Infographics: From Link-Building Gold to... What Exactly?
In 2015, infographics were the ultimate link magnet. Create one, do some outreach, watch the backlinks roll in.
In 2026? The landscape has changed.
Most infographics now are generic, boring, and plentiful. The link-earning power has diminished.
But they're not dead. They just need to be better.
When Infographics Still Work
Original data. If you're visualizing data nobody else has, infographics still earn links and shares.
Complex processes. Some concepts are genuinely easier to understand visually.
Embed-friendly topics. Industry stats, comparison data, process flows -- things other bloggers want to include in their own content. Moz's on-page SEO guide covers how visual content fits into the broader on-page picture.
The SEO Angle
Don't publish an infographic as a standalone image. Create a full page around it with:
Google can't read text in images. The supporting content is what ranks.
The Verdict
Worth it if you have original data and a promotion strategy. Not worth it if you're creating generic "10 SEO stats" graphics. If you do invest, a solid infographic can be a serious link-building asset.
For image-heavy pages, image optimization is essential -- compressed files, proper formats, and descriptive filenames.
Optimize the host page. SEO Checkup -- 113 tasks, free, 30 seconds.