As humans work together to share information efficiently, sometimes necessary information gets lost in translation somewhere along the way.
Finding the most cohesive manner to share and teach new information to an audience is crucial to success.
Sometimes, words can only do so much to get the point across.
When words fail to be enough to convey a message or share data, visual references or examples come to the rescue.
The best infographics to use are the ones that organize information in a manner that is easy to understand and attractive.
What Is an Infographic?
Infographics are simple, yet advanced visual representations of data or information.
The creator organizes information or data into an attractive, easy-to-understand method.
The best infographics present the point clearly and immediately.
Infographics that are cluttered or in disarray will only confuse the audience.
Why Are Infographics Used?
Infographics help tap into the visual aspect of the human brain that processes new information without needing to jump through hoops to learn.
The following criteria gives a good definition of an infographic.
- Distill Complex Subjects: Infographics break difficult topics down so the average Joe can learn them.
- Add Visuals: Most people are visual learners, so as easy as it may be to communicate new information orally, infographics build a bridge to save time.
- Increase Exposure: The simplicity and attractiveness of infographics allow more people to learn new concepts and ideas.
- Build Your Site’s Authority: More people will trust your website and take your business seriously when they know they can count on you for concise communication and simplicity of information.
- Increase Backlinks: By adding links to your website on an infographic, you increase the volume of traffic on your website.
- Improve SEO: It’s a well-understood fact that visuals increase the number of views your content receives.
- Complement Written Content: The best infographics pair nicely with written work that serves to teach an audience.
When Should You Use Infographics?
There are right and wrong ways to use infographics.
There’s also such a thing as too many infographics.
The best way to use an infographic is to lead an audience to a conclusion.
People should not use them to allow the viewer to draw a personal conclusion.
Rather, infographics present data on one point to ensure everyone who views it gets the same story.
Any time you wish to instruct others how to interpret data, infographics are the way to go.
What Is The Best Type of Infographic?
You know what infographics are, but how should you use them effectively?
It all depends on what you try to teach your audience.
Be sure to select the most appropriate infographic to suit your needs.
List Infographics
These are probably the most straightforward infographics to use.
A list infographic aims to share a collection of ideas or resources.
This list will assist in quickly teaching about a topic.
Things that make these infographics stand out are colorful icons, a numbered list, or anything that allows the information to flow in an easily understood manner.
Statistical Infographics
The data becomes a superstar in a statistical infographic.
These infographics put the data front and center, allowing everybody to analyze and understand the results of surveys or information.
They can bolster an argument, so it’s difficult to dispute a presented claim.
How-To Infographics
Some infographics serve the purpose of teaching an audience how to accomplish a task or get something done.
These infographics give a step-by-step procedure to solve problems or point out how processes work.
Infographics that serve the “how-to” feature can be handy in guiding audiences to solve problems they face in their everyday lives.
Comparison Infographics
At times, infographics serve the purpose of assisting people in making decisions for themselves.
These comparison infographics pit two competing products, services, or ideas against each other and weigh the pros and cons of each.
They present all the crucial information that a consumer needs to know so they can make the most informed decision possible.
Sometimes, they distinguish differences between commonly confused things, thus serving an educational purpose.
Infographics That Illustrate a Timeline
Learning history can be fun!
It is even better when they feature dates and events on an attractive infographic.
Infographics illustrating a timeline allow learners to look into the past to learn how history unfolded.
These timeline infographics feature historical events or give us perspective on the growth of companies, products, or anything else!
Flowchart Infographics
Here is another example of how an infographic can provide information on a step-by-step process.
Flowcharts are diagrams created to illustrate a sequence of events.
They can branch out into different outcomes, depending on specific criteria.
Flowchart infographics allow an audience to learn how a process works and what steps they need to take to arrive at a desired result or outcome.
Where Can You Create Your Own Infographic?
Now that you know what an infographic is and how it can serve various purposes, it’s time to discuss how to make an infographic.
There are several applications available to craft the perfect visual representation of information.
Each one offers varying degrees of features to assist in creating the best infographic.
Here are some of the best infographic makers available today.
