Our Guide

How to create a stunning digital annual report

Companies are increasingly looking to produce digital annual reports and reviews.

This guide shows the steps needed to produce an online annual report, along with tips to create a document that will keep your stakeholders engaged.

Stage 1 - Planning:

Why create a digital annual report?

Global Distribution

There are no geographical barriers or state borders online. Every issue of a report can potentially be viewed by everyone worldwide, at any time.

Interactive Content

You can let readers search your digital document easily, navigate quickly and interact with its content – potentially allowing them to access a deeper level of messaging.

Lower Costs

Using digital media avoids the inevitable costs associated with printing and distributing hard copy reports.

“Without setting goals, the entire reporting process could amount to little more than a tick box exercise.”

Objectives, goals and audience

The planning stage of your report will underpin the success of the whole design process. By defining objectives, setting key messages and thinking about your audience from the outset, you set yourself up for success.

Planning your narrative:
The importance of storytelling in an annual report

Ensuring a report looks good is only half the battle. Alongside captivating visuals, the narrative needs to be engaging and inspiring. Whether describing the previous year’s activities and successes or describing future plans, your report represents an opportunity to connect directly with your stakeholders. It’s a chance to show the audience how your business lives its values and showcase positive company culture. Once the words and design are aligned, your annual report becomes a powerful reporting and marketing tool, not just a task completed for shareholder benefit.

Stage 2 - Design:

Visualising data

Despite the hours that go into its production, many people will only skim-read your report. So, it’s important that they can access important information, fast.
Infographics and interactive content bring your data to life, emphasising the key information you want readers to notice and remember.

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52% of companies provided a detailed description of their diversity policy, but only 7% linked the objectives to the core business strategy

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86% of companies clearly stated their purpose upfront, up from 78% last year

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Around 40% of companies now acknowledge the financial risks of climate change in their reporting

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38% of companies presented one fully integrated strategy incorporating broader stakeholders