So, you want to make a business infographic that actually looks professional—not like a school project. Maybe you’ve got a report to summarize, a pitch deck to spice up, or just need to explain something in a way people might actually read. This guide is for you: managers, marketers, founders, or anyone who needs to turn data and ideas into something people get at a glance.
We’re going to walk through the whole process using Venngage, a popular online infographic tool. I’ll call out the stuff that actually matters, the stuff you can safely skip, and a few “don’t even bother” moves. Let’s get right into it.
Step 1: Get Your Content and Purpose Straight
Before you even log into Venngage, get clear on two things:
- What’s the main message? If you had to sum up your point in one sentence, what would it be?
- Who’s it for? Is this for execs, customers, your team, or the public? The answer changes how much detail you need.
Pro tip:
Don’t try to cram everything into one infographic. The best ones make a single point or show a clear process.
What works:
- Bullet points, stats, clear headings.
- One main idea per section.
What doesn’t:
- Paragraphs of text. Nobody reads them.
- Trying to impress with big words or jargon.
Ignore:
- The urge to “look fancy.” Focus on making the info clear.
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In to Venngage
Head to Venngage and sign up for a free account, or log in if you already have one.
- Free vs Paid: The free plan is fine for testing, but it limits downloads and adds a watermark. If you need a clean, brandable infographic, you’ll probably want to upgrade. (Don’t pay until you’re sure you like it.)
- Interface: It’s all drag-and-drop—no design degree required. But yes, there’s a learning curve for first-timers.
Step 3: Pick the Right Template
Venngage has a ton of templates. This can be both a blessing and a curse.
How to choose:
- Use the search bar—type “business infographic” or something specific like “timeline” or “comparison”.
- Filter by “Professional” or “Business.” Ignore the cutesy or cartoonish options unless that fits your brand.
- Pick a layout that matches your info. (Timeline for a process, comparison for options, chart-heavy for data.)
What works:
- Clean layouts with room for headings, icons, and charts.
- Neutral color schemes (you can change them later).
What doesn’t:
- Overly busy designs.
- Templates that are too “fun” for a business context.
Ignore:
- Templates that try to do everything—keep it simple.
Step 4: Customize the Layout
Now for the fun (and sometimes frustrating) part.
Edit Text
- Click on any text box to update it with your content.
- Keep headings short and clear.
- Break up info into bite-sized chunks.
Pro tip:
Use real numbers and specifics (“Revenue grew 27% in Q1”) instead of vague claims (“Sales improved a lot”).
Change Colors
- Stick to 2–3 main colors. Use your brand colors if possible.
- Avoid neon or clashing colors unless you’re deliberately going for bold.
Add or Remove Sections
- Delete anything you don’t need from the template. Less is more.
- Add new sections by dragging in text boxes or shapes from the sidebar.
Arrange Elements
- Use alignment tools—don’t eyeball it.
- Give everything enough breathing room. Crowded = amateur.
What works:
- White space. It makes info easier to scan.
- Consistent font choices (stick to one or two).
What doesn’t:
- Tiny fonts or squished layouts.
- Random clipart.
Step 5: Add Visuals and Charts
This is where most people overdo it. Here’s how to keep it sharp:
Icons and Images
- Use Venngage’s built-in icon and photo library for quick visuals.
- Only use icons that actually add meaning. Don’t throw in a handshake just to fill space.
Charts and Graphs
- Use the chart tool for bar, pie, or line graphs.
- Enter your own data or copy-paste from a spreadsheet.
- Label everything—no naked axes or unlabeled percentages.
Pro tip:
If you’re not showing data, don’t force a chart. Sometimes a simple list or comparison block does the job.
What works:
- Simple, clean charts with clear labels.
- Icons that match the topic and style.
What doesn’t:
- Stock photos that look generic or cheesy.
- Decorative-only graphics that distract from the info.
Ignore:
- The urge to “fill every space.” Empty space is your friend.
Step 6: Brand It (But Don’t Overdo It)
Branding gives your infographic authority, but it’s easy to go overboard.
- Drop in your logo (small, bottom corner is fine).
- Use your brand’s color palette and fonts if possible.
- Add your website or contact info discreetly.
What works:
- Subtle branding that doesn’t distract from the content.
What doesn’t:
- Turning your infographic into an ad.
Ignore:
- Giant watermarks or “look at me!” branding moves.
Step 7: Check for Clarity and Flow
You’re almost done. Now, step back and look at the whole thing.
- Can someone “get it” in 30 seconds?
- Are there any sections that feel crowded or confusing?
- Is the most important info up top or highlighted?
Pro tip:
Show it to someone who wasn’t involved. If they don’t get it, fix it.
What works:
- Headings that guide the reader through the story.
- Logical flow—does it go top to bottom, or left to right?
What doesn’t:
- Surprising the reader with random info halfway through.
- Using more than three font sizes.
Step 8: Download and Share
- On a paid plan, you can download as PNG, PDF, or even interactive HTML. Free plans add a watermark.
- If it’s going online, optimize for web (smaller file size, readable text).
- Test how it looks on both desktop and mobile—sometimes text gets tiny.
What works:
- Sharing as a link if you want interactive elements.
- Embedding in presentations, reports, or on your site.
What doesn’t:
- Massive files nobody can open.
- Printing directly from the browser (use a PDF).
Pro Tips and Honest Advice
- Start simple: You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix a cluttered mess.
- Don’t aim for perfection: Good and done beats perfect and never shared.
- Learn by copying: Start with a template and make small tweaks as you go.
- Watch out for paid assets: Some icons and images are only available on paid plans—Venngage will warn you, but don’t get attached before checking.
- If you get stuck: Save your work, walk away, and come back with fresh eyes.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
A professional business infographic isn’t about cramming in the most data or wowing people with fancy graphics. It’s about making your point clearly—fast. Start with a template, edit ruthlessly, and don’t be afraid to publish a “good enough” version. You can always tweak it later based on feedback. In the end, the best infographics are the ones people actually read and understand.
Now go make something people will remember—and maybe even share.