Why do infographics work so well?

Have you ever come across an infographic and thought to yourself, “Wow, this makes so much sense”? Okay, maybe you weren’t that enthusiastic about an infographic, but there’s definitely something about those colourful charts, symbols, and concise facts that instantly grab our attention.  

Infographics are everywhere, on social media, in blogs, at conferences, and in business reports. But why do they work so well? What is it about combining visuals and information that makes infographics such a powerful tool for communication? And can you pinch these principles for your own infographics?  

People identify with symbols 

Humans are visual creatures, and we have an amazing ability to recognise symbols. From road signs to company logos, our brains are trained to pick up on these visual cues without even really thinking about it. This is why infographics can convey complex ideas quickly; they use symbols and images that our brains can identify almost instantly. 

For example, consider the simple icon of a rubbish bin. When we see it, we don’t need to read any text to know that it represents rubbish or recycling (and hopefully pop our rubbish in the bin!). The same principle applies to infographics; symbols and icons stand in for detailed information, allowing us to understand the main idea at just a quick glance. Pretty nifty, right? 

The brain recognises patterns quickly 

Speaking of brains, let’s talk about how we process information. Our brains are incredibly efficient when it comes to recognising patterns, especially visual ones. When we see an infographic, we don’t need to decipher every piece of data, our brains take the visuals and quickly process them to get the message. 

This is why infographics are so much faster to understand than long paragraphs of text. They allow us to quickly absorb the key points without wading through (or drowning in) a sea of words. Whether it’s comparing data points or showing trends over time, the combination of images and text in infographics lets us process information more effectively. They’re also way better for visual learners who shudder at the thought of reading pages of text! 

A great way to relay dry, dull information 

Some topics can be drier than the desert. We’re talking statistics, data-heavy reports, or anything that requires analysing complex concepts – just reading that is likely to make you sleepy! On paper (or screen), these things can be pretty hard to digest. But infographics have a magical way of transforming this boring data into something engaging and easy to understand. 

By turning numbers, graphs, and even the driest of details into a visual format, infographics take that snore worthy info and make it approachable. A good infographic can turn an otherwise overwhelming topic into something both informative and visually appealing. This is especially helpful when you need to convey a lot of information in a short amount of time, like in business meetings, educational materials, or even social media posts. 

Fonts, symbols, and colour 

As a branding agency, we can tell you with absolute authority that fonts, symbols, and colours are carefully chosen to guide the viewer’s attention and make the information stand out. 

Fonts 

The right font can convey a sense of professionalism, playfulness, or urgency. In infographics, the font choices are typically clean and easy to read, allowing the focus to stay on the message. They also help to break up the text and highlight key points, making the infographic easy to scan. 

Symbols 

As we discussed earlier, symbols are a visual shorthand. They can represent ideas or concepts without needing words at all. For instance, a lightbulb symbolises an idea, a clock represents time, and a pound sign instantly brings thoughts of money. In fact, we could have put those symbols there instead of words and you’d have immediately known what they meant without any words needed! By using these familiar symbols, infographics create connections and make the information stick. 

Colour 

If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know we’re big on talking about why colour choices are so important! Colour plays a huge role in how we process information. Different colours evoke different emotions and reactions. For example, red might signify urgency or danger, while blue conveys calm and trust. In an infographic, colour helps to organise the content, create a visual hierarchy, and draw attention to the most important information. It also makes the infographic more visually appealing, which is super-duper important when you want your audience to stay engaged. 

An uncluttered layout 

One of the main reasons infographics work so well is because they are usually clean and uncluttered. When we see a page full of text, our brains can feel overwhelmed, and we may not even know which information we should focus on because there’s so much of it. But infographics are designed with simplicity in mind. The layout typically organises information in a clear, easy-to-follow flow, helping to guide the viewer from one point to the next. 

Why it all works together 

So, the million-pound question, why do infographics work so well? It’s the perfect combination of visual elements, simple layouts, and effective use of symbols, colour, and fonts. Our brains are wired to process images and symbols more efficiently than text, and infographics take full advantage of this by presenting information in a visually digestible way. This uncluttered approach makes it easier to retain information.  

A good infographic balances these elements, so if you want yours to stand out (for all the right reasons), all you need to do is follow the above tips and tricks! 

