An infographic is a type of visual resource that serves to communicate information through graphic elements, text, images and data visualizations.
Sometimes words are not enough to explain an idea. It’s most frustrating. Especially when you know that this idea is the key to catapulting a client’s sales and fully exploiting the advantages of digital marketing. Or when you know that that idea is something that others need to know, but it doesn’t enter their heads.
Really: pure frustration. Now, there is an effective way to leave frustration behind. And I’m not talking about months of therapy, but something much simpler.
Do you want to communicate your ideas precisely? Do you want to produce graphic pieces for your clients, that present everything they need to know about your business or company, in a friendly, creative and concise way? Do you want to send newsletters that people can’t stop reading? Do you want, above all, to save yourself moments of stress? Reader, meet infographics. Welcome to the great relationship of your life.
Keep reading to learn in detail what an infographic is and how to make it. Additionally, in this article you will find examples of creative infographics, tips for creating them, and more!
The naked infographic
In a century in which times are accelerating a thousand times, we have to know everything and learn it now. And infographics are one way to achieve this.
As I mentioned before, an infographic is a type of visual resource that is used to communicate information through graphic elements. Thus, they are spectacular for making presentations, newsletters, graphing processes, putting together timelines , interactive maps, among other things.
Infographics seek to capture the user’s attention and condense information so that it can be incorporated easily, quickly and effectively. Each of its parts forms a whole that can only be understood together. The content is presented in a structured way, both through text and graphic elements.
That is, infographics must “tell a story” in a coherent, clear and precise way. This makes the information easier to internalize and makes it an ideal resource to include in your communication plans.
One of our clients, for example, needed a way to communicate the stages involved in the 5 Methods of Instructional Design and Delivery for Employee Training. Our proposal was to condense the information into an infographic and disseminate it strategically . In this way, their potential clients could have a better idea of the development process and what each of the stages consists of. Below, we share the final result of this infographic:
Types of infographics and their uses
There are no limits to the content you can display in an infographic. However, not all information is transmitted equally well in the same way. That is why there are different types of infographics, designed to present specific content. Knowing them will allow you to make more creative infographics that are better directed toward the objectives you want to achieve.
Informative infographic
It doesn’t usually contain a lot of statistical data, but it does contain more text than other types of infographics. Generally, they are used as an educational resource, to explain events and news to the user, or to raise awareness about certain problems.
Within the business field, they serve to make a brand known and to promote products and services . After all, you can’t want what you don’t know exists. This is also a good way to differentiate yourself from your competition. At least for me, when I make a purchase or contract a service, I need to know exactly what I am purchasing. And an infographic is undoubtedly a more practical and attractive means than others to find that information.
Comparative infographic
It allows two or more elements to be visually and directly contrasted. Processes, events, objects, people, concepts, forms of government… whatever you want! Comparison infographics need to be a little more structured. Therefore, it is common for related data to be differentiated into sections. They also usually present patterns of shape, images, typography or color that make it clear what is being compared and the result of the contrast.
Dynamic infographics
It has the potential to be one of the most creative infographics there is, since it adds audio and animation elements to the design, among others. It is ideal for explaining processes and changes over time. There are two types:
- Interactive: They include multimedia elements (pop-ups, questions, audio and video players, GIFs) that allow the user to actively “discover” the content.
- Animated graphics: The animation develops automatically, without user intervention.
Outreach infographic
What differentiates this type of infographic from others is the type of documentation behind it and the data it presents. These are scientific or academic in nature. For example, research results or human body systems. Although it incorporates technicalities, this way of presenting scientific information is much more didactic and user-friendly.
EM Tip : It is essential that citations and references appear clearly. After all, they are what will give legitimacy to your work within the scientific field.
Process infographic
They are mainly used in the business field, since they allow processes (abstract or not), events and activities to be visualized, dividing them into stages. But, its fields of application do not end there. They can serve, for example, to show on networks the production process of an object and highlight it while promoting it. They can also be used to illustrate the correct way to use a product in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way, among other options.
Chronological infographic
It is used to graph evolutionary processes, the trajectory of a company or the history of a family. The content, in this type of infographics, is organized based on dates.
How to make an infographic: Step by step
An infographic is made in three stages: data, design and distribution.
Step 1: Planning and data collection
Every trilogy has an introductory part and the infographic trilogy is no exception. Therefore, to make an infographic you will have to:
- Define the topic or problem you want to address. Establish your key points. In the dynamic infographic example below, you will see that the information is divided into different aspects of the main topic: a) Countries without access to soap and water. b) Goal to be achieved (soap and water in all homes)
- Select a target audience. Based on this, analyze by what means the infographic can be disseminated and what style it should have. For example, an informative infographic aimed at people concerned about their future work (like the one below) does not use bright colors and the design is sober.
- Collect specific data . Summarize them, taking as reference the key points of the topic. In the example of a dynamic infographic that we include, only data is presented that allows the key points to be addressed.
- Structure the information in an order that can be translated into the design. For example, in a chronological infographic, the content is organized along a timeline . For example, in the chronological infographic that we prepared for our client, and that you will see below, we organize the information according to the stages of the 5 Methods of Instructional Design and Delivery for Employee Training.