Canva
Canva is one of the most well-known and widely-used platforms to create images for an array of use.
The user-friendly and easy-to-navigate website allows anyone to feel like they earned a degree in graphic design.
Users can make visual images, including logos, flyers, banners, posters, invitations, collages, and more.
This versatility makes it possible to create any infographic.
Industries can use the website to create and publish art to drive business, while educators can lead students to beautify their class projects.
The website may be one of the best, but alternatives to Canva are capable of doing impressive work.
Visme
Visme is another well-known and trusted source for creating digital presentations.
Like Canva, Visme aims to make graphic design easy for anyone, regardless of experience.
The platform is similar in its features to Canva in that it is exclusively online with no software download necessary.
What sets it apart is the difference in pricing.
Visme offers several plans, including business or team plans.
However, these are both much more expensive than any plan Canva offers.
Venngage
Venngage is another name in the graphic design creation game.
This website prides itself on being best to create infographics on what would otherwise be boring information.
The website is not as glamorous at first glance compared to competitors, but they still offer all the fixings you need.
Their template library tends to focus its energy more on data-driven material than selections that would be best for social media, school, or other lighthearted areas.
Snappa
Snappa is another favorite graphic design software that gets the job done.
Online marketers might choose this program over Canva any day, given how it caters to their craft more than the latter does.
Snappa also features fewer bells and whistles to focus on simplicity with its templates and tools.
Infogram
Infogram adds its name to the graphic design battle!
Featuring many of the same features as its competitors, Infogram seeks to make itself known as the best option for infographics.
They have beautiful templates and are user-friendly, even on mobile devices!
This software will probably be best for people who frequently need to create on the go.
Adobe Creative Cloud Express
Adobe Express is probably one of Canva’s biggest competitors. Most people are very familiar with the Adobe name.
Adobe has been around for a long time.
They offer plenty of tools and resources at the fingertips of all who use its product.
Adobe blends familiarity with productivity creating stunning digital presentations.
Best Infographics Websites
Some websites exist to offer a showcase of the beautiful work created by designers across the world.
Here are a few of the best infographics websites available.
Behance
Behance is a branch of the Adobe name, which provides an online showcase of the best graphic design works available.
Creators can share their work with others and connect with fellow designers over their creations.
Think of it as social media meets graphic design. Users can like and comment on each others’ work as they post.
The website offers connection possibilities for like-minded individuals.
Another online networking website, Slideshare, allows users to upload and browse designed material.
Users may upload their work in almost any form they create, such as PDF, PowerPoint, Docs, and more.
Sharing work with others again allows users to connect, inspire, and learn from one another.
Though primarily known for endless discussion boards, Reddit also lends its talents to the graphic design community.
The widely-recognized platform plays host to artists sharing work and creating discussions.
The great thing about Reddit is that it opens the door for long-form discourse between users.
Artists can connect quickly and familiarly.
Flickr
Our final entry is Flickr, a photo-hosting website that millions use and adore.
Though many users share personal photos they take, the platform offers creators a fantastic place to market their work.
The website allows users to post their graphics or presentations for others to discuss.
Artists can easily share their work in a familiar and safe environment.
Best Infographics Software Free
Canva is our pick for the best infographics software, but what you consider the best of all the options listed depends on which specific details you seek when you create new work.
The great news about our list is that each option offers a free version.
It may be a good idea to try each one and determine which works best for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions regarding infographics we receive.
What is the most effective type of infographic?
We believe that statistical infographics are the most effective type.
These infographics quickly break down detailed information for the reader to learn faster.
What makes an infographic stand out?
Colorful, organized, and simple visuals allow viewers to navigate information easily.
The more clutter and unnecessary information, the less your audience will learn.
Wrapping Up
Infographics provide fast and detailed information to be shared simply.
Websites and businesses are wise to use infographics to sell products or convince people to work with them.
Educators can use them to teach concepts to students, and students can use them to summarize their learning.
Governments have used them to convey important details to their country with ease.
The possibilities are endless with infographics.
They make life easier, and learning new information becomes a fun thing to do!
Please be sure to leave a comment with any questions you may have.