How to Create Infographics in 10 Easy Steps

Infographics turn complex data into visual stories that people can grasp at a glance. By combining clear text, charts, icons, and color, infographics make information more engaging and easier to understand. In today’s content-driven world, well-designed infographics can boost engagement and drive traffic.

In fact, research shows that visuals like infographics boost information retention to 95%, versus just 10% for text. They are also shareable: infographics are viewed 30x more often than text-only content and get far more engagement. This guide walks you through 10 easy steps to create infographics, even if you’re a beginner. We’ll cover everything from planning your content and choosing tools, to designing and promoting your final infographic.

 

Why Use Infographics? (Infographic Design Benefits)

Using infographics in your content strategy has many benefits. A compelling infographic can:

 

• Increase engagement. People process images 60,000× faster than text, and infographics can boost social shares and time-on-page. In one study, content with infographics earned 650% higher engagement than text alone.

 

• Simplify complex data. Infographics “transform data into a visual story,” making otherwise “boring information…a lot easier for your audience to understand”. For example, survey results or statistics can be communicated clearly with charts and icons.

 

• Strengthen SEO. Embedding keywords in infographic alt text and captions improves SEO, while infographics themselves attract backlinks. One Implevista guide notes that infographics are a key part of SEO-optimized content strategy to drive organic traffic.

 

• Build brand identity. A well-designed infographic reinforces your brand’s visual style. It shows expertise by presenting data clearly, and it’s easily shareable on social media and blogs, extending your reach.

 

Because of these advantages, many marketers include infographics in their content marketing mix. With that in mind, let’s dive into the 10 steps to create your own infographic.

 

1. Define Your Goal and Topic

Every great infographic starts with a clear goal and topic. Ask yourself: What story or message do I want to convey? Choose a focused subject that will interest your audience (e.g. “5-year sales trends,” “survey results on customer habits,” “tips for [topic]”). The topic should solve a problem or answer a question for your audience – this ensures your infographic has value. For example, infographics work well for annual reports, survey results, comparisons, or timelines.

 

• Be specific. Rather than a broad theme like “Marketing Trends,” pick a narrow focus like “Top 5 Marketing Trends in 2025.” A tight focus makes the design and data clear.
• Audience first. Think of who will view this infographic and what they care about. If your readers want actionable tips, your infographic should highlight those in a logical order. Tailoring content to your audience’s needs makes it engaging.
• Title it well. Once you have a topic, craft a compelling title. It could be a question (“How Does Social Media Impact Sales?”) or a bold statement. The title (usually H1) should include a keyword and promise value to the viewer.

 

Defining your goal and topic lays the foundation for everything that follows. Don’t skip this step – a well-chosen topic ensures your infographic makes an impact.

 

2. Gather Research and Data

Infographics are all about data, so next collect accurate information. Compile relevant statistics, facts, and figures that support your topic. Good sources include: industry reports, internal surveys, academic studies, or reputable news sites. Implevista experts stress the importance of high-quality content, including data, for creating valuable infographics.

 

• Use credible sources. Cite official studies, Google Analytics, or internal company data. Infographics from trustworthy data gain more shares and credibility.
• Find a narrative. As you gather data, look for a story or trend. For example, when designing an infographic on yearly revenue, you might notice a steady growth narrative. A clear narrative helps guide the infographic’s structure.
• Avoid overload. Gather more information than you need, then select the most compelling data points. According to infographic designers, it’s crucial to focus on one clear concept and avoid clutter. Choose the facts that best illustrate your story.

 

By doing thorough research upfront, you ensure your infographic is informative and reliable. With your key data in hand, you’re ready to outline how it will flow visually.

 

3. Outline the Narrative and Layout

Now that you have your topic and data, plan the structure of the infographic. Decide what story you’ll tell and in what order. Essentially, sketch a rough wireframe on paper or in a simple drawing tool. Ask: what is the beginning, middle, and end of this data story? For instance, a timeline infographic should clearly move from past to present, while a comparison infographic splits information side by side.

