Concept maps show the relationship between various ideas or concepts visually, often as diagrams. It's a great tool for organizing and structuring knowledge. Typically, it consists of two components:
1. Nodes - These represent concepts and come in the shape of circles, ovals, or boxes.
2. Arrows - They connect ideas. In order to explain the relationship between concepts, they may include a connecting word or verb, such as "leads to" or "is part of."
It is helpful to break complex topics/ideas down into smaller, more digestible chunks using a concept map.
Types of Concept Maps
Spider Maps
You won't be surprised to learn that these concept maps resemble spider webs. There is a main concept in the middle, followed by related subtopics. As a result of this structure, you are able to explore several aspects of the main idea at the same time.
Here's how you create it:
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The main idea should be in the middle of the diagram.
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Connect a key subtopic to the main idea by drawing lines from the center.
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To delve even deeper into the topic, subtopics can be added from each subtopic.
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Show the relationship between concepts by using labels or short words.
When to use it: Use it to analyze a broad topic in detail.
Flowcharts
Flowcharts represent linear or sequential processes or workflows. It shows how information flows, often including decisions or actions, using symbols and arrows.
Here's how you create it:
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Identify the process or task you want to illustrate.
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Show the flow of steps with arrows. Each step or action should be represented by a box or other shape.
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Using a diamond shape for decision points, demonstrate different branches based on yes/no or any other criteria.
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You should continue until you have reached your conclusion.
Flowcharts are great for explaining processes, such as onboarding new employees.
System Maps
Rather than focusing on the main idea, system maps highlight the relationships and interactions between concepts. As a result, they do not have a hierarchical structure and emphasize how the various parts work together.
How to create it:
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Identify the key components of the system.
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Instead of arranging them hierarchically, arrange them according to their interconnectedness.
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Connect components by drawing lines. To better explain the type of relationship, we think it's helpful to add words like "influences" and "depends on".
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Look for feedback loops, inputs, and outputs in each part of the system.
System maps are useful for understanding and analyzing complex systems, such as supply chains or organizational networks.
Hierarchy Maps
Hierarchy maps illustrate how elements in a hierarchical structure are related, showing their relative status. As a result, some ideas have a higher status than others. It is arranged so that the highest ranking element or concept is at the top, while the lower ranking elements are below.
How to create it:
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On the map, place the most important concept at the top.
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Identify the major subtopics that are part of the main idea and place them directly below it. Connect them by lines.
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Maintain a clear hierarchical structure by branching downward to show lower-ranking concepts.
Our recommendation is to use it when showing information with multiple authority levels or importance, such as government structures or Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
How to Create a Concept Map
1. Define your main topic
Start by selecting a main idea or topic to analyze. The topic should be broad enough to allow for some subtopics to develop.
Depending on the type of map you're using, place the primary concept at the top or middle. All your other ideas will be built on top of it.
2. Identify essential concepts
Start brainstorming additional topics you would like to explore once you have figured out the main idea. Consider as many as you can, but list them first instead of placing them directly on the map - this is known as the "parking lot" method.
When you have your list ready, arrange the concepts from the most general to the most specific. The most important/broad ideas should be placed at the top, followed by the more detailed ones.
3. Transform parking lot concepts into map concepts
Your concepts can now be transferred to the map from the parking lot.
The main idea should be in the center or at the top, with related subtopics branching out from it. There should be a hierarchy of categories linking each additional topic.
To clarify the relationship between ideas, we suggest using linking words when arranging the concepts. By doing so, you will gain a better understanding of how each concept relates to the others.
4. Ensure accuracy and coherence
You are more likely to make a mistake if you have more connecting ideas. In order to ensure that each connection is linked to the correct concept, it's best to review each connection.
Find ideas located in different parts of your map by using cross-links. As a result, you will be able to connect them with other concepts, creating a more comprehensive and interconnected structure that reveals more information.
5. Expand and revise
Concept maps aren't set in stone. New ideas can be added to the map to create new connections as they emerge.
You can rearrange, remove, or add new sections as you gain a deeper understanding of the topic thanks to the map's flexibility.
Checking your map regularly ensures it is complete and relevant doesn't end with the first version. Revisions should be made when necessary.
Creating Your Own Concept Map
Step 1: Identify your primary topic
For example. if you are a content marketer, one of the areas that you would deal with is SEO optimization, which will be your primary topic. Identify yours and run with it.
Step 2: Identify essential concepts
Here are a few subcategories: on-page SEO, technical SEO, and SEO tools. For the sake of this example, we’ll only mention three, but feel free to come up with as many as possible, like off-page SEO and local SEO.
Write them all down.
Step 3: Move concepts to the map
Now that we've listed the main concepts, we can narrow in on each of them and list the relevant subcategories. On-page SEO can be broken down into substeps like "keywords" and "content optimization."
Under the "keywords" subtopic, you could also include "keyword research," "long-tail keywords," and other smaller topics.
We’ve done this with all three main topics and wrote two subcategories for each, along with ideas for further branching.
In the map, we can see how SEO is a multifaceted concept and that it overlaps with areas like technical website/app performance - although it is most often handled by marketing.
Step 4: Double-check for accuracy and coherence
Review each idea and make sure it belongs to the right category in this step.
"User intent" is placed under "content optimization" rather than "website speed." Keep in mind that some concepts like "keyword research" might belong to more than one category.
Step 5: Expand and revise
This is your first version of the concept map. Subcategories can be added as you brainstorm ideas.
This map could be expanded to include "URL structure," "internal linking," "indexing," and "security."
As mentioned earlier, it is also important to identify relationships between different categories. As an example, you could create a link between "SEO tools" and "keywords," because the data from your SEO tools will influence your keyword selection.
Here is a content mapping template to help you organize your work as a content marketer.
The best way to create a concept map is to use a ready-made template
Sometimes brainstorming generates so many ideas that you get lost, and within five minutes, you forget half of what you thought of.
Concept maps help you organize your thoughts and ideas. By exploring a specific topic in detail, a deep understanding is ensured. In the course of brainstorming, you can start small and expand on your map as you come up with more ideas.