How to Create a Successful Infographic: Follow the S-U-C-C-E-S-S Formula

Infographics have become a staple of online content, providing a visually engaging way to present complex information and data. But what makes a successful infographic? It's not just about making it look pretty; an effective infographic must also be easy to understand and convey its message clearly.

To help you validate your infographic idea, we've come up with the S-U-C-C-E-S-S formula, which stands for Story, Emotional connection, Concrete visuals, Unexpected insights, Simple messaging, and Succinct presentation. By asking yourself these questions, you can ensure that your infographic meets the criteria for success.

Story: What's Your Headline?

Before creating your infographic, think about what story you want to tell. What's the main message you're trying to convey? How would a journalist summarize your content in a headline? This will help you focus on the core of your infographic and ensure that it's relevant to your audience.

Emotional Connection: Is It Conversational?

Will people be excited or interested enough to share your infographic with others? Does it evoke an emotional response or tap into a sense of curiosity? If not, it may struggle to resonate with your audience.

Concrete Visuals: Make It Easy on the Eyes

Infographics should use visuals to make complex information easier to grasp. Avoid clutter and keep your design clean and simple. Use colors, icons, and graphics to break up large blocks of text and make your infographic easy to scan.

Unexpected Insights: What's the Ah-Ha Moment?

A successful infographic presents data or information in an unexpected way, revealing insights that readers may not have seen previously. Think about how you can use visualizations, such as charts, graphs, or maps, to show relationships between different pieces of data.

Simple Messaging: What's the Main Takeaway?

Remember, the goal of an infographic is to simplify complex information and make it easy to understand. Avoid overwhelming your readers with too much detail and focus on one key takeaway per section.

Succinct Presentation: Keep It Concise

Finally, ensure that your infographic presents its message succinctly and efficiently. Aim for a length that's long enough to provide value but short enough to keep your audience engaged.

By following the S-U-C-C-E-S-S formula, you can create an infographic that's not only visually appealing but also effective in communicating complex information to your readers. So next time you're tempted to add a fancy infographic to your content, take the time to validate your idea and ensure that it meets these critical criteria.

Example infographic