Take Data Beyond Charts & Graphs

Raw data used to be boring. But today’s infographics have changed the way we consume data. Infographics aren’t just new versions of charts and graphs; they are a vehicle for sharing all types of information more effectively and efficiently than text alone.

Studies show that people retain more visual data than what they read or hear. So as more members use smartphones and social media to receive association news and information, infographics make sense. They condense and transmit an immense amount of information that’s quickly and easily digestible.

Infographics are not meant to replace your association’s full reports, surveys, or guides. Often they are coupled with a link to more information, but they can also be useful on their own. In fact, infographics are the fastest-growing digital marketing strategy in the U.S., according to a survey by Content Marketing Institute.

Although they lend themselves to displaying survey data and statistics, infographics can convey the benefits of contributing to RPAC, the reasons why continuing education leads to career success, or any other idea your association seeks to promote. They are also ideal tools for displaying data to leadership or your directors about programs, budgets, or services.

Infographics can be fun and powerful if you use the right tools. Here are some cheap and easy online services and apps recommended by REALTOR® association staff that enable you to create your own infographics. Some offerings are as simple as uploading your data to a template, while others allow for full customization.

• Piktochart is an easy infographic design app that requires very little effort to produce beautiful, high-quality graphics. Cost: Free; a pro version with more templates costs $39 annually (nonprofits), $290 annually (corporations).
• Venngage enables you to feed your data from a range of formats into its library of charts, maps, and other graphics. Cost: $15 per month for corporations, with discounts for nonprofits.
• Infogr.am concentrates on data visualization, or making better, more interactive charts and graphs. Cost: Accounts with very limited features are free; costs range from $15 to $166 per month for pro accounts.
• Easel.ly features thousands of free infographic templates and design objects that users can customize to create and share their visual ideas online. Cost: free (limited template library); a pro account costs $3 per month.
• Canva offers an infographic maker and design platform with hundreds of free elements that you can also use for print graphics, blog graphics, presentations, posters, and more. Cost: Many images are free; others are $1 each.