Today I’d like to talk about infographics and why you should be using them to improve your SEO. Now, for those that might be unfamiliar with the term, before you nod off after reading the word “infographics,” know it’s not what you might think. Infographics are a graphic visual representation of information, data, or knowledge. They are meant to present complex information quickly and clearly and can also serve as sexy, eye-candy, and a break from blocks of text. Many of us are visual learners. Until things are displayed in a visual way, the light bulb doesn’t always come on.
I realize a lot of you might be skeptical as to how infographics can impact your SEO, considering search engines can’t read images. While that is true, an infographic benefits SEO because they are more likely to be shared. In the world of SEO, Increasing the number of inbound links that point to your website or webpage is a huge win. People like infographics because they display information in a pretty package, making them more likely to want to share that visual with others.
Coming up with an effective infographic is not always easy. Know it takes time and talent. Below are some industry tips for creating useful infographics:
1. ACCURACY
The information in your visual should be up to date and from a reliable source. Use the most current information available. If the most current information is from several years ago, it is acceptable as long as it’s the latest available information. WHERE your information came from is equally as vital. Scholarly or governmental sources are typically the most factual and least likely to be biased. Be sure to proofread the info and check the facts. It’s also a good idea to have someone with fresh eyes take a second look at it. A designer will have a hard time seeing his or her own flaws.
2. SIMPLICITY
An infographic should not confuse or overwhelm the viewer. It’s best to keep it to a single topic, or only to try to answer one question. Trying to address more than one idea can complicate the visual and lose the viewer’s attention. Simplify the design in order to prevent misinterpretation or frustration. A crowded design will often drive away the viewer.
3. NARRATIVE
An effective infographic can manage to tell a story with illustrations and graphics. It should be able to say something so that it can relay the information even if they haven’t read the text yet.
4. VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE
In addition to conveying a message, a visually appealing design should be your aim. No matter how simple your infographic, be creative in its design. Pay thought to the colors, type layout, and the use of white space. People are more likely to take the time to interpret an infographic with a pleasing design.
5. LIMIT TEXT
Remember, infographics are meant to be a VISUAL representation so the text should be brief and to the point. These could be labels or short messages that can support your visuals. Choose readable type fonts and cut back on unnecessary wording.
If you’ve never given thought to infographics, I hope you’ll start thinking about how you can incorporate these visuals into your marketing strategies and especially your SEO. By following these tips, you have the opportunity to increase your brand visibility. Feel free to leave us your own comments or questions about infographics here.
