Infographic as white hat linkable asset -> How do I do this right?

[BobGW]

Hello,

In my niche, nobody almost no-one links to content directly related to the niche. In a topic relevant to our customers, though, there is a page of statistics by a super authority that has 250 root domains linking to that page. I'm thinking about doing an infographic on it's statistics, and having a short article with it that has better graphical appeal than the super authority.

How do I do this right? I'm not looking to do link building.

There are 20 references for this super authority's article. Do I need to include all of their references and would that be duplicate content.

If it attracted 10 good links it would be worth it. There's nothing like this yet.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!

[David-Kley]

"Do I need to include all of their references and would that be duplicate content."

Do not include large sections of content from the source, have the sources quoted at the bottom of the page as links. I would imagine you are putting your own spin on some of the information contained on those sites? You can make each one be its own line, and have a few links related to each section. Here is an example:

http://moz.com/blog/illustrated-seo-competitive-analysis-workflow

If you look at the bottom, she links out in a very organized fashion, so a user can find the source link they are looking for easier. You can also link out as you mention certain sites, or subjects.

For better distribution, use a few less costly press relesases to judge how well the article will be received. Once you see it gaining traction, or the attachment rate with users, then I would possibly look at doing a larger PR.

For your infographic, show a lower resolution version on your webpage, both for fast loading times, and also to have the full image downloadable as a file. This will allow you an extra URL where the image is hosted, and you will be able to track users that come to read and view the graphic, and also those that want to download what you display. This should give you some extra insight if the infographic is truly successful, and people find it useful. You could also add this as a destination URL goal in analytics.

[DanielMulderNL]

Hi,

Good question. I would apply APA style references if you want to be sure that you are giving credits where due. A strategy that I sometimes employ is to team up with the authority. If you have something significant to add that is significant in the body of work it takes to add to the original then most authorities will take a request to team up serious. The motive for them to do so is that they get an extra bang for their buck as their original work get's more rank and they can co create a newer work, or share some credit of the original updated work, without having to do much. Also this will ensure their leading position instead of it being in competition with a relative newcomer as yourself. Everybody wins or someone got to give. These are the 2 main flavors and wise people tend to work together in this situation.

Hope this helps.

Gr Daniel

[BenjaminMorel]

Hi Bob,

Taking an existing resource and improving on it is a good way to create linkable content. If you can add or update any of the statistics they use - say if the original are three or four years old - then that's even better.

I would definitely include references, as links, for all your statistics: not only will this make the organisation you are quoting happy but it can be useful for readers who want to find out more on a particular study. It also gives you an opportunity to send the sources you have used a quick email mentioning this new resource. That can be a good way to start getting links and social media mentions.

If this truly is going to be the newest and best resource in your niche then finding a few influencers, bloggers, and journalists who might be interested in it won't hurt things. Do a bit of PR by reaching out to them and convincing them of why your resource is going to be so useful for your customers and their readers.

[SamuelScott]

I would use traditional PR to earn mentions of and links to the infographic. Basically, go through this process (it's the short version):

1. Who are the people that would like the infographic?

2. What publications, blogs, and online sites are read by those people?

3. Pitch your infographic to those media outlets (and, when relevant, to the best specific reporter or blogger at those outlets).

Of course, it's more difficult than that. Each of those steps can take a lot of time. But proper PR can work wonders if you do it well. For more information, I'd suggest looking at this Moz post of mine of the topic. Good luck!