Infographics – Maximize Sales and Exposure
Infographics can be an important tool for promoting practically anything online. From blogs to websites. eBooks to membership sites. Infographics are great for bringing attention to any online project.
One major benefit of infographics is the fact that they can pack a huge punch.
In terms of delivering information when compared to other forms of marketing. They take very little time to assimilate, meaning they are more impactful.
Example Infographics
Below are a couple of examples of infographics. These were made with the free version of Piktochart.com.
So you can see an example of the type of infographics you can create. With freely available online tools such as this one.
You will notice that these two examples contain a few basic elements in common.
These elements include a headline, information, images, and other elements.
That is important for creating successful infographics. We will take a look at these elements in depth below.
For now, just take a look at these examples. And use them to understand how to draw the eye using color, images and words. And how to get people to read the information you present.
The example infographics are found below:
The Truth Behind Infographics
These graphics are showcased prominently all over the Internet. From blogs to social media sites and pretty much everywhere in between.
Perhaps the best place to showcase your infographics and certainly the most popular these days is Pinterest.
Pinterest is responsible for the current popularity of infographics. Due in large part to its visual format and its natural ability to spread content virally.
Some infographics on Pinterest have generated massive numbers of views. And hundreds of re-pins.
Anatomy of a Successful Infographic
The very first thing to remember when creating infographics is that the visual element is absolutely critical.
In order to grab and keep the viewer’s attention.
Important Parts of an Infographic:
1.)Headline
2.)Information (statistics, facts, etc.)
3.)Images
4.)Charts & Graphs
5.)Contact Information
6.)Call-To-Action
Let’s take a look at how these different elements should be incorporated into a successful infographic.
Headline
The first thing you’ll notice on most infographics is the headline. The headline should really pop off the page and grab attention. Not only should it be visually eye-catching. But it should be something that will make people want to keep reading your graphic.
Information
The meat of any infographic is the information included in it.
The trouble with many infographics is that either they try to focus too much on marketing. And too little on presenting interesting or useful information. Or they just include far too much information and cause viewers to lose interest.
Above all, you must remember that your info graphic must contain information that is either useful or interesting.
Images
Another important component of an infographic is the graphic element. Specifically the images.
You’ll notice that the vast majority of infographics don’t use photographic elements. Instead, they make use of drawings, cartoons and icons.
Icons and drawn elements can be extremely powerful when used correctly. They can draw the eye toward crucial elements of your presentation. And help make the document appear more professional.
One great place to purchase icons for Infographics and to create Infographics as well is Canva.com
Charts & Graphs
Many infographics contain charts and graphs. As a graphical representation of statistics and other information.
These charts and graphs can be very useful for presenting information. That is typically thought of as boring (like statistics) in a format that is more interesting.
Don’t include charts and graphs just for the sake of having them. Only include them if they really add something of value to your infographic.
There are many different types of charts and graphs to include, but the three most popular are:
-Pie charts
-Bar graphs
-Line chart
Contact Information
Depending on your purposes. You may want to include some type of contact information on your infographic.
Most infographics will benefit from some type of contact information. Whether it is a URL, email address or telephone number.
Contact information you may want to include:
-Website or blog URL
-Email address
-Social URLs (Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, etc.)
It’s best to include only one or two of these contact methods.
Call-To-Action
Finally, you must have a call-to-action that asks viewers to take some sort of action.
Without this, people aren’t likely to do anything other than read your graphic.
What type of call-to-action should you have?
That would depend on what you hope to accomplish with your graphic. It could be as simple as asking people to visit your blog.
Call-To-Action Examples:
-Share the image on Facebook, or re-pin it on Pinterest.
-Visit your website or blog.
-Join your email list.
Resources for Infographic Creation
There are many excellent tools for creating infographics. We’re going to take a look at a few of these free and paid tools.
Infographic Tool #1: Photoshop
Perhaps the most popular tool for creating infographics in general is Adobe Photoshop. This high end graphics package has all the features you need. To create stunning infographics.
However if you don’t already own the software. You’ll need to be prepared to make a significant investment to buy the software. Or pay a monthly fee to access it through Adobe’s Creative Cloud system.
Infographic Tool #2: GIMP
GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) is a software package that is very similar to Photoshop, except it is free.
This program has many of the same features as Photoshop. But you’ll find there isn’t quite as much support for it. In the way of add-ons like graphical styles and such as there is for Photoshop.
As with Photoshop, you won’t have templates to use, so you’ll have to create your own.
Infographic Tool #3: PikTochart
Piktochart.com is an online program that will allow you to create infographics using pre-made templates. Without any prior graphics skills or knowledge.
They currently have over 90 templates available to use to create your own graphics.
And their templates are very visually appealing.
A handful of the templates are free. But if you want to use the other templates, you will have to pay a fee of $29 per month. You can downgrade to the free version again any time you want.
Infographic Tool #4: Canva.com
Canva.com
As mentioned above, Canva has both free and paid versions and is really easy to create infographics using this service.
Graphic Resources
In addition to the programs used to create your infographics. You’ll need to know where to get great images for your graphics.
If you use a service such as Piktochart.com. You may not need any extra icons. Because these services include many different icons.
Here is a list of some places to find icons and graphics:
Conclusion
Infographics are an excellent tool in any online marketing toolbox.
They convey marketing in a way that is unparalleled by other forms of media.
Combining a highly shareable format with attention-grabbing power like nothing else.
Add infographics to your marketing plan today, and watch how quickly your traffic takes off!
To Your Success,
Joshua
Please keep in mind I may receive compensation when you click my links and make a purchase at no extra cost to you. However, the products I recommend are the ones I have either created myself, use everyday or I have tested and I stand behind them 100 percent!