How do you create and present clear and concise web project reports and updates to your stakeholders?

One of the most important aspects is the consistency in the frequency of your project reports, whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - decide it and stick to it. A lot of this ultimately depends on the project's duration and the stakeholders' needs - experience has taught me it's often better to start economically (with monthly reports) and then over deliver on the frequency (occasional bi weekly updates) - than to over promise (on weekly reports) and leave stakeholders wondering what's happened if the reports don't get delivered to that schedule. You'll find that a natural order of things evolves when you get into the project and you'll find the rhythm that works for the stakeholders involved

Reporting data and progress can be a tricky thing if you don't define the scope upfront - it can easily draw you into a rabbit hole of analytics. Define your scope with the end in mind: who is requesting the report? How often do they need it? Are they knowledgeable on the topic or not? And most importantly: what is their underlying question? It's never just about numbers: it's about the impact these numbers have on the organization.

It is crucial to tailor your reports and narratives to highlight those specific outcomes. Instead of simply exporting results and conducting analysis, go a step further by creating compelling stories that resonate with your audience's interests. By shaping your reports to align with the priorities of top leadership, you not only enhance stakeholder engagement but also contribute to improved data maturity and accuracy. Craft narratives that captivate and deliver insights in a format that appeals to the preferences of your users. This strategic approach often results in a positive ripple effect, fostering a greater understanding of business requirements beyond just the realm of your website.

Incorporate visual elements like charts, graphs, and diagrams to present information in a concise and easily understandable manner. For a lot of people time is money and visual overviews can convey information quickly and efficiently, they help stakeholders grasp the project's status and identify any areas of obvious and immediate concern - they can always be backed up with more detailed data for those that need to drill into it.

A fixed order of things makes the report easy to read. Start with an executive summary containing the most important conclusions, then go in-depth on the data and provide context and finish with recommendations or next steps.

Try to avoid jargon where possible, or provide a brief definition where you can't leave it out. Assuming your audience knows specific terminology is a very tricky thing to do, and you want your report to clarify things, not confuse people! Keep your writing concise, clear and direct.

As my cabinet making grandfather used to say "Measure twice cut once" - check it and check it again. Sometimes we're so focused in it we fail to see glaring errors staring us right in the face.

Once the first draft is written, put it away for a moment and get yourself a coffee or go do something else to get your mind off of it. This can really help you proofread the report later with a fresh pair of eyes. Chances are you'll spot any typos or other errors quicker.

There are an array of online tools now that allow your stakeholders to view and deliver feedback in a concise and organized manner, you can use these to seek feedback from stakeholders regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of your project reports. Utilize the feedback to adjust your reporting approach based on their input to ensure it meets their needs and expectations.

Don't just throw your well-written report over the fence without context: I prefer presenting it briefly in a meeting so I can tackle any questions or uncertainties immediately. Once I've presented the conclusions, I follow up after the meeting with the report via email.

Considering accessibility before starting a project is crucial for several reasons, including cost, image, and potential legal issues. Cost: Addressing accessibility at the beginning of a project can be more cost-effective than retrofitting or making changes later. Potential Lawsuits: Many countries have laws and regulations in place to ensure equal access and prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This approach promotes equality, demonstrates social responsibility, and helps avoid potential financial, reputational, and legal consequences of inaccessible designs. https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/

Understand the stakeholders' audience, roles, interests, and level of technical knowledge to tailor your report accordingly. Highlight the most important information and updates in your report, such as progress made, roadblocks encountered, and next steps. Use graphs, charts, and images to present data in a more digestible and visually appealing way. Use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively. Use a consistent format for your reports to make it easier for stakeholders to understand and compare data over time. Identify any potential risks or issues that may impact the project and provide recommendations for mitigating them.