Content Insights Blog

We opened 2012 by transforming Content Insights from a link blog into a full-fledged blog. Instead of sharing tidbits or quotes, we offer essay commentary, interviews, analysis, and more. To say I'm pleased with the response is akin to saying I like chocolate—the ultimate understatement.

We took a look at what posts people visited and shared the most frequently to present you with these highlights. Whether you missed a few due to being busy or simply want to refresh, I think you'll enjoy this review of our top 6 posts.  Read More >

Apple has released the newest version of iTunes. Let's look at how the treatment of visual content and text makes for a much better experience.

A Pleasant Surprise

This new version was not on my radar at all. I happened upon it in the flow of my daily routine. I started up iTunes, and when asked if I’d like to download the latest version, I said sure. Why not? I soon discovered that this was no regular update.  Read More >

In my last post, I walked through visual content strategy and why it needs to be part of your larger content strategy. Now, let's take a look at visual content strategy in action. Visual content can help a user fall in love with a product and take the big step to purchase. But, only if you use the right approach to visual content in the right stages.

LOVE—AND SHOPPING—HAPPEN IN STAGES

Recent work for an online retailer got me thinking about the buying lifecycle and visual content. First, the buying lifecycle is a lot like dating. It has stages or phases. Just as you wouldn't say the same thing to someone you just met as to someone you had dated for 6 months, so you shouldn't say the same thing to a potential customer as you do to a longtime loyal customer.   Read More >

 To draw users in with digital content, you need words and visuals. Let's dig into the visual side of strategic planning for content.

What is visual content strategy?

When we say content, we're talking about more than text. We mean images, videos, infographics, slide sets, and more. A strong content strategy will define what to tell and want to show through visuals. However, we find many people tend to focus on text. So, we often use the term visual content strategy to emphasize that those visual content assets need strategy, too.  Read More >

Let's take a look at why the infographic is a versatile tool for telling a story with numbers—and how you can make the most of it with careful planning.

An Antidote to Information Overload

We all suffer from a constant barrage of facts and figures. Although we know web users do read, most people don’t have the time or patience to read everything. Enter the infographic. It explains complicated concepts + data  patterns with impact, and even emotion, through color, shape, and metaphor. With the help of an infographic, people can get the big picture quickly. 

So, how do you plan an infographic? I'm going to answer that question with some questions. Eight, to be exact.

What's the best way to create a meaningful infographic?
Here are a few questions we recommend asking as you plan...

8 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO PLAN AN INFOGRAPHIC

When it comes to creating infographics, there are as many ways as there are content strategists and designers. But, I find these eight questions are useful to ask during the process—no matter what your exact process is.

1. Do I really have something to say?

Not all content is compelling. Make sure you have a message to expound or a story to tell. Infographics work well to explain an interesting trend or a meaningful pattern in data. They also can summarize evidence to support an argument.  Read More >