Data Storytelling Resources: Your Comprehensive Guide
Data storytelling is an essential skill in today's data-driven world. This guide compiles valuable resources to help you master the art of turning data into compelling narratives.
If you’ve seen my MeasureFest talk at BrightonSEO, as I promised you can explore my reliable resources from this template.
Getting Started:
This section prepares you for the main concepts as a beginner:
Storytelling with Data - Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic: Enhance your data storytelling skills with this my favourite book! In this book, whether you’re creating engaging presentations or reports, you can explore many insights you can understand the fundamentals of data storytelling. I highly recommend reading this book to everyone even if you’re not a data person!
Blogs and Online Resources:
Data Viz 101: The Essential Guide to Data Visualisation: It's a beginner-friendly guide that I wish I had when I started my journey into the world of data visualisation. Data viz is a crucial component of effective storytelling with data.
In this 101 guide, you'll find:
The importance of data visualisation
Key concepts
Dashboard considerations and more!
Storytelling with Data Blog: If you want to learn more beyond the book, you can also check this blog from basic to advanced articles.
Best Practices for Effective Dashboards: I really like Tableau’s guide for understanding the basics. There are tips on best practices for creating effective dashboards in Tableau.
USDA Blog: Reviewing other visualisations is key to improving your skills. In this blog, you can explore a variety of interactive data visualizations.
Telling Stories with Data: I highly recommend this data storytelling video by Lazarina Stoy.
Data Visualization Best Practices Handbook: It's a quick overview of important parts of data visualisation.
My BrightonSEO Deck: Look at my #MeasureFest deck to improve your Tableau skills for marketing reports and data storytelling.
Developing Your Data Storytelling Skills:
Now that you've grasped the basics of data storytelling, it's time to build on that foundation. This section will help you refine your skills and tackle more complex storytelling challenges.
1. Advanced Visualisation Techniques
Move beyond basic charts and graphs:
Learn how to create and use proper chart types
Explore interactive visualizations using tools like Tableau
Practice combining multiple visualizations to tell a cohesive story
Resource: Data Visualization Catalogue, 10 Tableau Hacks
2. Narrative Structure and Flow
Develop more sophisticated storytelling structures:
Study classic narrative arcs and apply them to data stories
Learn to create compelling hooks and satisfying conclusions
Practice transitioning smoothly between different data points
Book: "Storytelling with Data: Let's Practice!" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Blog: Telling Effective Data Stories with Data, Narrative, and Visuals
3. Audience Analysis and Customization
Tailor your stories to specific audiences:
Learn techniques for audience research and persona development
Practice adapting your story for different stakeholders (e.g., executives, technical teams, the general public)
Explore how to balance detail and high-level insights for various audiences
Webinar: Tableau Webinar Series
4. Storytelling Across Different Mediums
Adapt your stories for various formats:
Learn how to create effective data-driven presentations
Explore techniques for writing data-focused articles or reports
Practice creating short-form data stories
My Favourite Tableau Templates for Digital Marketing
Elevate your digital marketing reports with these Tableau templates:
Digital Marketing Overview Report
Paid Marketing Dashboard
PPC Overview Report
Cross Channel Paid Media Dashboard
Paid Search - Google Ads Report
*I cannot find a well-crafted SEO report template so I will create and share it with you soon.
Advanced:
As you progress in your data storytelling journey, you'll want to explore more sophisticated techniques and tools. This section covers advanced concepts and resources to elevate your data narratives to the next level.
Data Storytelling Types Report
If you attended my BrightonSEO talk, you're already familiar with the various data story types I discussed. For those who missed it or want a deeper dive, I've shared a detailed report by Ben Jones, on each storytelling technique.
Key Features:
In-depth analysis of different data storytelling approaches
Real-world examples of each technique in action
Practical examples to help you master each storytelling method
Access the Data Storytelling Types Report
Advanced Tableau Visualizations
Tableau is a powerful tool for data visualisation and storytelling. This guide will walk you through creating sophisticated, eye-catching visualisations that go beyond the basics.
What You'll Learn:
Creating complex chart types (e.g., Sankey diagrams, network graphs)
Advanced formatting and design techniques
Using calculated fields and parameters for dynamic visualizations
Step-by-step examples for building an interactive dashboard
Explore:
Advanced Tableau Visualisations
Advanced Visualization Types Webinar
5 common advanced analytics scenarios & resources for Tableau
Tableau Desktop III: Advanced Course
Accelerators for Marketing
For marketing professionals looking to supercharge their data storytelling, Tableau offers a range of pre-built dashboards and stories designed specifically for marketing use cases.
Available Accelerators:
Digital Marketing Campaign Performance
Social Media Analytics
Customer Segmentation and Targeting
Marketing ROI Analysis
Google Analytics
These accelerators provide a head start in creating sophisticated marketing analytics stories, allowing you to focus on insights rather than building from scratch.
Next Steps:
As you master these advanced techniques, consider:
Contributing to open-source data visualisation projects
Attending data storytelling events
Get inspiration from experts
Events to Attend:
Tableau User Group London, #LondonTUG: One of the world's largest Tableau communities, meeting quarterly in Central London. Open to all skill levels, offering insights into Tableau products and networking opportunities. Hybrid options are available. Follow on LinkedIn for updates.
Data + Women London: A vibrant community for women in data. Regular face-to-face meetups in central London, with occasional hybrid/virtual events. Celebrates women's achievements in the data industry, sharing experiences and promoting success stories.
You can find all upcoming events in your region here.
Experts to Follow:
Learn from these industry professionals:
Tom Mitchell - Follow Data Dose Newsletter
Anastasiya Kuznetsova - Follow BI Bites Newsletter
Connect with me for further resources and templates! Gokce Yesilbas
Data storytelling is a powerful tool for communicating insights effectively. Use these resources to enhance your skills and create more impactful data narratives.
Note: This guide is regularly updated. Check back for new resources and feel free to suggest additions to me via Linkedin!