Infographics

1. Infographics INFOGRAPHICS HOW-TO GUIDE

2. 2 Infographics How-to Guide The brain processes visual information more quickly than text and it retains more of that informa- tion. 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual and visuals are processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text. Indeed, a picture can be worth a thousand words; infographics exploit the brain's power to absorb images, allowing us to capitalize on the advantages visuals can have over text. An infographic is a visual representation of information, data and knowledge that is intended to quickly and clearly communicate complex data. Devices include maps, charts, diagrams, lists and graphs. Infographics tell us a story using accurate information and data in a visual form. Infographics help access information as quickly as possible by providing viewers with a snapshot of complex data that is easy to read and enables sharing of a lot of information in a short amount of time. Because they are easy to share, infographics have the potential for generating lots of web traffic and therefore are valuable marketing tools. This How-To Guide will outline the key elements of an infographic, explain how infographics benefit marketers, and provide an action plan . HOW-TO GUIDE Infographics 2 Infographics How-to Guide The brain processes visual information more quickly than text and it retains more of that informa- tion. 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual and visuals are processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text. Indeed, a picture can be worth a thousand words; infographics exploit the brain's power to absorb images, allowing us to capitalize on the advantages visuals can have over text. An infographic is a visual representation of information, data and knowledge that is intended to quickly and clearly communicate complex data. Devices include maps, charts, diagrams, lists and graphs. Infographics tell us a story using accurate information and data in a visual form. Infographics help access information as quickly as possible by providing viewers with a snapshot of complex data that is easy to read and enables sharing of a lot of information in a short amount of time. Because they are easy to share, infographics have the potential for generating lots of web traffic and therefore are valuable marketing tools. This How-To Guide will outline the key elements of an infographic, explain how infographics benefit marketers, and provide an action plan . HOW-TO GUIDE Infographics

3. 3 Infographics How-to Guide HOW-TO GUIDE Controllable Easily Integrated Very Versatile You have complete editorial control over the design and the content used in an infographic. Even though data is data, your infographic can provide value by helping the viewer understand the implications of the data in the story you tell. The design of your infographics can become a brand all to itself, becoming recognized for being informative and providing value. Infographics are easily integrated into websites and blogs. Including and embedding your infographics on website and in social media sites generates more traffic, views and shares. You can use almost any type of information to create an infographic. The communication of any message, story, data set or idea is enhanced when rendered as a creative and compelling display of information. Infographics There are many elements to a creative, successful, attention-grabbing infographic. Infographics are essentially stories containing accurate content, controllable design, easy integration and versa- tility – all advantages from which marketers can benefit. When starting to integrate infographics into your marketing mix, be aware of following key features and advantages that they provide. Tell A Story Accurate Data An infographic uses graphics to convey a story or message as a visual sequence. The creative use of graphics helps people to understand the message or story being delivered and increases retention. A key feature of most infographics is statistical data. Viewers are drawn to statistics, so make sure they are accurate. A single inaccurate statistic will damage the credibility of the entire infographic, in fact, even of the entire company behind the message Infographics are great for creating brand awareness, so make sure your infographic accurately representing your brand. Your graphics may attract viewers, inviting them to investigate your website or company more deeply. Have plenty of supporting content to satisfy the interest your infographics create. Infographics 3 Infographics How-to Guide HOW-TO GUIDE Controllable Easily Integrated Very Versatile You have complete editorial control over the design and the content used in an infographic. Even though data is data, your infographic can provide value by helping the viewer understand the implications of the data in the story you tell. The design of your infographics can become a brand all to itself, becoming recognized for being informative and providing value. Infographics are easily integrated into websites and blogs. Including and embedding your infographics on website and in social media sites generates more traffic, views and shares. You can use almost any type of information to create an infographic. The communication of any message, story, data set or idea is enhanced when rendered as a creative and compelling display of information. Infographics There are many elements to a creative, successful, attention-grabbing infographic. Infographics are essentially stories containing accurate content, controllable design, easy integration and versa- tility – all advantages from which marketers can benefit. When starting to integrate infographics into your marketing mix, be aware of following key features and advantages that they provide. Tell A Story Accurate Data An infographic uses graphics to convey a story or message as a visual sequence. The creative use of graphics helps people to understand the message or story being delivered and increases retention. A key feature of most infographics is statistical data. Viewers are drawn to statistics, so make sure they are accurate. A single inaccurate statistic will damage the credibility of the entire infographic, in fact, even of the entire company behind the message Infographics are great for creating brand awareness, so make sure your infographic accurately representing your brand. Your graphics may attract viewers, inviting them to investigate your website or company more deeply. Have plenty of supporting content to satisfy the interest your infographics create. Infographics

