The calendar doesn’t lie: the end of the fiscal year is only nine weeks away! While your annual report may be the lowest priority on your “to-do” list, I can help you make it a higher priority and an easier lift. Planning your annual report requires (and deserves) synchronicity well before your production deadline. So plan ahead now to create the annual report that wins hearts and business!
Assemble the right team.
The most effective annual reports result from collaborations between finance, programs, communications, and leadership. Ask your colleagues to create a running list of milestones and metrics now to include in your annual report at year-end. Give your colleagues the time and space to share the stories and the stats that matter, instead of rushing this process at the end.
Communicate your design goals now.
Graphic designers are gifted creatives, but they need direction from the client to craft compelling visual stories. When meeting with creatives, share samples that you love and ask if they’re within the scope of your budget. If a 20-page visual masterpiece has captured your heart, graphic designers may be able to help you achieve a similar look and feel at a price point that works for you. Communicating your goals clearly leads to stronger outcomes.
Consider digital-only distribution.
Today is Earth Day. If moving from a print publication to digital-only distribution is a longtime goal, perhaps this is the year to make it a reality. If digital distribution feels right for your evolving brand and is aligned with your budget, incorporating some of these elements can make your data pop:
Video: Short-format, storytelling videos featuring local business success stories
Hover effects: Display additional data or explanations when users hover over graphs or charts.
Animated infographics: Dynamic representations of key metrics (business expansions and locations, attendance numbers, media mentions)
Integrated social media sharing: Pre-format sharing links to make it easy for readers to share your wins.
Collect testimonials, photos, and videos during spring events.
Spring has sprung, and seasonal conferences, Business Appreciation Week events, and training programs are pushing through the soil (and populating your Google calendar). Anticipate the partners and small businesses that will attend conferences, ribbon cuttings, and workshops that you’re hosting or attending and secure testimonials, photography, and video for your annual report now. Capturing genuine excitement for a project or collaboration is easier when people attend “feel good” events in the community. Seize the moment today!
Incorporate your report into storytelling throughout the year.
Your annual report is a powerful conversation starter with new and expanding businesses, community members, and collaborators all year long. Seeding annual report successes into your content calendar of social media, blogs, and e-newsletters gives your organization credibility, so plan these mentions now. By the same token, encourage business development teams to sprinkle metrics into their conversations with prospective businesses and site selectors.
PPR Strategies created a free resource to lighten your load and inspire you to create an annual report that reflects your organization’s innovation and impact. Click here to download our Guide to Planning Your Annual Report!
