Been building some reporting templates for our growth team but they feel too focused on just showing data.
Want to structure them so they actually push people toward specific decisions instead of just explaining what happened.
Focus each report on one specific action you want from them.
I use templates with “What we learned” and “What’s next for next week” sections. Always add deadline dates.
Show them exactly what happens if they follow your recommendation vs. doing nothing. Numbers beat explanations here.
Start with your decision, then back it up with data.
I used to send reports that nobody read. Now I put a box at the top: “Recommendation: Increase iOS budget by 30%” or “Action needed: Pause Facebook creative set B”.
Then I show the 3-4 key metrics behind that decision. That’s it.
Add a “what happens if we don’t act” section too. People move when they see what waiting costs them.
Just add a simple yes/no question at the end.
Focus each report on one decision. Not five options or general insights. I use three parts: the choice, what delay costs, and next steps with owners. Like: “Double down on cohort X or pivot to Y?” Show the revenue hit from waiting another week. End with who does what by when. Make it obvious and urgent.
Highlight one red metric that’s broken. People move faster when they see something’s clearly busted.