You probably know that the best way to boost your search engine optimization is by providing unique, organic content that has naturally integrates your keywords. You’ve also probably realized that hiring a writer with SEO skills can be pricey — and rightfully so. Fortunately, infographics are another avenue for improving your SEO without the need of a writer.
Are you thinking that’s impossible, since search results can’t read images? That’s true, but don’t forget about the help of your readers. At the end of the day they’re the ones actually clicking on your site and sharing it. You can include infographics you’ve found elsewhere on the web or create your own. Creating infographics is much easier than writing content, and its format can have a much greater impact on the viewer than text.
Patience Isn’t an SEO Virtue
One of the factors Google considers when ranking page is how long a page takes to load. Using infographics means a quick loading time. People in general are also impatient and will appreciate being able to quickly get the information they need by scanning an infographic. However, keep an eye on your bounce rate: a well-formatted graphic will encourage your visitors to stay on-site, but the opposite will be true if it’s subpar.
You can incorporate an infographic into any type of site. For example, maybe you’re the owner of a site about healthcare marketing analytics. There is an endless amount of information you can turn into an infographic that your readers will find interesting and helpful. Why not skip that complex post about the breakdown of comprehensive healthcare coverage by age range and make it an infographic instead?
The Ultimate Linkbait
Infographics were originally designed as linkbait, and are very effective in that role. Basically, linkbait pieces attract attention with useful information captured in pretty packaging. This requires you to only use infographics that are visually appealing, which will demand a little graphic artistry. The goal is to be appealing to readers, and result in a high number of inbound links via shares.
You don’t need to be a great graphic artist in order to pull this off. There are a number of free programs such as GIMP that will help you design beautiful infographics. Utilize the person on your team with the best eye for design to make the process a little easier.
So Why Doesn’t Everyone Just Do This?
Generally speaking, infographics are easier to create than other high quality content. However, this doesn’t make them easy. It takes research, an eye for visual appeal and a good amount of design capability to create an infographic that’s popular and potentially viral. This isn’t a shortcut, but it is an option if you can’t afford an SEO writer.
If you want to give infographics a shot, make sure you choose a subject with a high degree of popularity. Then research related interesting statistics that appeal to a wide variety of viewers. Get creative! After all, there’s no point in doing the work if you don’t get great results.
About the Author
Adrienne Erin is a blogger and internet marketer for a variety of different companies that fall into different fields, from healthcare to private investigation. She loves her work because there’s always something new to experiment with. SEO is a living science that is constantly evolving, so there’s never a dull moment! If you like her work, you can find more of it by following her on Twitter.