 

Need some help with your branding and ensuring the information you put out for your audience is easy to understand and aligns with your business? Then pop us a message and let’s have a chat about how we can help! 

The key differences between branding and marketing

We all know branding and marketing like to do a little dance in the business strategy world. They’re the tangoing duo that often end up stepping on each other’s toes. They’ve been swapping places on the dance floor for so long, we’ve almost forgotten who’s leading who! Sure, they waltz around together a lot, but they’ve each got their own solo moves that can really light up the dance floor. So, let’s put on our dance shoes and take a twirl around the ballroom of branding and marketing, and see why understanding each one’s fancy footwork is super important for all business owners and marketers. 

What is branding? 

Your brand is the perception that customers have of your business. Imagine branding as your business’s personality – its beliefs, its looks, its voice, its aura – all the jazz that makes it, well, it. It’s the way your customers feel when they bump into your products or services. It’s that warm, fuzzy (or exciting, or cool, or whatever vibe you’re going for) feeling that envelops them when they see your logo or hear your tagline. So, in simple terms, branding is a bit like being a perception puppeteer, you’re pulling all these strings – your values, visuals, words – to make your business dance the way you want it to in the minds of your customers. And this isn’t a one-time performance, folks! Branding is an ongoing, encore-demanding show that keeps your audience coming back for more. 

Sure, picking out a shiny new logo and choosing some fab colours and fonts is a part of it – a fun part, we won’t lie. But that’s just the shiny tip of the branding iceberg. What lies beneath is developing a brand strategy – a master plan, if you will. This grand scheme of yours should define the why, who, what, how, and the distinctive persona of your brand. Sounds serious? It is, and it’s crucial too! This strategy lays the groundwork for your brand, ensuring that every word you utter, every image you flash, every ad you run, echoes with the same tune, resonates with your audience, and most importantly, makes sense. So, branding, my dear friends, isn’t just about looking good – it’s about making sense in a uniquely charming way! 

What is brand strategy? 

Brand strategy is the process of defining and articulating your brand’s purpose, personality, and positioning.  

Picture it as the GPS for your brand – it maps out where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. You see, all your branding escapades – all your messages, all your campaigns – they need to have a sense of consistency, relevancy, and meaning for your beloved audience. And a brand strategy is your ticket to achieving that. 

But it’s not just about going with the flow. No, no, no! Your brand strategy should march to the beat of your business goals, showing off what makes you, you. Got competitors? Of course, you do! Your brand strategy helps you stand out from the crowd, shining a spotlight on your unique quirks. It’s not just about playing the game, it’s about playing it with your rules, your style, and a whole lot of panache! So, whip out those notepads and let’s get strategising, shall we? 

To cobble together a spiffing brand strategy that makes you pop in the bustling marketplace, bonds you to your audience like superglue, and fosters relationships that last longer than a box set binge, you’ll need to answer some key questions. 

Your brand strategy should answer questions such as: 

  • Who is your target audience? 
  • What are their pain points and needs? 
  • What is your unique value proposition? 
  • What is your brand personality? 
  • What is your brand promise? 
  • What is your brand voice? 
  • What is your brand visual identity? 

Don your detective hat and start unravelling the answers. Trust us, it’s more exciting than a crossword puzzle and a game changer for your brand! 

What is marketing strategy? 

Picture this: Your brand is a shiny, new superhero ready to conquer the world. Your marketing strategy? Well, that’s your superhero action plan, your secret weapon in capturing your target audience’s attention and whisking them off their feet! 

You see, marketing strategy is your grand scheme to put your brand and products under the spotlight, creating a razzle-dazzle with campaigns that shout out your brand message and value from the rooftops. It’s about bringing your brand strategy to life, strutting your stuff across various stages to charm your target audience. 

Your marketing playbook might include: 

  • Billboards and Adverts: Get your name in lights or at least on a mega-sized poster! 
  • Smooth PR Moves: Charm the socks off journalists and influencers! 
  • Content Marketing: Woo with words, enthrall them with images, or captivate with videos! 
  • Social Media Mastery: Make waves and win hearts on the digital stage! 
  • SEO Sorcery: Become the ‘chosen one’ on search engines! 
  • Email Marketing: Slide into inboxes with style and substance! 
  • Events and Sponsorships: Show up, show off, and make memories! 
  • Sales Promotions: Dangle the carrot and watch ’em bite! 

