Part of an Infographic about handwriting
Infographics. Do you remember them? Have you seen any lately?
In our internet, SEO-obsessed world, the question arises from time to time, should we bother with the graphics, especially something like an infographic?
Courtney Gordner asked “are infographics dead?” at tweakyourbiz.com recently. Seems that many feel that graphically conveying the information is a dying art because SEO cannot really read text in a graphic. Well, my question to you is, are you looking for SEO points or are you looking to make your information useful to others? Courtney points to evidence that they are not, because of the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook or Pinterest. Courtney points out five reasons you ought to use them:
- Statistical data is more compelling and easier to understand when placed in charts and graphs
- Visual stimulation is the highest sensory detail we have, since 90% of our daily information intake is visual
- Most social networks are built on picture oriented platforms
- Pictures reach a wider demographic
- When someone uses your infographic, they link back to your page
Let’s face it, connecting with others takes work. Infographics take work to create. (If you want to read the one on this page, click the infographic or here to see the full-sized version. It is quite interesting.) But as John Maxwell says, connecting takes work and connectors are willing to do the hard work of creating connection.
If you are interested in infographics, there are plenty of places to learn more. I did a post a few months back on the subject.
Also, if you are really interested in learning to visually display information, you should consider getting one of Dr. Edward Tufte’s books, or even better, attend one of his marvelous seminars. I attended one some years back and, while I have always appreciated the power of the visual arts, Dr. Tufte helps you really understand how to make information live visually.
If you find a way to make information interesting and compelling, you will have no problem with SEO. Rather, you will have people flocking to your site to see more about your compelling information.
Using Infographics For Your Company by Courtney Gordner at tweakyourbiz.com
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Infographics are definitely still valuable. They depict data in a way that words can’t describe. If anything, infographics should accompany text and photos. It provides a more well-rounded idea of the message.
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I totally agree with your point. Text AND graphics are the way to go. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. And… different people learn different ways. Why not give everyone what they need. The big value of good graphics, though, is that they can create interest, getting people to look further. Data buried in text can never do that for you, no matter how interesting it is once you start reading.
Yes, infographics have a way of enticing the viewer to look further. It serves as a “hook” to capture the viewers’ attention.
You make another valid point. People have their own styles of learning. Many people are visual and respond well to something they can see. Text, along with infographics, is definitely the way to go.