Information graphics, or Infographics, are a great way to visually represent information or data. They are a popular method for conveying quantitative data. It is one of the fastest growing content types on the web.
According to a study by Graphs.net, businesses that publish infographics grow their traffic an average of 12% more than those that don’t.
Here are 3 reasons why infographics increase traffic:
- They grab attention
- They are easy to understand
- They are easy to share
Visual graphics are a powerful way to communicate your results and increase awareness. A well-designed infographic will capture the attention of your target audience and engage them.
If you aren’t sure what an infographic is, here is an example:
Infographics are Attention Grabbing
In today’s world of information technology, we are swimming in a sea of information. Your survey report is just another drop in the bucket.
Unless there is an emotional or personal connection with your subject matter, you will be lucky if your benchmark report or research study gets a glance beyond your immediate audience.
An eye-catching Infographic on the other hand, can stop someone in his or her tracks. Even the most mundane data can be made appealing with a cool infographic.
It can also make a lasting impression.
You have likely heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Well, it’s true. Recent research supports the idea that visual communication can be more powerful than verbal communication.
Paul Martin Lester, author of Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication, states:
Something is happening. We are becoming a visually mediated society. For many, understanding of the world is being accomplished, not through words, but by reading images.
Converting your survey data to a visual graphic will make it more memorable!
Infographics Are Easy to Digest
Because infographics present data in a concise, small package, it is easier to consume and process the information. If your subject matter is complicated, a visual representation can make it easier to comprehend.
A visual depiction, entices viewers to browse the content and pickup morsels of information that can easily be digested. And retained.
It also makes the experience more engaging.
Infographics are so appealing because they tell a short story using a combination of graphics, data, and text. This is a much better way to engage your audience than boring them with a series of statistics
Infographics Are Easy To Share
Visual content that is easy to grasp is far more likely to be shared. It is also easier to market as a whole. More engaging means more sharing!
Like any other product, your content has a shelf life. Repurposing your survey results into a visual graphic will extend its life by providing fresh content and opening new marketing channels such as Pinterest and Instagram.
Twitter and Facebook are also popular social media sites for sharing images. As more people turn to these sites for fresh news, not only of a personal nature but as a source of news aggregation, your infographic will be there waiting to be discovered and shared.
As stated by Gilles Raymond, CEO of Mobiles Republic, a leading global news syndication company:
There’s a lot of information on the web. People want to share that information with others, and platforms like Pinterest and Instagram make it clear that people appreciate visual content wherever they can get it. In fact, people are 44% more likely to interact with a brand who posts images on social media. If you want your audience sharing content to their networks, interesting infographics give them something to tweet about.
Posting an infographic on popular platforms will further enhance brand awareness, increase your reach, and your chances of having your content shared virally.
So now lets talk about what makes a good infographic.
Designing Your Infographic
As the popularity of infographics has grown, so has the growth in new tools for creating them. These include visual.ly, Infgr.am, piktochart, and Canva, to name a few.
While these sites offer templates that can easily be customized, your infographic should be unique so that it stands out from the others. Use your web or graphic designer if you can.
Here are some basic design tips that you should consider:
- Don’t overwhelm: You likely have a lot of data to share but be careful not to overwhelm your viewers with too much data. Present the key findings – you don’t have to share all of the findings.
- Use a central theme: Use a central theme that fits with your story. Go beyond pie and bar charts and use unique graphics. Choose a color scheme that fits with your theme.
- Keep an easy flow: Use visual hierarchy to keep your viewer moving from one section to the next. Vary the shapes, sizes, and use contrasting color to highlight important aspects.
Create An Infographic With Your Survey Data
As we face information overload, you need to make your data stand out if you want it to get attention. A powerful graphic is a great way to present your survey data. Not only will it grab attention, but it is easier for your audience to digest and retain.
Repurposing your data in the form of a graphic will allow you to distribute your content on image-based marketing channels so that you can increase your reach. A visually compelling infographic will engage your audience and is far more likely to be shared.
A compelling illustration can be the best way to share your story. Great data visualization is part science and part art but with the right resources you can create powerful a infographic that will grab the attention you deserve!