 

• Create a storyboard. Like [37] shows above, sketch out blocks labeled with the main points or charts. A storyboard helps you see how content flows. It’s a freeform way to arrange your title, headings, text, and images before committing to a design.
• Choose a logical sequence. Infographics start with context (introduction or main point) then build up to details. You might begin with a headline statistic or question, then follow with charts, bullet points, and a conclusion. The audience should follow a clear path through the information.
• Match layout to content. For example, data trending over time suits a vertical timeline layout, whereas comparing two items might use side-by-side columns. Canva’s guide notes that your layout “will have a major impact on how your information is processed”. Pick a layout (text-heavy vs image-heavy) based on how much text vs visuals you have.

 

A strong layout plan ensures your infographic isn’t just pretty, but also effective. The key is to let the content guide the layout. If you have more data points, you might use more charts; if you have fewer, you can emphasize icons and callouts. Whatever the choice, it should serve your story.

 

4. Choose Your Design Style and Colors

With a wireframe ready, decide on a visual style. Color scheme, fonts, and graphics should align with your brand and help clarify information. Consistent design makes an infographic look polished and professional.

 

• Color palette: Pick 2–3 main colors. Use your brand colors for recognition or choose high-contrast combinations (e.g. dark text on light background). A good rule is to use one color for the background, one for headings, and one accent color for highlights and icons. Keep it harmonious.
• Fonts: Use legible, modern fonts. A clean sans-serif works well. Limit to 1–2 font families (one for headings, one for body text). Font size should be large enough to read at scale – viewers often see infographics on social media or mobile.
• Visual elements: Infographics are visual – use icons, illustrations, and charts. Many templates and graphic resources exist for common themes (e.g. social media icons, map graphics). Visuals should reinforce the data (e.g. a location pin icon next to city stats). For inspiration and assets, you can use tools like Implevista’s “Content Marketing” service which includes graphic design assets.

 

Remember that infographics are meant to grab attention. A clean but eye-catching design will stop the scroll. Balance text and visuals – as one Implevista notes, the most engaging pages mix text with images, infographics, or charts. Think of design hierarchy: highlight the most important data with bigger fonts or brighter colors, and use smaller text for supporting details.

 

5. Pick an Infographic Tool or Template

Time to get hands-on. There are many online tools and software to create infographics without advanced design skills. Choose a tool that fits your needs and comfort level. Some popular options include:

 

• Canva: User-friendly with many infographic templates. Great for beginners.
• Piktochart or Visme: Both have infographic-focused editing interfaces.
• Adobe Illustrator: For advanced designers who want full control over every element.
• Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides: Can be used with slide templates if you’re familiar with them.

 

Using a template is a shortcut: start with a design that fits your topic, then swap in your data and style. A pre-designed template handles layout and aesthetics so you can focus on content. As Canva suggests, their templates make it easy to start inspired. Even if you use a template, customize it to match your color scheme, fonts, and branding.

Tip: Ensure your tool exports a high-resolution image (PNG or PDF) so the infographic looks crisp. Many tools also let you add embed codes (HTML snippets) for sharing – a feature recommended by backlink experts to help your infographic get reposted.

 

6. Add Content and Visuals

Now fill in your infographic with the actual content. Use a mix of elements: charts, icons, images, and concise text. Remember that an infographic should be “bite-sized knowledge” – not a dense paragraph of text.

 

• Charts & graphs: Use bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, or maps where appropriate to display statistics. Label them clearly. Tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or built-in chart makers in Canva can help.
• Icons & images: Represent ideas with icons (e.g. people icons for demographics, lightbulb for ideas). Many infographic makers have icon libraries. Icons catch the eye and break up text.
• Short text and bullet points: Write brief, informative text for each section. Avoid full sentences when possible – use bullet points or short statements. For example: instead of “The percentage of users who engage,” write “65% of users engage with interactive content” in large type.
• Headings and flow: Each section of the infographic should have a clear heading or number. This guides the viewer through the story. Use a logical flow (usually top-to-bottom or left-to-right). Ensure the viewer can follow from the title through each point to the conclusion.

 

As you add elements, make sure nothing is too cramped. Leave some white space for clarity. Align objects neatly: consistent margins and spacing make the design look professional. Remember, a well-designed infographic isn’t just pretty – it makes the information easier to process.