In the end, it’s all about getting those leads and sales, shooting up brand awareness, and creating an unbreakable bond with your customers. Your marketing tactics are your secret spells to create a buzz around your products and services and stand out from the sea of competitors.  

When is marketing not branding? 

Whilst marketing usually cosies up under the broad umbrella of branding, there are instances where branding goes solo, not needing its marketing sidekick. Think of these as brand expressions that don’t quite fit into the marketing mould. 

For example, those little messages you receive after making a purchase? That’s not marketing, that’s pure branding. The friendly ‘thank you’ email or a follow-up call post-purchase aren’t trying to market anything. Still, they subtly shape your perception of the brand. 

Likewise, product packaging with its flashy design and clever taglines, top-notch customer service always ready with a smile, and the user experience that glides as smoothly as butter – these are all touchpoints that influence your view of the brand without resorting to direct marketing. 

The bond between branding and marketing 

Both branding and marketing are two peas in a pod, essential for a business to flourish. While branding sets the compass for marketing, marketing acts as the loudhailer, broadcasting the brand far and wide. 

For businesses, understanding the subtle dance between branding and marketing is crucial. It provides a clear roadmap for all marketing efforts. When your brand identity is crystal clear, and your marketing strategy is on point, you can reel in new customers, forge a strong bond of brand loyalty, and ultimately hit your business targets. 

 

Do you need help creating your brand identity? Get in touch today to see how we can help you. 

How To Lead The Way and Gain Trust On Social Media

Housing Associations, you’ve got a mixed bag of folk to reach out to, which means your marketing communications, especially social media, need a touch of TLC. Your social media managers will be juggling a whole circus of news, from shiny new builds to the latest buzz from the local community. The question is, how do you shine out from the crowd and really connect with your audience?

Well, we’re here to give you a leg up. Stay tuned for our savvy tips on how to master the social media game and win over your audience’s trust. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Be different by being authentic

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the star player in the game of trust, particularly in the digital playground of social media. Let’s wave goodbye to faux smiles and posts that paint an incessantly rosy picture. It’s time to bring some raw honesty into the frame.

Social media is the stage for authenticity and transparency, so don’t tuck away your mistakes in a corner. Be brave enough to admit when things have gone pear-shaped and address your followers’ concerns head-on.

But remember, it’s not just about holding your hands up; it’s also about how you right the wrongs. Discuss how you’ve tackled the problem, and elaborate on the new measures you’ve introduced to prevent a replay. That, my friends, is how you build trust with your followers and keep them coming back for more!

Bromford – Cyber Incident: How would you talk about it?

Choosing the right social media channels

Social media is a brilliant tool to connect with your residents and stakeholders. But remember, not all channels are created equal. So, it’s about creating content that fits like a glove for each audience.

Think TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for customer and resident engagement, and keep LinkedIn and Twitter in your arsenal for business and corporate communications. There might be some overlap, particularly for companies who’ve got their ears to the ground to understand how residents feel.

However, it’s always a smarter move to create bespoke social content for different platforms than to churn out the same message across all channels. Trust me, your followers will thank you for giving them a tailored experience!

Respond quickly, and honestly

To show your followers you genuinely value their two pennies’ worth, it’s crucial to respond promptly and honestly to their comments and messages. This shows you’re all ears and ready for a chat.

Setting up alerts can be a handy trick to ensure you don’t let any interactions slip through the net. But, let’s not forget the personal touch. Avoid sounding like a robot, and mix up your responses so they don’t all kick off with the same old line. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.

And when it comes to complaints, honesty is always the best policy. Avoid biting off more than you can chew by promising something you can’t deliver. Always aim to take the complaints off the public stage as professionally as you can.

With this approach, you’re all set to build a loyal following and bolster your relationship with your audience. After all, every good conversation starts with good listening.

Use social media to showcase your work

Social media is a great way to share stories and highlight the good work that your organisation is doing. Share photos and videos of your work, and share testimonials from satisfied residents. People will trust reviews over the Housing Association’s word, so get lots of reviews and case studies that external parties can research into themselves.

Consider hiring a social media manager

If you don’t have the time or resources to manage your social media accounts effectively, consider hiring a social media manager to help you. This person can handle day-to-day tasks like responding to comments and posting updates, freeing you up to focus on other important tasks.

Ready to lead the way? Contact us today.