The deluge of data circulating around the world in today’s golden information age is enough to make one’s head spin. Marketing executives and small business owners in particular have discovered that sifting through pages of research and floods of statistics are essential components of their jobs. Both job responsibilities require the careful understanding of the minutiae tracking consumer spending habits. Additionally, in presenting information to consumers and potential customers, data and raw numbers could be incredibly useful as well. One efficient method of presenting data in a clearer and more easily understandable way is to turn data into infographics, which has emerged as one of the most unique marketing strategies for small business.
According to Buyer Hive, infographics are not a fleeting trend, seeing as to how the phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ has been a part of mainstream lexicon for decades now. The style has been slowly developed and honed before finally moving into the mainstream recently and becoming a staple of marketing and social media communications endeavors.
The most important step in crafting the perfect infographic is in collecting the data. According to Inc. Magazine, small business owners can either create their own infographics using in-house data or research or simply compile a collection of stats from reputable sources that tell the story you wish to convey to consumers. It’s important to ensure the stats and data being used are not simply part of a mish-mashed collection of random numbers, but that a coherent pattern exists within the data.
Naturally, graphics play a substantial part in the creation of successful infographics. Again, story and narrative has to play an important role. Marketers and small business owners who eschew coherent narratives in lieu of merely settling for pretty or eye-catching graphics are not getting the most out of the format. Instead, Buyer Hive recommends creating an outline, before filling in the spaces with the appropriate graphics. Colors and other eye-catching and eye-pleasing details are important in drawing initial audiences in and making the reading experience a pleasant one.
Once the infographic has been created, small businesses can choose to share them with consumers in a multitude of ways. Some small business owners will display the infographics prominently in their stores, in order to quickly convey information to customers. Others might choose to include them as part of promotional marketing materials, in a bid to share valuable information with potential clients.