Creating effective infographics involves a blend of design skills and communication strategies. Here are three tips to help you create compelling infographics.
Simplify and Focus on Key Information: Infographics are meant to convey information quickly and clearly. Focus on a single main idea or a few related points. Avoid cluttering the graphic with excessive data or details that could overwhelm the viewer. Prioritize the most important information and remove anything that doesn’t directly contribute to the message.
Tell a Story with Data: Infographics are more than just data visualizations; they should tell a story. Structure your infographic in a logical sequence, starting with an attention-grabbing headline or introduction, followed by a flow of information that builds upon the main idea. Use icons, illustrations, or imagery that align with the narrative you’re presenting. Incorporate data points and statistics to support your story, but make sure they contribute to the overall message rather than overwhelming the graphic.
Choose the Right Tool: Select a graphic design tool that suits your needs and level of expertise. There are various tools available, ranging from simple online platforms to more advanced design software. Consider using tools that include a free version like Canva or Adobe Express (formerly Spark), or more advanced tools like Adobe Illustrator or Piktochart, depending on your comfort level and the complexity of your infographic.
Remember, the goal of an infographic is to convey information in a visually engaging and easily understandable manner. Keep your target audience in mind and test your infographic with a few individuals to ensure that it effectively communicates your intended message.
Here is a sample infographic depicting Florida Nonprofits that have gained a Seal of Transparency and the populations they serve. The Seal of Transparency indicates the amount of information a nonprofit has directly shared on its GuideStar Nonprofit Profile, indicating its willingness to share information and provide transparency.
If your nonprofit organization has not yet gained a Seal of Transparency, please consider doing so. A nonprofit listing on Candid (formerly GuideStar) is free and offers very valuable exposure to your organization and mission. This is a resource your organization should be utilizing to connect with potential supporters and amplify your nonprofit’s work. Click here for a free, short discussion of how you can claim your free Candid profile and share your story, which will also qualify your organization for several bonuses. Drive your whole fundraising function to a higher level with Candid profiles which are viewed by millions of potential donors and funders. In addition, this information reaches tens of millions of donors and funders through more than 200 Candid partners and all major US-based donor-advised funds. More than 35,000 staff from private foundations look to Candid for information, as do more than 16 leading community foundations. Click here to read more about Candid profiles.
Right click on the image and select “Save Image As..” to download a copy of this infographic.