How to Make an Infographic

Written by Lisa Chapman | Edited by Rory Hart
Sections of this topic
    Infographics for a business meeting

    And Why Every Marketer Needs Compelling Infographics

    You see them EVERYWHERE! Aren’t they great? I just love them, because I know that I’ll pick up key information in a memorable way – very quickly. And beyond that, there are many more reasons good marketing includes good infographics. In this post, we’ll discuss why you need them and how to make them.

    Why You Need Infographics

    Heidi Grutter+, a social media blogger at MySMN.com, calls infographics “visual fast food for the brain”. She posted this one to communicate the compelling need for them:

    • We actually remember only 20% of the text we read (maybe less!)
    • 90% of the info transmitted to our brains is visual
    • On Facebook, 200% more ‘Likes’ are for images (vs. text)
    • After publishing an infographic, traffic increases an average 12%

    Heidi goes on to state, “When we look at symbols, objects and colors together (picture one of those hazard signs showing a male figure slipping- cautioning that the floor is wet) we can get the sense of a visual scene in less than 1/10 of a second (Semetko, H. & Scammell, M. (2012, The SAGE Handbook of Political Communication).”

    How to Make Infographics

    Heidi gives us very specific – and easy – steps for creating our own infographics to attract and please tired brains:

    STEP ONE
    Either one level or two levels, infographics cover the basic information:

    1. One level: includes visuals and content
    2. Two levels: includes visuals and content PLUS factual data and/or statistical info

    STEP TWO
    Brainstorm your ‘bid idea’ – your basic concept. Is it compelling enough? Brainstorm your idea, ask friends, hash out your thoughts on paper. Then move on to your ‘core.’

    STEP THREE
    “Lay out the core.” – Decide which information and facts you want to share. In what order will you present them? How will you conclude? Be sure that all facts and stats are thoroughly researched and supported. Then decide on the infographic’s design, including:

    • Layout
    • Shapes
    • Icons
    • Symbols
    • Colors

    STEP FOUR
    Now put it all on paper. Are you making all the right points, from beginning to end? Does your conclusion flow logically? Is it clear and compelling? Is your design consistent with the message? For example, if you’re presenting a serious case, don’t use bright, happy colors.

    Make Your Own Infographics with this Design Kit

    Heidi tells us that “If you want to try and make the infographic yourself, all you need to do is Google search “free infographic templates” and you’ll find various resources like these:

    http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/infographic-design-kit/”

    Free Download: Five Infographic Templates in PowerPoint

    Hubspot offers free PowerPoint templates to make your own infographics:

    http://offers.hubspot.com/how-to-easily-create-five-fabulous-infographics-in-powerpoint

    Good luck. Now come back and share your creations with us!

    For more resources, see the Free Management Library topic: Marketing and Social Media.

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    ABOUT Lisa M. Chapman:

    Lisa Chapman helps company leaders define, plan and achieve their goals – both online and offline. After 25+ years as an entrepreneur, she is now a business and marketing consultant, business planning consultant and social media consultant. Online, she works with clients to establish and enhance their brand, attract their Target Audience, engage them in meaningful social media conversations, and convert them into Buyers. You can reach her via email: Lisa (at) LisaChapman (dot) com. Her book, The WebPowered Entrepreneur – A Step-by-Step Guide is available at:

    Lisa Chapman, Author

    Lisa Chapman