[How-to] Attract attention with Visually Appealing Infographics

The recipe for appealing infographics isn't as simple as throwing together a pretty picture with interesting statistics, or everyone would be able to release them. Both unfortunately and fortunately, it is a difficult enough process that most companies and brands simply don't bother with them. Savvy designers and clients can still work together to attract far more attention than a conventional marketing image might garner.

Most successful infographics incorporate a few common elements, however. The key elements in infographics include the title, text, data, and design style. Here are a few key elements to keep in mind while designing a graphic that will stop even the most easily-distracted online reader.

An attention-grabbing title

This may not be the factor that actually gets your reader's attention first – the images often do this work – but it will explain to your reader, who might just click away after seeing the picture, why the infographic is worth paying more attention to. It might use storytelling, a selective quote, an emotional appear, or a recognizable brand name.

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A humorous tone

While not all funny infographics get attention, and not all viral graphics are funny, it's well-known by now that the most popular infographics are often funny, simply because we see enough serious pleas for attention every hour. Something that brings a smile to a reader's face is much more likely to be shared or remembered than the average serious infographic.

Animation

If your infographic is being displayed online, who says it has to be static? You can combine the attention-grabbing appeal of videos with the accessibility and flexibility of graphics by including animation. It might be as simple as visually deconstructing the subject of the infographic or as complicated as your skills allow.

Slick images

Not just any clear photo will do when it comes to an infographic. In an infographic that discusses the risk of forest fires, it might be a gorgeous illustration that depicts a nature scene in pristine condition in one half, and on fire in the other. The image must be appropriate to the infographic topic, and it should be attention-catching, not just relevant.

A clear narrative

People need direction to read even simple images. Your infographic can't just present a lot of information in one mass. Guide people through how to read the infographic if there are several sections or if it is particularly complicated. Make sure there is only one way to read the graphic unless the point of the infographic is to get people thinking about multiple interpretations of an issue.

Cultural references

The serious branding infographics might want to avoid this one, but if you're looking to go viral, a clever reference to a cultural mainstay or even a meme can catch on with the internet viewing audience. This shouldn't be too obvious, and you want to avoid looking like you're trying too hard to be cool (especially if your branding tends to be staid and appeal to the "older generation").

Relevant facts

Don't just put any relevant information into your infographic, or you'll distract your readers. While you're composing your narrative, think carefully about whether each piece of information is needed to tell the story in your infographic. If it's irrelevant, leave it out. Aside from the design elements, choosing the right information will make or break an infographic.

These are a few of the key elements you need to pull together an infographic that is informative, eye-catching, and may wind up being popular. While you can't guarantee that your graphic will go viral, you can at least give it the best possible chance of appealing to your target audience. Check an example here.

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