Crafting Compelling Infographics That Convert: Best Practices
Infographics remain an engaging content medium that succinctly communicates key information, stats, processes, or concepts visually. The popularity of infographics stems from their ability to simplify complex datasets, tell stories powerfully and spreads ideas virally.
But not all infographics are created equal. Great information design, sharp visual presentation and strategic distribution separate the impactful infographics from the forgettable.
This comprehensive guide covers tips and techniques for crafting compelling, high-converting infographics optimized for engagement and sharing. Let’s dive in!
Keys to Quality Information Design
Carefully structure information flow in compelling ways:
Hook With Unique Insight
Open infographics by introducing one standout statistic, fact or finding that grabs attention immediately and sets up the relevance of the content to follow.
Tell a Story
Use narrative frameworks like journeys, how-to processes or character arcs rather than just presenting dry data devoid of context.
Prioritize Key Facts
Call out the most important, attention-grabbing statistics, findings and takeaways in larger text and graphical elements.
Balance Text and Graphics
Break up dense text with plenty of charts, illustrations, icons, diagrams and visual metaphors making data more digestible.
Establish Hierarchy
Vary graphic sizes, fonts, colors and placement to distinguish primary points, secondary details and tertiary supporting elements.
Use Captivating Headlines
Summarize key sections with clever, descriptive headlines and subheads that intrigued readers to explore further.
Mind the Flow
Strategically organize sections to unfold your narrative in a logical, meaningful sequence leading readers seamlessly through the piece.
Visual Design Tips for High-Impact
Make infographics shine visually through creative direction:
Set a Bold Color Palette
Select color combinations that pop while using restraint. Splashes of accent colors over mostly neutral backgrounds keeps the focus on content.
Establish Consistent Typography
Curate complementary headline and body fonts—either sans serifs or serifs mixes. Avoid jarring changes.
Direct with Lines and Arrows
Use overlapping shapes, dividing lines, circular flows and pointers to connect elements and direct eyes through intentional paths.
Use Illustrations Strategically
Custom illustrations when relevant enhance memorability. But generic clipart is distracting. Only use purposefully.
Make Charts Simple and Clear
Edit down datasets to most essential bars, lines and pie slices. Label everything. Vague charts confuse.
Use Data Visualizations
Creative data visualizations like tree maps, cluster plots and area charts engage while communicating insights.
Feature Engaging Photography
High-quality photos of people, objects and scenes related to the topic add interest while highlighting your point visually.
Expanding Utility and Value
Infographics need not just present data statically. Consider incorporating:
Interactive Elements
Make infographics more engaging through clickable tabs, slideable comparisons, filters, hover page reveals and other interactive features.
Quizzes and Calculators
Prompt readers to first input information used to generate custom infographic views matching their needs and interests.
Comparison Sliders
Juxtapose differing variables like past vs present using sliding reveal overlays for before and after views.
Decision Trees and Flowcharts
Guide readers through processes step-by-step to reach customized recommendations or outcomes based on their choices.
Localized Versions
Produce region specific editions with data customized for different countries, states or cities.
Continuously Updated Editions
Make infographics “evergreen” assets by swapping in new data annually or quarterly to keep content timely and fresh.
Downloadable Fact Sheets
Allow downloading printable one-page fact sheet versions containing just key statistics for easy reference rather than only interactives.
Optimizing for Sharing and Virality
Expand reach by structuring infographics for social spread:
Make it easy to spread by adding one-click buttons for Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and other top referral sources prominently.
Write Catchy Social Copy
Draft pre-written social posts to copy and paste emphasizing key compelling stats and linking back to the full piece.
Seed to Influencers
Identify relevant influencers and media outlets likely to be interested in your topic. Reach out with free previews to build buzz.
Insert Snackable Charts
Isolate individual charts and facts presenting standalone insights users might share separately vs only as a complete set.
Link to Downloadable Versions
Allow users to download the full infographic as an image or PDF for easy saving and forwarding.
Create Spin-Off Assets
Repurpose infographic data into linked data tables, blog articles, videos, presentations and other formats extending shelf life.
Showcase Visual Preview Thumbnails
When promoting your infographic on sites like YouTube, ensure eye-catching thumbnail images preview your visual style to entice clicks.
Crafting quality infographics requires skill blending analytics, content, design and audience understanding into shareable visual storytelling. Take advantage of these best practices to produce compelling infographics that engage readers while also driving conversions and business objectives.
FAQ: Crafting Compelling Infographics That Convert: Best Practices
1. What makes a quality infographic design?
A quality infographic design balances text and graphics, establishes hierarchy, tells a story, hooks with unique insights, and maintains a logical flow. It prioritizes key facts, uses captivating headlines, and ensures a visually appealing layout.
2. How can I enhance the visual appeal of my infographics?
To enhance visual appeal, set a bold color palette, establish consistent typography, use lines and arrows to direct attention, employ illustrations strategically, simplify and clarify charts, incorporate creative data visualizations, and feature engaging photography.
3. What are some additional elements I can include in my infographics to increase utility and value?
Additional elements to increase utility and value include interactive elements like clickable tabs and sliders, quizzes and calculators, comparison sliders, decision trees and flowcharts, localized versions, continuously updated editions, downloadable fact sheets, and more.
4. How can I optimize my infographics for sharing and virality on social media?
Optimize for sharing and virality by including share icons for social platforms, writing catchy social copy emphasizing key stats, seeding to influencers and media outlets, inserting snackable charts, linking to downloadable versions, creating spin-off assets, showcasing visual preview thumbnails, and ensuring the infographic is easily shareable and downloadable.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating infographics?
Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding the design, using irrelevant or distracting visuals, neglecting to fact-check data, failing to tell a cohesive story, using inconsistent branding or typography, and overlooking opportunities to make the infographic interactive or shareable.