 

7. Refine and Review Your Design

Before finalizing, step back and review the infographic with fresh eyes. This step ensures quality and accuracy.

 

• Check accuracy: Verify all data and facts. A mistake in a chart or statistic can undermine credibility. Make sure labels, numbers, and units are correct.
• Optimize readability: Ensure text is legible. If any words or numbers are too small, increase the font. Confirm that charts have legends if needed. If a section is confusing, simplify the layout or wording.
• Brand consistency: Add your logo or website URL discreetly. Use your brand’s colors and fonts as planned. This helps brand recognition if others share your infographic.
• Compression and format: Export the infographic at high resolution. If the tool gives options (PNG, JPEG, PDF), PNG is usually best for quality. A sharp image will display better on blogs and social media.

 

Also, make the infographic easy to share. As Implevista’s backlinks guide recommends, include an embed code so readers can copy and paste your infographic on their own sites. This might mean providing HTML with an <img> tag linking back to your site. The easier you make it to embed, the more likely your infographic will be shared and linked.

Finally, ask a colleague or friend to proofread the infographic. They might spot unclear parts or typos you missed. Iterating on feedback ensures your infographic is polished and professional.

 

8. Publish and Promote Your Infographic

Once your infographic is ready, it’s time to get it out in the world. Publishing effectively ensures it reaches your target audience and drives results.

 

• Publish on your website or blog: Create a blog post or page featuring the infographic. Add a brief intro and alt text describing the image (using keywords like “infographic design”, “data visualization”). Embedding the infographic in a blog post improves SEO and gives context.
• Share on social media: Post the infographic on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest where visuals perform well. Use relevant hashtags and a caption that includes the primary keyword. Encourage followers to share it. Visuals are 3× more likely to be shared on social media than other content.
• Outreach for backlinks: Reach out to relevant blogs, influencers, or partners who might embed your infographic. Personalized emails explaining the value of your infographic can earn you backlinks. As one Implevista guide notes, clear concept + strong design + easy embedding makes your infographic linkable.
• Email marketing: Include the infographic in your newsletter or send it as a downloadable asset (PDF) to subscribers. This gives existing audience another reason to engage with your content.

 

Tracking how people interact with your infographic is key. Use UTM links or analytics to see how much traffic it brings. A great infographic can increase website traffic by 12% or more. And don’t forget to encourage viewers to learn more – add a call-to-action link to related services (e.g. Implevista’s Content Marketing or Contact Us page).

 

9. Learn and Iterate (Infographic Tutorial)

After promoting, gather feedback and data. Check engagement metrics like views, shares, and time spent. Ask questions: Did it go viral? Did it lead to any inquiries? This analysis will teach you what works.

 

• Survey engagement: If possible, ask your audience or clients what they thought of the infographic. Which part did they find most helpful?
• Update when needed: Data changes over time. If your infographic is evergreen, update it yearly or when major shifts occur. This keeps it relevant.
• Keep templates handy: Save your infographic project as a template for the future. You can reuse the layout and style for other topics, saving time on the next creation.

 

Infographic design is both a science and an art. With each infographic, your skills improve. Follow this tutorial’s steps and apply best practices from the industry. Remember, even a beginner can create an effective infographic by focusing on clarity, data integrity, and design quality.

 

10. Keep Improving Your Infographic Skills

The more infographics you create, the better you’ll get at telling stories visually. Pay attention to trends in infographic design, and learn from high-performing examples (see Implevista’s Backlinks Mastery post, which highlights “infographics and visual content” as highly shareable). Use analytics to see what resonates, and refine your process.

 

Tools and Resources for Beginners

• Learning resources: Many tools offer tutorials. Canva has a video guide on infographic design, and Visme and Venngage have blogs on infographic tips.
• Templates: Use free infographic templates from sites like SlidesCarnival or Canva. Tailor them to your content.
• Practice: Try recreating simple infographics from scratch (data from Wikipedia or public datasets) to gain confidence. The process becomes easier with practice.

 

By following these 10 steps and leveraging the right tools, anyone can create professional infographics. You don’t need to be a designer – just clear objectives, the right data, and some creative flair.

