Infographics of all topics have emerged as one of the best ways to communicate data and knowledge. We’re asked for infographic design tips constantly.

It’s just something about combining fascinating stats and information alongside beautiful graphics that makes us stop and actually need to take a look.

But what if you’re at the other end of the display actually creating these jaw-droppers? If you’re looking for infographic design tips, read on to check out our favorite, and most effective ways to create an amazingly effective infographic!

Need some professional help with your infographic? Contact IMPACT and learn how we can help!

1) Make it Tall, and it Will Stand Up

The best infographics out there all have one thing in common.  They’re vertical height is 3, 4, even  5x’s more than it’s width.  Line five sheets of paper on top of each other with just one sheet right next to it.  Which one would you think is more compelling, even without anything on them?

Not only does a taller infographic make it automatically more interesting, but it also leaves a lot more space for you to design accordingly.  No need for smushing or cramming graphics and type!

2) Turn the Infomation into Great Typography

One of the reasons you’re creating an infographic in the first place is to have the web be in shock and awe that anybody can create such beauty, right? Well why not use all of the stats and information presented as an opportunity to test your typography skills and create that shocking reaction. Whether it’s pretty or vintage, create bold statements throughout that will pull peoples faces closer to their screens.

3) See What’s Out There, and One-Up Everything

There’s an infinite amount of inspiration out there for your viewing pleasure, so why not use it?  Pay close attention to the successful infographics presented on say, Mashable.com, HubSpot.com, Copyblogger.com, and better yet, awesome blogs (that you should totally subscribe to) like this one! Study these whenever possible and you’ll undoubtably create something to that level, if not better. *If you’re lacking inspiration, or think you’ve seen them all, check out this post displaying the best inbound marketing infographics.

4) Use Information that Will Fascinate

Even tho design is the topic today, we can’t completely concentrate on that aspect when it is only half of the awe.  If the topic and information can stand on its own without a magnificent design, then you know you’re off to a good start. Presenting the info / stats / studies in a way that makes them stand out even more will only help your infographic design stand out from the rest and you’ll be claiming your own fame in no time.

5) Use Calls-to-Action12 Great Infographic Design Tips

“Learn More”, “Click Here”, “Do This”, “Sign Up”.  These don’t have to be used only on landing pages, sidebars, and other CTAs across your site.  Since your infographic is going to get a ton of traffic and views anyways (☺), you’ll have a perfect opportunity to turn this knowledge-based graphic into a lead generating machine. A simple “See More..” or “Learn More” can go a long way on your next infographic.

*Consider where you place your calls-to-action; you may want to add them at the bottom of your infographic. Since the viewers made it to the end of your infographic, they’ll be more likely to continue down your sales funnel.

6) Plan Out Every Pixel

When creating an infographic that compares situations, setups, products, etc., it’s crucial to get the most out of every pixel available. Layouts for infographics that are comparing things need to be smart, and carefully thought out.  Why? If the viewer can’t decipher which one (product, service, etc.) they think is the most beneficial to them at the end, then they won’t be sharing, commenting, or engaging in any way with you.

7) Make it a Series

Instead of betting it all on one infographic, create a series (or 2, or 5) with multiple infographics included.  This will not only increase your chances of one of them getting picked up and shared by everyone, but also shows your audience that you are committed to bringing them the latest and greatest information through the newest form of visual marketing there is.  And who doesn’t want to been seen as awesome?

*Remember to keep the overall style and branding consistent throughout the entire series.  Color changes, icons and other graphics will make each one unique.

8) Educate

Educate not through the information and stats you’re presenting, but through each stroke, shape, point of contrast, color and typeface you use.  You know those other infographic design tips and inspirations you were looking at? Well the same goes for you.  Designers everywhere will be looking for the latest infographic design tips, and inspirations to stare at, so make yours easy to do so.

9) Let Others Tell Their Friends

You put all of those hours, days, even weeks into creating this masterpiece of an infographic, so why not make it easy to share?  Making the HTML readily available to copy and paste will cut down on ‘sighs’ and up your share count.

Infographc Design Tips – Inbound Marketing Process

Click the image above to view the entire infographic.

10) Make it Scanable

This is where the fascinating content and stats come into play. Oh… and where smart design comes in, too.  Making the information easy to read and understand is the key to having a scanable infographic that the impatient internet will treasure.

11) Remember Basic Design Principles

Rhythm, unity, hierarchy, contrast – all those things you first learned should be present in your infographic design.  These basic principles may seem simple and old fashioned now-a-days, but the truth is the complete opposite. From a stunning logo to an emotional web design, they all have these principles built-in. So the next time you can use them to your advantage and one-up your influencers.

12) Be Creative

Being creative is the most important out of all of the infographic design tips.

Following rules can be tough, especially when designing for such a new branch of design.  So don’t be afraid to break rules and truly test your design skills.  Create that super-viral infographic that has it all (including your name on it) and create trends, styles, and revolutionize the infographic design world in doing so.

What did you think of these infographic design tips?

Leave a comment and tell us which of these infographic design tips is your favorite one, or provide another tip that we may not have included!  If you’re looking for more help on designing an infographic, give us a call at IMPACT and learn how we can help!