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The average online annual report is moving rapidly from a basic downloadable PDF to a format that provides a richer online experience. Broadly speaking there are three ways to take your online reporting forward, the most appropriate option for you depends on how advanced you consider your online communications should be.

HTML+ (gold)

• Much easier for web users to navigate to specific information.
• With a design developed specifically for web browsers, the online presentation is much improved.
• Enriched reporting becomes possible, in the form of additional digital media such as corporate videos, flash, etc.
• Interactive tools that help disseminate information becomes possible, such as interactive financial calendars, download centres across multiple formats, image libraries, a help centre etc.

HTML/PDF (silver)

• For the narrative section of the report you have all the benefits of a full HTML report.
• The financials remain in PDF format and so this option is quicker and cheaper to implement than a full HTML report.

Navigable PDF (bronze)

• Web-friendly interface for PDFs that improves online usability.
• Users can use familiar web navigation to access specific sections of the report.
• Presents simple functions intuitively, such as downloads, print basket, email a friend, search and zoom.
• Does not require any additional proofreading as it Whichever way you choose to improve your online annual uses a version of the final printed PDF.
• An express navigable PDF loads faster than a standard PDF download report, consider the following dos and don’ts.

Do

• Provide access to relevant information in a way that is engaging online.
• Continue to provide a full PDF without external hypertext links to maintain the integrity of the annual report from an audit perspective.
• Ensure your online annual report meets the Disability Discrimination Act requirements.

Don’t

• Produce your web version as an afterthought.
• Add unnecessary bells and whistles.