 

Creating engaging infographics is a powerful skill for any marketer or business. By planning your content carefully, using clear design, and promoting effectively, your infographics can capture attention, boost SEO, and communicate your message memorably. Remember to focus on one clear story, design for your audience, and provide easy ways for others to share your work. Follow the step-by-step infographic tutorial above to start producing great visuals.

Ready to elevate your content with eye-catching infographics? Contact Implevista Digital today for expert infographic design and content marketing services. Explore our Content Marketing services to see how our team can help make your data shine. 

 

FAQ

Q1: What is an infographic and why use it?
An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines graphics (charts, icons, images) with minimal text to tell a data-driven story. Businesses use infographics to make complex information easy to understand and engaging. Visuals improve retention (95% for images vs 10% for text) and infographics can dramatically increase shares and website traffic.

 

Q2: How do I choose the best infographic design for my content?
Pick a design that fits your data. For trends or timelines, a vertical infographic with charts works well. For comparisons, consider side-by-side columns. Use a layout that highlights your key point first, then supporting details. Ensure plenty of white space and a clear flow from top to bottom. Templates from tools like Canva or Piktochart can help you choose a proven layout.

 

Q3: Which tools are best for creating infographics?
Beginner-friendly infographic tools include Canva, Visme, Piktochart, and Venngage. They offer templates and drag-and-drop interfaces. More advanced options include Adobe Illustrator or PowerPoint. The key is to pick a tool you’re comfortable with. Many tools let you export high-res images and provide embed codes to share the infographic easily.

 

Q4: How long should an infographic be?
Infographics should be long enough to convey your message clearly but not too long to overwhelm the viewer. A typical length might be 800–1200 pixels wide by 2000–4000 pixels tall, but it varies. Ensure the height allows a natural flow (viewers scroll vertically). On social media, you may crop or split it. Focus on content quality rather than exact size: clear headings and concise blocks are more important.

 

Q5: What are the essential steps in making an infographic?
In summary, the 10 steps are: (1) Define a clear topic/goal, (2) Gather data and research, (3) Plan a narrative and layout, (4) Choose a style and colors, (5) Pick a tool or template, (6) Add charts/icons/text, (7) Refine the design, (8) Publish and promote, (9) Add SEO (alt text, embed code), (10) Analyze feedback and improve. Following these steps ensures a well-rounded, effective infographic.

 

Q6: How can I make infographics SEO-friendly?
To optimize for search, give your infographic a descriptive filename and alt text (e.g. “infographic-design-tutorial.png”). Mention your primary keywords in the alt text (like “infographic design steps”). Embed the infographic in a blog post with relevant content around it. Include an embed code (HTML snippet) so others can easily share it with a backlink. These practices help search engines index the infographic and drive organic traffic.

 

Q7: What makes a good infographic design?
A great infographic is clear, simple, and visually appealing. It has a single focus or story, consistent style, and easy-to-read text. Use contrasting colors and readable fonts. Balance graphics and text – too much of either can confuse. Include visual cues (icons, arrows) that guide the eye. Always proofread carefully: design won’t save incorrect data. Remember the goal: help viewers understand and remember the information.

 

Q8: Do I need design skills to create infographics?
Not necessarily. Many online tools provide user-friendly interfaces and templates, so you can create professional-looking infographics without graphic design expertise. Key skills include storytelling (organizing data logically) and basic design sense (good use of color, spacing, and fonts). Start simple: pick a template and customize it with your data. Over time, you’ll get better at placing elements and balancing visuals.

 

Q9: Are infographics still effective in 2026?
Yes – infographics remain a powerful format. Recent data shows infographics get read and shared far more than text-only content. They continue to perform well in search features (like Featured Snippets) because they convey information quickly. However, the best infographics evolve with design trends: they should look modern, be mobile-friendly, and incorporate interactive or animated elements when possible. Done well, they still outperform many other content types.

 

Q10: How do I promote and share my infographic after creating it?
After publishing on your site, share the infographic on social media and email newsletters. Use appropriate hashtags and descriptions. Reach out to partners or bloggers who might find it useful and ask if they’d share it (especially with your embed code). You can also submit it to infographic directories or visually focused communities (e.g. Pinterest, SlideShare). The easier you make sharing (via embed codes and clear captions), the more exposure you’ll get.