Infographics aren’t exactly a new thing but they have seen a resurgence in the world of digital over the last few years that have made some people think they are. There is plenty of history, depth and potential for infographics to unlock and now that they have become easier to create, a lot more will continue to appear before something else becomes the favourite content medium.
What are infographics?
Infographics, quite simply, are a visual representation of data or information. They are a great way to break down complex topics, issues or ideas into bite size pieces that are easily understood and absorbed. They can give insight into a topic that encourages further research or can raise awareness of issues, products and services that people might never have thought about before.
They have been around for a very long time but under different names and this has led to the confusion that infographics are a new thing. While they have certainly seen a rise in popularity thanks to the digital era and a range of technologies available to create them, research them and distribute them, they are not new. What’s new is how many there are available each day and how they are being used by digital agencies and companies as a way to each out to existing and new audiences.
Why are they so popular?
Visual content is one of the most popular mediums around right now, as I mentioned in last week’s post. It’s easier to digest than large blocks of text, although that still has an important role to play too, and it is easier to adapt to your needs while having the power to appeal to people and be shared quickly and easily.
Infographics, while generally much larger, have that same appeal. They have more information than most pictures or memes but not as much as an article or blog post in most cases. This has put them in a very fine middle ground that will encourage people to take the extra bit of time to read them. Infographics are colourful and appealing to look at, with various formats to convey the necessary information.
While a brand may release an infographic, the topic is still just as important. Fun infographics tend to do better than educational ones but this largely depends on what it’s about and how. There should be a link between the brand and the infographic, so people can see why it’s been made – it’s important not to treat the audience like fools. They don’t like it and will turn away from the brand so be honest. This is a marketing ploy designed to promote themselves, their service or their product in some way. That doesn’t mean it can’t be engaging, fun and appealing. Cultural and relevant topics are also good, if they can be tied in properly.
How long will they stick around for?
Infographics will be around for a long time to come, must like they have been for years before this post. What will change over time is their popularity. It will be interesting to see if it keeps up, grows or tails off again when something else comes along, a more attractive format, an easier to digest or quicker to absorb medium that overshadows it.
Infographics will always be around but they can sometimes be very costly to make, which is why not everyone is on board just yet. The digital era is not standing still and these mediums won’t remain the same forever. Staying on top of the popularities and uses of each one is essential to keeping ahead.
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