How to find and tell your story

From structure and plot to heroes and characters, your story must have everything in place if it's to connect with the reader. Follow this infographic / guide to storytelling success.

[GG:  This will appeal to those who are into visual storytelling.  The download is a 24 slide PowerPoint file]

 

Infographics are becoming a popular tool that marketers use to capture the attention of their target audiences. You’ve seen them shared on blogs and social media sites -- and their visual appeal is indisputable. The only question is, how do you actually make one?

 

Download HubSpot's free template for an easy way to create and design professional-looking infographics in PowerPoint.

On Facebook's top 10 brand pages, photos and video drive the most engagement.

 

The numbers don't lie - a brand's story is best framed online wiht photos and video.

- Videos are shared 12 times more than links and text posts combined.

- Photos are liked twice as much as text posts.

Information can be useful--and even beautiful--but only when it’s presented well. In an age of information overload, any guidance through the clutter comes as a welcome relief. That’s one reason for the recent popularity of information graphics.

 

The article fully describes Hyperakt's process on how they go about creating an infographic in these 10 steps:

1. Gathering data

2. Reading everything

3. Finding the narrative

4. Identifying problems

5. Creating a hierarchy

6. Building a wireframe

7. Choosing a format

8. Determining a visual approach

9. Refinement and testing

10. Releasing it into the world

What are the story elements an infographic can use to be more effective?

It needs to be emotionally engaging in ways that offer people a way to make a difference Metphor A beginning, middle & end with a story arc Statement of a problem and ways for resolution Story triggers -- graphics and words that trigger stories within the minds of viewers A point, a key message Suggested actions to take

 

Not all infographics need to tell a story. Before embarking on creating an infographic, ask yourself the following strategic questions:

Who is my target audience? What important information does my target audience need or want to hear? Is the purpose of the infographic to share information, educate people, or create a context for understanding an issue? Is the purpose of the infographic to spark action -- either donations, support, or advocacy? What is my key message? What do I want my viewers to take away from the experience?

 

If you answered YES to #4, then you need your infographic to tell a story.  If you answered YES to #3, then your infographic only needs to convey information.

 

Go read the article for more great infographic insights.