10 tips to keep your communications creative in 2026

1

Ensure storytelling is front and centre

With AI, automation, complexity and regulation reshaping how people process information, storytelling has never been more essential. Clear messaging – shaped by human insight, craft and narrative – cuts through the noise and delivers impact. Consistency across channels is vital.

2

Connect to a wider audience through accessibility

As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) continues to influence digital standards, accessibility isn’t optional – it’s fundamental. Creating inclusive experiences ensures your content works for everyone, regardless of ability. Now is the time to make sure your brand is fully prepared and accessible by design.

3

Improve PDF readability with a landscape format

Whether for annual reports, sustainability disclosures or marketing materials, switching to landscape format (if you haven’t already) can significantly improve readability – especially on desktop. It remains printer‑friendly but offers a cleaner and more modern reading experience.

4

Use AI as a tool rather than a solution

AI is one of the defining topics in comms and it’s a powerful asset for idea generation, speeding up workflows and removing repetitive tasks, but it’s just that – an asset. Use AI to enhance your craft, not replace it, and keep human judgement at the heart of every creative decision.

5

Transform the reporting experience with a digital year in review

With around half of the FTSE 100 now producing a digital year in review, this format is becoming the new norm – and its influence will only grow in 2026. A digital experience elevates key messages, provides valuable user analytics and supports AI-driven content discovery. Remember to use QR codes and hyperlinks to drive audiences to your microsite. 

6

Sprinkle in video and animation to attract attention

Motion is now a communication essential. From micro‑animations on websites to short‑form video on social media, movement boosts clarity, modernity and engagement. Use animation to explain complex ideas quickly, such as “what we do”. Create energy and excitement.

7

Showcase ESG credentials with personality

Is the sustainability report dead? Or is it an opportunity to improve your storytelling and brand in creative new ways? Use your sustainability reporting as a chance to add a bit of flex to your brand guidelines: add colour, illustration, photography and more personality.

8

Bring data to life with infographics

Great infographics turn data into immediate understanding. Use visual hierarchy, clear iconography and considered motion (where relevant) to help people navigate information quickly. Whether it’s governance, financial or sustainability, well‑designed data visuals make complex stories instantly accessible.

9

Adapt your external comms to your internal comms

You don’t need to start from scratch when communicating internally. Most external content can be adapted into employee‑facing formats with small tweaks such as simplifying language, or repurposing visuals for an intranet. By re‑editing what you’ve already created, you keep the message consistent and gain maximum value from the work you’ve already done, without a heavy lift. Topics like storytelling and accessibility above are vitally important for internal comms too.

10

Activate via social media and clear linkage

Remember to activate your comms to ensure they reach more audiences. Social media is the obvious place to start, and you need impact to stop people scrolling past. Also, don’t forget something as simple as QR codes driving from the report to a video or digital year in review. Once you’ve spent the time creating the comms, make it as easy as possible for people to find.