Are Infographics Still Worth Creating?

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the way we consume, process, and share information has changed dramatically over the past decade. Among various content types, infographics have long stood out as a visually appealing method to simplify complex topics and convey data-driven arguments. But as we move further into an age dominated by short-form video, interactive media, and AI-generated content, many business owners and marketers are left wondering: Are infographics still worth creating?

The Evolution of Infographics

Infographics have their roots in early visual communication, but the format saw a massive resurgence during the early 2010s. Marketers embraced infographic content as a way to boost web traffic, generate backlinks, and educate audiences on intricate topics. Thanks to the shareability and visual nature of infographics, they became a staple in many content marketing strategies.

However, the digital scene is more crowded than ever. Social media algorithms now favour video, search engines prioritise depth and authority, and audiences are increasingly discerning about what they engage with. Let’s examine whether infographics are still meaningful amid these shifts.

The Enduring Value of Infographics

1. Simplifying Complex Information

One of the most significant advantages of infographics remains their ability to distil complex subject matter into digestible visuals. Research shows that people process visuals faster than text, making infographics especially useful when you need to:

• Explain data trends and statistics
• Break down step-by-step processes
• Summarise industry research or reports
• Compare options side-by-side

For small businesses, infographics can be invaluable for educating both customers and stakeholders. Particularly in industries with jargon-heavy language or technical products, a well-crafted infographic can bridge the knowledge gap.

2. Enhancing Content Marketing Efforts

Content fatigue is real. Consumers today are bombarded with blog posts, product pages, and ads. Visuals—especially compelling ones—break through the clutter. Infographics can:

• Increase the perceived authority of your brand
• Make content more ‘scannable’ and memorable
• Encourage sharing on social and via email
• Complement longer content pieces (whitepapers, guides, reports)

While the SEO advantage of infographics has lessened compared to their heyday, they can still contribute to link-building when included in informative articles and promoted to relevant publications or bloggers.

3. Supporting Multi-Channel Distribution

Versatile content is king. Infographics aren’t limited to websites; they thrive on social platforms (especially Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Facebook), in presentations, and even offline in brochures or trade show materials.

Additionally, snippet-sized sections of a larger infographic can be repurposed for:

• Instagram or Facebook story slides
• Slideshows and webinars
• Email newsletter graphics
• Tweets or LinkedIn updates

This adaptability adds ongoing value to a single, well-designed asset.

The Changing Landscape: Challenges and Concerns

1. Oversaturation and Declining Novelty

As with any once-effective tactic, the widespread adoption of infographics has led to oversaturation. The internet is now awash with low-quality, generic visuals that offer little real insight. Audiences are quick to dismiss infographics that feel “spammy,” salesy, or poorly designed.

Algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Instagram increasingly favour video over static images, making it tougher for infographics to achieve the high organic reach of years past. Search engines, too, have become smarter and now prioritise unique, valuable content over “visual clickbait.”

2. Accessibility and Usability Issues

Infographics can inadvertently alienate visually impaired users or those relying on screen readers. They can also be unfriendly on mobile devices if not properly optimised, with text too small to read or layouts that don’t scale.

Small businesses investing in infographics must ensure that their designs adhere to accessibility best practices—such as providing descriptive alt text and ensuring clarity and legibility across devices.

3. Resource Investment

Well-researched, beautifully designed infographics aren’t quick or cheap to produce. They require data gathering, design expertise, and time—resources that might stretch a lean marketing team. The ROI is much lower if you’re not committed to promoting the infographic across multiple channels and tracking its performance.

On the flipside, DIY infographic templates may save costs but often lack originality, which can harm your brand’s reputation if the end result is generic or inaccurate.

When Are Infographics Most Effective?

Not every topic, campaign, or brand will benefit from frequent infographic content. To determine whether infographics are still worthwhile for your small business, consider the following scenarios:

• Explaining Data-Heavy Subjects: If you regularly deal with surveys, reports, or market studies, infographics can visualise the numbers, making insights accessible to a broader audience.
• Demonstrating Processes or Workflows: Visual step-by-step guides or process charts help demystify complicated services or help documents.
• Clarifying Comparisons: Infographics excel at laying out pros and cons, feature comparisons, or timelines—far more engaging than a block of text.
• Building Outreach and Backlink Opportunities: Authoritative, valuable infographics still have outreach potential, gaining mentions in industry blogs, online news, and educational sites.
• Supporting Brand Storytelling: Sharing your brand journey, milestones, or impact statistics in an infographic can leave a more lasting impression than plain text.

Best Practices For Infographics in 2024

To ensure your infographics remain relevant and effective, it’s essential to follow current best practices:

• Prioritise Original Data or Insight: Infographics built on your own research, customer data, or industry expertise stand out more than those rehashing existing information.
• Keep It Simple: Avoid cramming too much information or too many design elements. Focus on key points with a clear narrative.
• Optimise for Mobile: Design with mobile devices in mind. Use larger fonts, clear icons, and vertical layouts that scroll easily.
• Ensure Accessibility: Include descriptive alt text, high-contrast colours, and readable typography. Offer a downloadable text version or written summary where possible.
• Integrate Into Multi-Format Campaigns: Repurpose infographic content into slides, social posts, or even video snippets to reach broader audiences.
• Track Performance: Use analytics to monitor engagement, shares, and traffic. Compare outcomes to your other content types to assess real ROI.

Alternatives and Enhancements

It’s worth considering whether a traditional static infographic is the best format for your message. Interactive infographics, explainer videos, and animated data visualisations are engaging evolutions that make complex ideas even more accessible. Infographics can also be built as interactive web components that allow users to explore the data that interests them most.

If you have limited resources, consider combining smaller visual elements (charts, data cards, icons) with concise copywriting in your blog posts or landing pages. This hybrid approach delivers some of the benefits of infographics without a full-scale design effort.

Conclusion: Are Infographics Still Worth Creating?

The short answer: Yes—when used thoughtfully and strategically. Infographics are not the universal traffic boosters or link magnets they once were, but they remain a valuable tool for small businesses when crafted with care and purpose.

Prioritise quality over quantity, keep the end user in mind (especially for mobile and accessibility considerations), and be clear about your goals before investing in infographic content. Above all, ensure that your visual storytelling genuinely benefits your audience—offering clarity, utility, or insight that can’t easily be gained elsewhere.

If you need help with your website, app, or digital marketing — get in touch today at info@webmatter.co.uk or call 07546 289 419.