Infographics’ popularity and importance have steadily risen over the last several years, as readers look for ways to quickly gain insight and understanding of the vast amounts of data and information available to them.

A great infographic is a powerful tool that utilizes engaging visuals that both appeal to an audience hungry for information and aids in comprehension and retention of the material.

Here, we break down the essential elements neccessary to create a great infographic.

According to Payscale, an infographic has the potential to reach 15 million people.

Infographics are considered the fastest-rising content marketing format, according to a survey by IDG.

B2B Marketers Using Infographics:

2012 43%

2011 28%

THE PROLIFERATION OF INFOGRAPHICS

Comprehension

Appeal

Retention

WHY ARE INFOGRAPHICS SO EFFECTIVE?

YOU NEED A VISUAL CONTENT STRATEGY

WHAT MAKES AN INFOGRAPHIC GOOD?

SLIDESHARE NOW SUPPORTS

THE RISE OF INFOGRAPHICS

APPEAL We are drawn to formats that are e�cient, engaging, and entertaining.

COMPREHENSION

Visualizations enable us to digest information more e�ciently and facilitate understanding.

RETENTION Visualizations aid in our ability to retain information by drawing upon understood symbols, scenes, and patterns.

1 yr

2.5 yr

5 yr

Engagement

Who is your audience?

How do you want your audience to engage with your infographic?

Distribution

Through what channels and platforms will you reach your audience?

What social networks are they using?

What online publications do they read?

Creativity

What format is best for your target channels and platforms?

What content is best for your target channels and platforms?

Utility

Beauty

Soundness

Is the design aesthetically pleasing?

Is the design appropriate, given the subject matter?

Is the design helpful in communicating a message, or does it distract from it?

Does the story being told have usefulness?

Is it:

Entertaining?

Informative?

Inspiring?

Is the content reliable, complete, and presented

appropriately?

BEAUTY UTILITY SOUNDNESS

Documents Presentations Infographics Videos

January 2010

Interest Over Time, According to Google Trends:

January 2011 January 2012 January 2013

THE SEARCH FOR INFOGRAPHICS: WORLDWIDE GOOGLE TRENDS

0

20

40

60

80

100

October 20096

August 201019

* The numbers 0–100 represent peak Google search interest over time. The numbers are normalized and do not reflect repeated searches from individual users over a short period of time.

November 201150

November 201285

April 2013100

WHAT MAKES GREATINFOGRAPHICS?

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