Step 2: Visual Design and Recommended Tools
Design is the key to making creative infographics. Since the success of an infographic depends on attracting—and retaining—the user’s attention, it is a crucial question. A good design not only attracts attention, it also ensures that the user interprets the information exactly as you intend.
If you don’t have the time and resources to make your infographic have a good design, perhaps you should choose another path. Which one do we recommend? If the budget allows, opt for the services of an agency dedicated body and soul to it (such as Enjoy Minder). This will also allow you to have issues related to content and dissemination covered and save you a good amount of stress.
However, if you are determined to test your design skills, there are a few points to keep in mind.
- In infographics, the design must support the structure of the content and highlight what you want to communicate. The dynamic infographic example below presents regional data. Therefore, it includes a map of the analyzed area that distinguishes the corresponding regions. The other graphic elements it includes are consistent with its theme.
- It is important that everything in your infographic makes some sense. Do not randomly select the colors or fonts you are going to use. Additionally, the information must be structured logically so that it “tells a story.” To do this, it usually helps to use patterns of shapes, colors or sizes.
- Don’t forget to check that all the elements you include are correctly aligned with each other! From my own experience, I can say that realizing it is sometimes more difficult than I would like to admit.
- Finally, make sure everything is in its right size. There were many times when, wanting to be creative, I put together illegible infographics, saturated with graphic elements. The solution? Work with a team of outspoken professionals, specialists in helping you improve.
On the other hand, if you are a fan of “do it yourself” (although in moderation) you will surely wonder if it is possible to create creative infographics with already designed templates . Well yes, but it is important that you know that originality counts for a large part of the success of an infographic. Therefore, you can leave your mark on them, with the use of color, typography, images and other resources.
Where to find templates for your infographics? In design programs and applications (Canva, Genially and Infogram are some of them). Many of them have somewhat limited free plans and paid plans, with more templates to choose from and tools to apply.
Of course, with a paid plan one does not also acquire the skills to use it. These come with study and, above all, with practice… Which leads us again to comment on how advisable it is to hire a digital marketing agency. Not only will you get a creative infographic that goes beyond templates: you will also save yourself the work of putting it together, distributing it and monitoring its results… And all that never hurts.
Step 3: Publication and distribution
One of the great advantages of infographics is their ease of dissemination . Depending on your objectives, you can publish them on your social networks, distribute them as newsletters, post them on your business page, on Pinterest or in an infographic directory. If you’re old school, you can always print them and hand them out as flyers (there’s always a nephew looking for a job like that).
However, reaching your potential customers requires more than spreading infographics everywhere: strategy is key. But not all of us have the resources to define the path that an infographic needs to follow, the media to use, when to send it… Just think about it: Are you really ready for more headaches after finishing that infographic that made you suffer so much?
Therefore, it is always a good idea to use a team of professionals who take care of the logistics in the distribution of your productions. Professionals, like those of us who work at Enjoy Minder (admit it: you didn’t get here by chance. Don’t resist, we are the help you are looking for!).
Examples of creative infographics
Infographics teach us that learning depends a lot on the visual. Therefore, to make it clearer what an infographic looks like, here are some examples of creative infographics.
Informative infographic example
In this informative infographic example, the topic is post-coronavirus pandemic job changes. The changes are divided into categories (digitization, employability, training, etc.) and both the graphic elements (a grid) and the color pattern structure the content. Although it contains more text than the other examples, it is presented in short sections, including representative illustrations.
EM Tips: As you can see, using colors within the same tonal range makes your production very pleasing to the eye. If, in addition, this range is aligned with that of your brand, this will reinforce its presence in the minds of the users of your informative infographics. Finally, don’t forget to include references to your sources (something this example lacks).
Creative Comparison Infographic Example
Running out of excuses for not drinking water has never been as simple as with this comparative infographic. In this example, seven types of drinks are contrasted in nine points, to evaluate how harmful or beneficial they are for health. How is it evaluated? Through colored circles assigned to each point. These can be blue, yellow and red; respectively, they mean great, neither fu nor fa and bad.
Thanks to this method, the comparison is carried out quickly and easily. Not much data is included , except for the number of calories that each 100 ml of drink provides. There are also a couple of footnotes that complement the information given.
EM Tip: Using a color code is a highly recommended strategy, since it allows you to do without text. This will make your infographic more dynamic and easier to read . And, in this case, it makes you recognize just by looking that the cats in the memes were right: you have to drink awita.
Example of dynamic infographics
This example of a dynamic infographic from UNICEF about access to water in Africa shows how infographics are ideal for raising awareness about social issues. It is not interactive, but rather presents graphic resources that move and highlight the information.
This helps the user focus their attention successively on different parts of the infographic. In addition, it combines informative infographics with geographical ones, since it presents a map among its visual elements.
EM Tip: When downloading your dynamic infographic, keep in mind that it is in video or GIF format to preserve the animation. Using the proper format will prevent your project from breaking or losing quality.
