Creating infographics can transform your data into engaging visual stories. They help your audience understand your content better, get shared on social media (well the good ones do) and even boost your website traffic. No matter what industry you're in, infographics are loved.
However, they can take time, and what feels like a degree in graphic design to get right… Or it seems that way!  You want a quick, effective method to create infographics. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach, from researching the topic to building your infographic. All you have to do then is publish it!
In this article, you will learn:
- Mistakes to avoid (Surprise! It's an infographic!)
- How to research and gather data efficiently.
- Steps to design an infographic layout.
- Recommended tools for creating infographics.
Let's get started.
Mistakes to Avoid
Researching and Gathering Data
Creating compelling infographics starts with solid research and organised data. You cannot just make stuff up and publish it. Well you can, but me and the rest of the world would rather you didn't. Because if we're going to share infographics, we're going to want to share the great ones.
Identify Your Topic
Choosing a relevant topic is the first step. Consider what your audience cares about. Are there current trends or popular issues in your niche? Look at forums, social media, and industry blogs for inspiration.
Example: If you're targeting small business owners, a topic like “Effective Social Media Strategies for Small Businesses” could be engaging.
Gather Data
Reliable data is essential for credibility. Use sources that your audience trusts. Here are some tips and tools:
- Government Websites
Sites like UK Government and USA.gov provide official statistics and reports. - Academic Journals
Access peer-reviewed studies through Google Scholar. This ensures your data is backed by rigorous research. - Reputable News Outlets
Use data from respected news sources like BBC or The Guardian. Ensure the information is up-to-date. - Statistical Databases
Tools like Statista offer a wealth of statistics across various industries. This can provide hard numbers to support your points.
Example: For the topic “Effective Social Media Strategies for Small Businesses”, you might find statistics on social media usage from Statista, research studies on marketing from Google Scholar, and recent trends from BBC articles.
Organise Your Information
Once you've gathered your data, organisation is key. Here’s how to keep your information neat and accessible:
- Create a List of Key Points
Identify the main points you want to highlight. This could be surprising statistics, important trends, or expert opinions. - Use Organising Tools
Tools like Evernote and Trello are excellent for organising data. Evernote allows you to store notes, images, and web clippings in one place. Trello uses boards and lists to manage different aspects of your project.
Example: For our social media strategies topic, create a Trello board with lists for “Research”, “Statistics”, “Trends”, and “Expert Opinions”. Add cards under each list with specific pieces of information, such as “60% of small businesses use Facebook for marketing” from Statista.
Tips for Effective Research and Data Organisation
- Verify Your Sources
Ensure all data is from reputable and current sources. Cross-check facts if necessary. - Stay Focused
Keep your research aligned with your topic. Avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated information. - Categorise Your Data
Group similar pieces of information together. This helps in creating a cohesive narrative for your infographic. - Use Visual Aids
When possible, collect data that can be represented visually, like charts or graphs. Visual aids enhance the effectiveness of your infographic.
Example: Use a pie chart to show the percentage of small businesses using various social media platforms. This visual representation makes data easier to understand.
Remember, the goal of your infographic is to present data in a visually appealing and easily digestible format. Solid research and organised data are the foundations of achieving this goal.
Designing the Infographic Layout
- Choose a Template
Start with a pre-made template to save time. Websites like Canva and Piktochart offer a wide range of templates. You do not have to redesign the wheel. Use a template and customise it. - Plan the Structure
Decide on the flow of information. A logical sequence will guide the viewer through the data effortlessly. Consider starting with an engaging headline, followed by an introduction, main content, and conclusion. - Use Visual Elements
Incorporate charts, icons, and images to break up text and make the information more digestible. Use Flaticon for free icons.
Building Your Infographic
- Select Your Tool
Use a user-friendly tool to create your infographic. Canva, Piktochart, and Venngage are excellent options. - Add Your Content
Input your organised data into the template. Ensure consistency in font styles, colours, and sizes. Keep the text concise and to the point. - Review and Refine
Check for any errors or inconsistencies. Get feedback from a colleague or friend to ensure clarity and impact. Use tools like Grammarly to check for grammatical mistakes.
Upload to Your Blog
Once you've created your infographic, you need to download it to your PC, and then upload it to your blog post. Then add a little description, list your sources (this is important) then publish!
That's it!
Have fun creating your infographic.
