7 BEST PRACTICES TO KEEP IN MIND FOR YOUR NEXT ANNUAL REPORT
An annual report serves as a comprehensive overview of a company’s or organization’s performance, achievements, and plans for the future. It’s a vital communication tool for shareholders, donors, employees, and other stakeholders. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some best practices for planning and designing an effective annual report:
1. GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR COVER
The cover is the first thing recipients see, so it should grab attention and generate interest. Consider using unique materials, special finishes or captivating imagery to make the cover visually appealing and engaging.
2. FIND A UNIQUE WAY TO OPEN
Experiment with innovative opening designs to make a memorable first impression. This could involve using gate folds, die-cut shapes, embossing, or other creative techniques to introduce the report’s theme or key message.
3. ORGANIZE YOUR INFORMATION
Structure the content of the report in a clear and organized manner. Use headings, subheadings and visual cues to guide readers through different sections such as financial performance, operational highlights, strategic initiatives and impact stories.
4. GO SMALL
Don’t have to send a big booklet? Just mail a postcard with a link to download the full annual report online. University of Wisconsin Foundation did this in 2020 during COVID when paper was scarce.
5. MAKE A TIMELINE
If you have date-based information to share, present it in a timeline format for easy reading. This visually engaging approach is more interesting than a simple list of dates and events.
6. SHOW STATISTICS
Showcase the company’s achievements, milestones, and significant events from the past year. This could include financial performance, product launches, awards and recognitions, community initiatives, and sustainability efforts.
7. TELL STORIES
While numbers and dates are important, nothing connects better than stories of people impacted by your work. Ensure your annual report includes anecdotes for engaging reading. People love working with and donating to other people, so include the human element in your copy.
Need help with design, printing or mailing your next annual report? Reach out to us for a quote!