Common mistakes in creating infographics and how to avoid them
No one, not even a professional, is immune to mistakes when creating an infographic. The trick is knowing how to recognize them so you can correct them in time.
- A fairly common mistake (and I say this from experience) is including too much text. A good trick to avoid this is to condense the information into no more than 10 key points and explain each one in 30 words maximum.
- Another content mistake is not citing your sources. This makes your work lose legitimacy. To incorporate the necessary references, it is best to use a citation template, such as APA or Vancouver. A good idea is to include links to sources if you are looking to distribute your infographic virtually.
- A third mistake is that the content is disordered. As you may have already read, “telling stories” with infographics helps users retain information. To avoid falling into this problem or correct it, it helps me to identify a main question that your infographic must be able to solve. When I have it, I break it down into a series of questions (maximum 10) that allow me to solve it little by little.
- Regarding design, a common mistake is not having a focal point that organizes the reading. Check out the examples of creative infographics above: The first thing you see are the titles, written in larger font and in a strategic position. Thus, they attract your attention so that, based on them, you can interpret the rest of the information. To correct this mistake, you only need to highlight what is crucial in your work. You can do it with the typography, size and color, or by its position (the upper left corner is convenient —we start reading there—and the center). It seems easy, but only with practice it is.
- A design error is also when there is an inconsistency between the theme and the design. This not only causes the infographic to lose authority, but it can also be harmful to its users. How do I usually solve it? Carefully planning what I want to do, based on the resources I have at hand and having researched the topic. It takes time? Yes, but it is the price you have to pay for a good job.
- The last of the usual design mistakes is falling into a commonplace. Why does it matter to avoid or correct it? Because the most creative infographics are usually the most effective. How to solve it? Spend a lot, a lot of time polishing the design… Or hire a team of professionals with the time, resources and practice necessary to think outside the box.
Tools and resources to create impressive infographics
Do-it-yourself fanatic? You’ll be happy to know that there are many virtual tools, paid and free, to design infographics that leave your mark. Our recommendations are:
- Canva: The old reliable for non-designers who need to design. In my experience, its use is quite intuitive. The only problem I find is that it seems that the graphic elements that one needs are always in their paid version.
- Infogram: Offers thousands of examples to inspire you and templates with the style of your brand or company. It adapts to various objectives, both marketing and business, as well as education and non-profit organizations.
- Venngage: Allows you to share your infographics. In my experience, its free version is somewhat limited, but it is worth it. In addition, very good examples of creative infographicscan be found on the page
- Data Wrapper: It is an ideal tool to incorporate into your interactive infographics. It allows you to represent data in graphs, spreadsheets and maps! You can export your productions in PNG, SVG and PDF, which is very practical.
- Piktochart: I’m not a fan of AI, but for those who are, this program is a good way to incorporate it into the creation of infographics. It also presents templates for various types of infographics. Of course, with its free version, you can use it only up to 10 times a month.
- Visme: Virtual editor specialized in creative infographics. It also allows you to create templates based on your brand identity. Any additional benefits? Well yes: it offers virtual courses to learn how to fully exploit your potential.
- Genially: Great for including interactive and animated elements in your infographics. Of course, its free version has a big disadvantage: it allows you to view your creations, but not download or view them offline. This makes it the least recommended of our recommendations.
Conclusions
Of the many graphic resources offered by new technologies, infographics are one of the most valuable. After all, it is a versatile tool, which adapts to the most recent technological innovations and changes 180° depending on the topic it addresses. Do you want to visualize the organization of your office, tell your clients how your products are made, enrich your webinars, promote a new product? With infographics you can do all that and more.
Certainly, the ability to design a good infographic is not acquired overnight. And even when one already knows how to proceed, doing so still poses challenges. In the case of our client, the challenge was not only to change the usual way of presenting the stages of 5 Methods of Instructional Design and Delivery for Employee Training. To create the infographics, it was also necessary to familiarize ourselves with the step-by-step procedures to be graphed and define the best way to communicate them to the target audience. And putting together a quality infographic takes time and usually requires specific knowledge.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t make good infographics from the comfort of your home, without having a degree in graphic design. The online tools available today guarantee this. Which of all the ones we recommend would you want to try first? Do you know any others? What type of infographics would you be interested in creating? We read you in the comments!
However, if your plans include producing infographics to implement in your marketing campaigns, we recommend that you turn to a professional. Not for anything personal or because they have to be better than “good.” Simply put, to reach their full potential , your infographics will need to be integrated into a marketing strategy … And this goes beyond what online publishers typically offer.
At Enjoy Minder we are a team of professionals passionate about design. We develop marketing campaigns strategically designed to give you the push you need to meet your objectives. We are with you on your landing page, your networks and on your e-commerce page, accompanying you to improve your positioning on networks and search engines. And, of course, you can count on us to create creative infographics that reach your clients and help your projects reach new heights. Do you need to renew yourself ? Do you want to promote your services on the networks? Would you like to attract the attention of your clients with newsletters that are impossible to ignore? Are you looking to improve the quality of your webinars? Don’t wait any longer, we are the digital marketing agency you need!
