Have you ever wanted to combine the punch of an image with the persuasive power of an article? Many people have felt the same way, and so, infographics were born. Infographics are a type of data visualization, a hybrid media form that conveys statistics and marketing data using easy to understand images. They are easy to make, and readers love them. Searches for infographics on Google were up 800% over the past year. Before you create infographics for your own site, though, there are a few things you should know.

1. A Few Techniques Consumers Will Laugh At

You do not want to be the equivalent of the Dad who tries to be hip by saying Dawg and making the metal hand signal. In other words, there are certain techniques beginners often use that instantly make readers question their credibility. Stick to one simple typeset, and create visual interest with size and bolding, not by switching to Papyrus. Use a color palette to design the infographic so that their eyes do not bleed. Do not try to cram in so much information that your infographic looks like a 2D representation of a Hoarders episode.

2. What Your Infographic Should Include

A great infographic contains strong research, clear conclusions, and engaging visual design. Creating an infographic is about more than just sticking statistics onto pie graphs or an illustration of your industry. Do not pull statistics off Wikipedia or a questionable blog site, especially without double checking for veracity. Make sure that the overall point of your infographic is obvious and supported by your research, and design your infographic so that eyes follow a direct and clear path down or across the page.

3. How to Get Posting

Actively promoting your infographic is important. Post to to your blog, your Twitter handle, Pinterest, your Facebook business page, etc. Did you know that websites experience a 12% average lift in traffic after posting an infographic? Studies have shown that the best times to tweet are 12pm and 6pm EST, while the most Facebook shares occur on Saturday. Make sure you have easy links on your page so that people only have to click a button in order to share your post.

Have you used an infographic creator for data visualization? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!