Kevin Akers design + imagery has just designed an infographic about infographics.

The list of top ten things everyone should know about the new marketing phenomenon
clarifies how to create interesting, noteworthy infographics.

10. And What Exactly is an Infographic?An infographic is a piece of digital art that tells an interesting
story by visually presenting data designed to:

-generate leads
-link bait to your website
-build brand awareness

9. Pick a compelling, provocative or emotional topic for your infographicTell them something they don’t
know — it could be a social comment, political insight, financial news or something off-the-wall. Just remember,
the more unique and useful the more likely it will go viral and get the audience you want.

8. Engage a Broad AudienceProviding information with universalappeal is key — present that data in
human terms. Use shock, humor or sex; tug on heart-strings, rattle cages and provoke thought.

7. Research, research, research!Content is king of the infographic. Digging up relevant and accurate
data is an arduous task and that is only half the battle. Youalso need to find facts that are easy to illustrate,
topical and cantranslate into visually exciting charts or reveal disparities that makenumbers buzz with excitement.
Be objective as you gather yourresearch. If your topic looked good in the beginning but is not yielding
any knowlege-nuggets don’t be afraid to scrap a lame idea.

6. It’s Not an Ad or a Press ReleaseAdvertising and press releases are outbound, one-way marketing that push
products or services on customers. An infographic is a newmarketing tactic that earns people’s interest by
entertaining andeducating. Customers reached through inbound marketing come to you as your message is
shared and spread around.

5. Use an Easy-To-Understand FormatPresenting complex information quickly and clearly is an art form unto
itself. Maps, charts, traffic signs and pie charts are the ancestorsof today’s infographic, which make data digestible
and attractive to aworld-wide audience. Keep things simple and highly visual because people, even cavemen,
like pictures that tell a story.

4.Define Clear ObjectivesSet expectations about how you want your infographic to perform with measurable
objectives like: drive 55 new leads, get 25 links to your siteor generate a noticeable increase in web traffic. Your
overall brandawareness, although hard to measure, should elevate with aggressiveinfographic goals.

3. Infographics Can Help Your SEO A well executed infographic can boost your site’s Search Engine
Optimization rankings.
Although search engines can’t read images, when your infographic is shared it builds your link portfolio and drives
visitors to your website. Publish your infographic on a landing page with strategic keywords and Google will index
both parts for an added SEO bonus!

2. Select a Great Designer and Design Just like traditional marketing pieces, creativity can make the difference
between success and failure. Choosing an exciting and appropriate visual theme will help entice web users to read and
share your infographic. An experienced designer will be able to design in a number of different styles and break away
from the monotonous, boring graphics that populate the internet.

1. Publish, Promote and Prosper! Launch your new infographic on social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Digg,
Reddit and StumbleUpon. Submit to websites, bloggers and media types that are relevant and influential. Reach out
to influencers with personal emails. If indeed, your infographic goes viral, be prepared to take advantageof all the
new leads and website traffic success will bring!