design

A Small Business’ Guide to Infographics

There’s nothing better than high-quality content for your small business’ website. And when it comes to how you deliver that content, you’ve got plenty of choices. Articles and blog posts are always a safe bet. But if you really want to get some attention, infographics are the way to go.

We know, we know, creating your own infographic probably sounds a bit…terrifying. While there’s definitely a learning curve, it’s really not as difficult as it sounds.

Infographic Benefits for Small Businesses

Articles and blog posts definitely have their place in content marketing, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. However, not everyone is into the whole reading thing. But more importantly, a big block of words isn’t always the right way to communicate an idea.

An infographic gives your small business a way to present information in a completely different and innovative way.

According to this infographic (see what we did there?), our brains process visual information 60,000 times faster that text. That’s a pretty big benefit, since the time you’ve got to capture your audience’s attention is incredibly limited.

Infographics are also inherently sharable in a way that text isn’t. Whether it’s a share on Facebook or a shout out in someone else’s blog content, infographics provide plenty of backlinks to your site.

The Makings of a Good Infographic

There are plenty of free templates on the web that will get you up and running. However, if you have a graphics guru on staff (or want to borrow one of ours), you can create something that’s truly unique…which is sort of the point with infographics.

But your infographic design is just half of the equation; you also need credible, relevant information. Focus on a specific theme – after all, an infographic has to be cohesive to be effective. A bunch of mismatched facts and figures do not a good infographic make.

Your font and color choices matter, too. You want to catch your audience’s eye without being garish or gaudy. Readers shouldn’t need sunglasses or an Advil to get through your infographic.

“Sell” Your Infographic

Once you have a great infographic, what do you do with it?

Obviously you should post it on your small business website, but there are plenty of other ways to get some love for your latest creation…and some extra traffic on your site.

Submit your creation to different infographic directories to reach new audiences. Post it on social media and encourage your followers to like, share and favorite it. You can even feature your infographic in your next video, e-newsletter, eblast, advertisement or print piece (think brochures and direct mail pieces).

However you spin it, adding infographics to your small business’ current content marketing repertoire has its benefits, and they outweigh the scary factor.

Still need some help? Drop Mischa a line – we can help take your content to a more visual level.