4. 4 Infographics How-to Guide HOW-TO GUIDE Credibility Brand Awareness An infographic is an excellent vehicle for conveying your expertise. Through the use of accurate data, statistics, insights and references, your infographic builds credibility by showing that you are extremely knowledgeable on a subject. An infographic does more than just use a variety of statistics and facts to reduce a complex data set to a manageable and eye catching visual representation – it enhances your reputation as a thought leader. Infographics create brand awareness and increase brand recall due to the retention rates of visual information over text. Readers of the infographic are not only more aware of your brand but also recall it better, which influences decision-maker purchase consideration. People are visual learners, processing visuals quickly, so they are drawn to images. Research shows that the action of sharing increases brand recall by 63%. Because of the large number of shares and the viral nature of infographics, they are powerful reinforcers of your brand in the market place. Infographics Benefits for Business SEO and Driving Traffic Infographics are beneficial to marketers primarily though the traffic and inbound links they generate. Attention-grabbing tools that draw readers in, infographics are capable of creating a significant amount of traffic to your website. The increased traffic benefits your SEO and improves your search ranking. As people find and share your infographic, they will build a number of inbound links that point to your website, enhancing your online presence. In addition to the significant traffic infographics can create, they are also easily shared. Compelling infographics become a web traffic multipliers because of the extensive sharing. This sharing is a function of the quality of your infographic, in terms of both visual appeal and accurate data, so invest the time and resources to create compelling ones with the ability to quickly “go viral.” Because infographics are scalable, shareable and brandable, they can add tremendous value to your SEO campaign. 4 Infographics How-to Guide HOW-TO GUIDE Credibility Brand Awareness An infographic is an excellent vehicle for conveying your expertise. Through the use of accurate data, statistics, insights and references, your infographic builds credibility by showing that you are extremely knowledgeable on a subject. An infographic does more than just use a variety of statistics and facts to reduce a complex data set to a manageable and eye catching visual representation – it enhances your reputation as a thought leader. Infographics create brand awareness and increase brand recall due to the retention rates of visual information over text. Readers of the infographic are not only more aware of your brand but also recall it better, which influences decision-maker purchase consideration. People are visual learners, processing visuals quickly, so they are drawn to images. Research shows that the action of sharing increases brand recall by 63%. Because of the large number of shares and the viral nature of infographics, they are powerful reinforcers of your brand in the market place. Infographics Benefits for Business SEO and Driving Traffic Infographics are beneficial to marketers primarily though the traffic and inbound links they generate. Attention-grabbing tools that draw readers in, infographics are capable of creating a significant amount of traffic to your website. The increased traffic benefits your SEO and improves your search ranking. As people find and share your infographic, they will build a number of inbound links that point to your website, enhancing your online presence. In addition to the significant traffic infographics can create, they are also easily shared. Compelling infographics become a web traffic multipliers because of the extensive sharing. This sharing is a function of the quality of your infographic, in terms of both visual appeal and accurate data, so invest the time and resources to create compelling ones with the ability to quickly “go viral.” Because infographics are scalable, shareable and brandable, they can add tremendous value to your SEO campaign.

5. 5 Infographics How-to Guide HOW-TO GUIDE Infographics The State of Infographics (Learn More About Performance) Infographics are a useful way to represent complex data in an easy to understand, visually appealing fashion that drives traffic, increases brand awareness and earns credibility. Using accurate data and quality, relevant content, infographics are an effective,creative way to market your brand. Take advantage of the human brain’s ability to quickly process visual data by publishing your content, ideas and expertise in the form of infographics. Bottom Line 5 Infographics How-to Guide HOW-TO GUIDE Infographics The State of Infographics (Learn More About Performance) Infographics are a useful way to represent complex data in an easy to understand, visually appealing fashion that drives traffic, increases brand awareness and earns credibility. Using accurate data and quality, relevant content, infographics are an effective,creative way to market your brand. Take advantage of the human brain’s ability to quickly process visual data by publishing your content, ideas and expertise in the form of infographics. Bottom Line

