How to Design Infographics and Use Them to Increase Blog Traffic

Share this infographic on your blog

Are you interested in finding out how to design infographics?  I have to admit that I really like infographics.  There is something about them that draws me in and helps me consume information.  It probably has something to do with the fact that I tend to be a visual learner.  But, I also know that infographics can be an effective part of a book marketing plan.  However, very few authors are using them.  That’s why I created this post to share this tutorial with you on how to design infographics.

What Are Infographics?

Infographics are simply graphics that contain some type of information.  

Pretty simple, right?

So why should we even consider creating infographics as part of our marketing plan?

Why Design Infographics?

• Easily Scanned and Consumed – in our busy culture, infographics allow us to put information into a quickly consumed graphic.
• Potential to go Viral – infographics are easily shared on social media and have the potential to go viral when done correctly.
• Can Increase Traffic to Your Blog – some people may link back to your blog post, embed your infographic with a link back to your site or check out the URL embedded in the graphic.
• Brand Awareness – when you include your logo and name on the infographic, it can also increase your brand awareness.
• Can Elevate You as an Expert – sharing an infographic that contains research on your topic/niche can show you as the expert.

Types of Infographics for Authors

• Statistics – this is probably the most common type of infographic.  Think about the type of statistics that might be of interest to your target audience.  Then, take a few hours and do the research to gather those statistics to share in your infographic.
• Tutorials – you can share a step-by-step process within your infographic.  For example, cookbook authors could share a tutuorial about “how to cook _____”  (you fill in the blank).  Most nonfiction authors should be able to come up with a topic that they could share in this way.
• Character Profiles – fiction authors can create character profiles in an infographic format.  Make sure to include a picture of your character within the infographic.
• Quotes – this is probably the easiest type of infographic to create.  You can share popular quotes from your own books or research related quotes to your book or topic.
• Information for a Book Launch – use a creative infographic during your book launch to share about your book, bonuses, time frame, etc.

Tips on Creating the Best Infographics

• Make it Vertical – Neil Patel found “vertical graphics are tweeted 28.9% more and are 41.7% more likely to be embedded into other websites.”
• Create a Compelling Headline – If your headline is boring or uninteresting, your work researching and designing the infographic will go to waste.  Here is a free online healine creator that may help get your creative juices flowing: http://www.portent.com/tools/title-maker
• Include Your Logo and/or URL – You don’t want to miss this opportunity for branding and/or traffic to your blog.  Make sure that you include your website or blog URL somewhere within the infographic.  And if you have a logo, considering including it as well.
• Post a HTML Share Code – This can be placed underneath the graphic to allow easy sharing on other blogs. For WordPress sites, you can use a plugin like this: http://wordpress.org/plugins/embed-code-generator.  Or you can use text area HTML code to post the share code.
• Use Complimentary Colors – Make your infographic stand out with colors that look good together!
• Make Sure it is Readable – Use large fonts so that your text is readable when scanned.

Infographic Design Tools

Option #1:  Outsourcing

The most expensive option is to hire a graphic designer.  Here are a couple of places to find designers…

• 99 Designs (from $599 and up) – they have a specific section just for infographics.
• Elance.com – you will need to post a new job and then choose from the designers that bid for it.

Option #2:  Use DIY Templates

Personally, this is my favorite option as it allows flexibility in your design and creation without the huge expense.

Here are a couple of places to find additional icons to include in your templates.  Make sure to note their license restrictions.

• https://www.iconfinder.com
• http://dryicons.com/free-icons

Option #3:  Free Online Infographic Editors

• https://infogr.am/
• http://www.easel.ly/
• http://app.piktochart.com/
• http://visual.ly/

Where to Submit Infographics

Once you create your infographic, your work is only 50% done.  The rest of your time should be spent posting your infographics online.

Here are a few places you can submit infographics:

1. Your Blog – create a blog post to showcase your new infographic!
2. Social Media – you can post your infographic on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, etc.
3. Blogger Outreach – I love this idea!  Check out Neil Patel’s sample e-mail that usually gets 8% response here.
4. Infographic Submission Sites – Here is a list of 100 submission sites you can use:  http://infographicsonline.com/submit-infographics-100-infographic-submission-sites/

Conclusion

That’s it!  Did you get inspired to design infographics and use it as part of your book marketing strategy?  Have you used infographics in the past?  Share in the comments below!

Want to post our infographic? Use this HTML code below:
<center><img src=”https://s3.amazonaws.com/infographicimages/how-to-design-and-use-infographics.jpg” /></center>Image from “<a href=”https://www.trainingauthors.com/how-to-design-infographics/” target=”new”>How to Design Infographics</a><textarea cols=”50″ rows=”6″>” on TrainingAuthors.com

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