Word on the internet streets is that Google is considering discounting infographic links. According to the search giant, the high potential for abuse by spammers is the main reason the move is being considered. This could be huge as it would mean that the visually appealing information graphics marketers have been relying on to help increase visibility will instantly have little to no SEO value. Taking these critical links out of the mix would no doubt have some important implications, but the impact on the business community may not be as big as one might think.
Infographics Rock Regardless
Even if Googles does start discounting the links connected to infographics, there is no way it can discount their overall value. People love these information-rich graphics for many reasons, but mainly because they make content easy to digest. When there is a lot to take in, a good design will present the data in a way that makes it simple for the reader to consume. To no surprise, this among the reasons businesses are using infographics to deliver information over traditional methods such as writing an article or blog post.
Internet users and search engines like Google view infographics in two totally different lights. For the user, it’s all about the valuable information being presented. As long as they get what they came for, they could usually care less about the author’s underlying intentions or SEO ethics. Google, however, isn’t necessarily concerned about the information the graphic contains. It cares more about the links associated with it. The search company is aware of spammers using infographics as pawns in their link building strategy. Should it decide to move, those who are using them to indulge in black hat practices could be penalized.
Infographics are useful outside of search traffic, which is why they will likely still be a powerful weapon no matter what Google decides to do. They do not require links to be effective. For example, a well designed piece of content that showcases your company name, logo, and contact information can be great for branding. Then there is the sharing aspect that has become such a factor in the social media era. If your infographic delivers solid information and encourages a lot of sharing, it could lead to increased visibility all the same. And with social becoming a bigger influence on search results, there may turn out to be some SEO value after all.
The Show Goes On
Despite being the most powerful force in the search market, Google discounting infographic links will not have a negative affect on businesses – at least not the smart ones. Savvy marketers will continue to find ways to use this creative imagery to draw attention, engage, and get people talking. Infographics have emerged and not even Google can slow them down. They’re here to stay!
Chiko Noguchi is a best practices activist and advocate for a leading provider of email marketing services.
6 Comments
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Lakshmi Balu
August 2, 2012 at 10:28 am
Infographics took the SEO world by a storm and with the Google’s recent updates, the search giant is leaving no choice for the SEO professionals by making the online marketing strategies to go immune. Cheap linking to infographic can be considered but I kind of feel sorry who use this image data extensively for popularity. I too feel that infographics have the potential to go viral and functional but the linking associated with them is making the entire concept faulty. Google webspam team should consider both the pros and cons before making the infographics a extinct link baiting technique.
smith warnes
August 3, 2012 at 7:47 am
Infographics is a great way to make the information visually attractive. They are better understood than plain content. Online marketers will surely come up with new ways to deal with this.
Amanda
August 3, 2012 at 9:18 am
I agree with you completely! I personally like infographics very much and I don’t think that there will be something that can change my mind
Annie
August 3, 2012 at 12:26 pm
I think info graphics are a easier way of explaining things. Something explained in a descriptive manner and something which is explained by way of graphics, I am sure people would opt for info graphic rather then studying a detailed report on it.
Richa
August 7, 2012 at 10:57 am
Thanks for this wonderful insight into this topic. I love info graphics, it makes information simple and visually attractive.
Aayna
August 12, 2012 at 10:15 am
I am myself a fan of infographics. It is the best tool to disseminate information in a much easier and hassle free manner. The added advantage is that the reader grasp the intended meaning which the writer wants to convey in the best of the manner. Thanks for highlighting this issue.