6. 6 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 1 - Create an Outline 1 3 Create an Outline Include a Title Even though your goal is a graphic, this process starts with text. Outline the story you wish to tell, emphasizing the key messages and identifying the kinds of statistics that will help you convey it. 7 Draw Conclusions Present Your Story Using Graphics 2 Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme 8 5 4 6 Share with Your Audience Plan Your Story and Key Messages with a Strong Outline Include Your URL on the Infographic 6 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 1 - Create an Outline 1 3 Create an Outline Include a Title Even though your goal is a graphic, this process starts with text. Outline the story you wish to tell, emphasizing the key messages and identifying the kinds of statistics that will help you convey it. 7 Draw Conclusions Present Your Story Using Graphics 2 Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme 8 5 4 6 Share with Your Audience Plan Your Story and Key Messages with a Strong Outline Include Your URL on the Infographic

7. 7 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 2 - Research Facts and Statistics 1 2 Create an Outline Research Facts and Statistics Accurate facts and statistics are key to ensuring credibility and brand awareness. Do your research to find credible data to back up your message. Captivating images are good for grab- bing the reader’s attention, however, all the content, not just the images; must be compelling as well as concise. Using a basic statistic, especially to start the infographic, will help engage the viewers right away. Use reference links at the bottom of the infographic to show your data sources. Draw Conclusions 3 7 8 5 4 6 Include a Title Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience Discover Facts and Statistics to Create Brand Credibility Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics 7 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 2 - Research Facts and Statistics 1 2 Create an Outline Research Facts and Statistics Accurate facts and statistics are key to ensuring credibility and brand awareness. Do your research to find credible data to back up your message. Captivating images are good for grab- bing the reader’s attention, however, all the content, not just the images; must be compelling as well as concise. Using a basic statistic, especially to start the infographic, will help engage the viewers right away. Use reference links at the bottom of the infographic to show your data sources. Draw Conclusions 3 7 8 5 4 6 Include a Title Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience Discover Facts and Statistics to Create Brand Credibility Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics

8. 8 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 3 - Include a Title Use a headline or title for your infographic that introduces the topic and explains why it is important to your target audience. 3 Include a Title 1 Create an Outline Draw Conclusions 7 2 8 5 4 6 Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience An Infographic Title Reaches Your Target Audience Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics 8 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 3 - Include a Title Use a headline or title for your infographic that introduces the topic and explains why it is important to your target audience. 3 Include a Title 1 Create an Outline Draw Conclusions 7 2 8 5 4 6 Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience An Infographic Title Reaches Your Target Audience Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics

9. 9 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 4 - Present Your Story Using Graphics 4 Present Your Story Using Graphics 1 Find images you can use to help tell your story and create a layout that is creative and appealing. At each step or section of your infographic, include an image that will help explain and support that step. Create an Outline Draw Conclusions 3 7 2 8 5 6 Include a Title Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience Infographic Images Support and Tell the Story Include Your URL on the Infographic 9 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 4 - Present Your Story Using Graphics 4 Present Your Story Using Graphics 1 Find images you can use to help tell your story and create a layout that is creative and appealing. At each step or section of your infographic, include an image that will help explain and support that step. Create an Outline Draw Conclusions 3 7 2 8 5 6 Include a Title Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience Infographic Images Support and Tell the Story Include Your URL on the Infographic

10. . 10 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 5 - Decide on a Color Scheme Choose a color palette that will attract readers, help deliver the story most effectively and make your infographics easily recognizable. 5 Decide on a Color Scheme 1 Create An Outline Draw Conclusions 3 7 2 8 4 6 Include a Title Research Facts and Statistics Share with Your Audience Choose Colors That Attract Your Audience Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics

11. . 11 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 6 - Draw Conclusions 6 Draw Conclusions 1 Work to tell the entire story, as concisely as possible. Always draw conclusions or share insights about the information you are sharing. 3 7 2 8 5 4 Include a Title Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience Create an Outline Share the Story with Insights and Conclusions Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics

12. . 12 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 7 - Include Your URL on the Infographic Include your website URL and brand your infographic so it is easily attributed to you. 7 Include Your URL on the Infographic 1 Draw Conclusions 3 2 8 5 4 6 Include a Title Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Share with Your Audience Create an Outline Add Your Website URL and Brand Your Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics

13. . 13 Infographics How-to Guide Action Plan STEP 8 - Share with Your Audience 8 Share with Your Audience Post your infographic on your website, blog, Facebook, Twitter etc. Kick start the process to allow your info- graphic to go viral by using targeted adver- tising (on a social platform like Facebook or Twitter) to give the infographic initial exposure to people who would otherwise never have seen the content. Make your infographic easy to share. Draw Conclusions 3 7 2 5 4 6 1 Include a Title Research Facts and Statistics Decide on a Color Scheme Create an Outline Promote and Share Your Infographic for Easy Reach Include Your URL on the Infographic Present Your Story Using Graphics

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