: those that can spin a simple walk to the store into the most amazing story, and those that can turn the adventure of a lifetime into a devastatingly boring tale.
In order to hook your audience, you need to create a gripping narrative through the information gathered and presented. Always ensure that there is a beginning, middle, and end, and strive for a strong finish.
4. DO relay your data clearly and concisely
So you have gathered your data and images, what do you do next? Present your information in an organized manner, with a proper structure that effectively communicates your message to your audience. Simple!!!
P.S. Do remember to use correct image and text proportions so that your infographic is easily readable.
5. DO balance the use of text and images
The aim of your infographic is to present data in a way that can be easily understood and absorbed by your audience. In order to achieve this you need to find the perfect balance of text and images, and you can start by getting rid of any text and images that are redundant.
In this way your infographic is not heavy in one area and lacking in another.
6. DO make use of a visually stimulating color palette
As you already know, infographics are visual stimulants that present information in a more appealing way. In order to optimize the appearance of your infographic, be sure to use a vibrant and complementing color scheme without creating a clashing eyesore.
7. DO find ways to visualize data
The beauty of creating infographics lies in your ability to display data visually. When you have the chance to display your information in a visual manner, take it. Use appealing graphics, pie charts, and bar charts in place of numerical values and walls of text.
8. DO think out of the box
Every teacher I have ever had has stressed the importance of creativity and individuality. While the traditional infographic makes use of a simple vertical flow design, I would recommend for you to do away with the standard template and create a unique way of displaying your information.
9. DO make your content shareable
The purpose of spending hours on your infographic is to get your message out to your audience. In order to do this you need to make your content worth sharing. Apart from creating an appealing design and gathering interesting information, you need to ensure that your content can be shared on different social networks without any trouble.
10. DO remember to cite your sources
Citing your sources gives credibility to the information you are presenting on your infographic. Instead of stating that ‘A recent study found that…’ say that ‘A 2015 study published in the Journal of American Medicine stated that…’
In this way your audience has more faith in what they are reading, as they can confirm all information easily if necessary.
DON’TS
1. DON’T forget to dig deeper
We have all turned in a paper using Wikipedia as our sole source. While Wikipedia is a great source of snippets of information, it should not be used as the foundation of your infographic.
Utilize original sources in order to ensure that the information you are presenting is reliable and legitimate, and never skew facts so that they can fit your message. Remember, a misleading infographic can trash your entire brand!
2. DON’T confuse your audience
In an effort to be creative, you might actually leave your audience scratching their heads. Your work should not be leaving your audience with questions; it should fill all gaps and answer their problems. After all, we are looking to attract people and not frustrate them.
Make sure that all aspects of your infographic are clear and consistent, and when explanations are required be sure to provide them.
3. DON’T overlook the beauty of simplicity
I cannot stress the need for simplicity. Unless your infographic is exploring types of riddles, your audience is not looking to get wrapped up in a mystery.
Simplify your message, get rid of clutter by eliminating all unnecessary information, and streamline all of your ideas. If there is something that can be taken away, take it away!!
4. DON’T go crazy with your visual details
The point of visual details is to increase appeal, promote simplicity, and complement your message. Unfortunately in the battle of minimalism and ornamental design, ornamental design often triumphs.
Be sure not to detract from your message by using elaborate and unnecessary visual details. All visual embellishments should have a purpose in the design of your infographic.
5. DON’T kill yourself trying to create a cool infographic
The mid-life crisis is prevalent in the media industry, with veteran shows like Criminal Minds trying to attract a younger crowd by creating a ‘selfie’ un-sub (this is not the right forum to discuss this travesty).
We can also see this desperation to be cool when it comes to infographic design.
However, you should always remember that content is king, and not even the fanciest and coolest design will make a lackluster infographic outstanding.
6. DON’T go overboard with typography
Even with the most insightful content, your infographic can fail due to hard to read fonts, extravagant scripts, unfortunate typeface choices, poor word contrast, and elaborate text embellishments.
Do not inhibit your audience’s ability to read what you have written by making your text indiscernible.
7. DON’T use a completely white or black backdrop
In order to create an infographic which is not visually clashing, stay away from completely white and black backdrops.
Light colored text against a dark or black backdrop will not morph well on all websites, and in the same breath infographics with white backdrops will appear washed-out on websites that have white backgrounds.
8. DON’T make large infographics
When it comes to proportions your focus should not only be on the text and images, but on the infographics as a whole. You should stay away from large infographics as they take longer to load, and this reduced speed will probably put off some of your audience.
A great idea is to exploit the vertical space of the infographic, so that it can fit appropriately on a range of devices- mobile, desktop, and tablet.
9. DON’T use ordinary clip arts, templates, charts, and graphs
Earlier on we had discussed the need for creativity when it came to designing an infographic. If you want your infographic to go viral, you cannot rely on the overused clip arts, templates, charts, and graphs that saturate the web.
Instead of settling for mediocrity, go above and beyond what is expected so that you can leave a lasting impression on your audience.
P.S. Do not sacrifice content for visual appeal, your message should be just as impressive as your presentation.
Final Verdict
When creating your infographics, you need to strive for excellent content and innovative visuals that will draw in your audience in and keep them captivated throughout.
It is also important to research all facts rigorously in order to keep your credibility intact, so that your brand is not associated with any negative press.
With the tips provided above you can earnestly venture into the world of infographics, and squeeze every drop from this creative marketing tool.
Remember, to drop a comment below and tell me what you think, and share this article with your friends. And before you leave, subscribe to the newsletter above so that you can be the first to receive all new Business Broken Down posts!!
Have a lovely day!
Business Broken Down 