How Do Brands Create a Digital Transformation Roadmap?
In the rapidly changing world of commerce, digital channels are critical to success. Research from IDG shows that nearly 90% of companies plan to adopt a digital-first business strategy. Brands that do not fully embrace the move to digital risk falling behind while competitors thrive.
A successful digital transformation involves integrating modern technology into current business operations. It also requires a total shift in how you approach bringing value to customers. The process begins with a sound strategy.
You must create a digital transformation roadmap that defines your goals and how you plan to get there. While the steps vary based on business needs, your roadmap should observe the following structure:
- Research and due diligence
- Defining transformation strategy and objectives
- Identifying technology requirements for implementing the strategy
- Reviewing, approving, and launching the project
- Transitioning business operations into the new processes
When constructing your digital transformation roadmap, there are several important areas needed to maximize your success. In this post, I’ll outline the key drivers of a successful digital transformation and the technologies required to get there.
Key Drivers of a Successful Digital Transformation
Organizational structure to support digital growth
There must be single-threaded ownership for the entire customer experience. Because many C-level executives do not have digital backgrounds, it is best practice to integrate a chief digital officer (CDO) to handle these responsibilities.
Customer experience and site performance
Excellent customer experience and website performance are table stakes for today’s buyers. Customers expect brands to deliver seamless and meaningful experiences across every digital touchpoint. Those that provide can turn customers into loyal brand advocates.
When planning your digital transformation roadmap, conduct a customer experience audit. Look for quick wins that you can leverage as well as areas for improvement. Doing so will ensure that your purchasing path is efficient and easy to follow.
Mobile optimization
Many companies approach their digital transformation through their desktop experience. Make optimization for mobile a top priority as most of today’s shoppers use mobile devices. Ensure pages load quickly, simplify navigation, and offer quick payment and checkout options.
Focusing on growth levers after covering the basics
After establishing the e-commerce fundamentals, you can focus on the growth levers that allow you to scale. Define opportunities for winning new customers, increasing repeat purchases, and boosting order values.
Channel expansion
Third-party marketplaces, comparison shopping engines, and wholesaling to resellers are viable options for growing your digital presence. You can also use social selling to build a stronger connection with your audience.
Powering Digital Transformation with Modern Technology
The traditional approach to e-commerce architecture uses a monolithic platform where each service lives in the same codebase. This setup makes it difficult to scale and deploy updates quickly. Instead, brands can take advantage of a modern architecture built on APIs.
With a services-based, API-first architecture, each e-commerce service exists as its individual module. By decoupling the system, you have the flexibility to create frontend experiences unique to each touchpoint. You also improve speed to market as developers and marketers can work in parallel.
With third-party SaaS providers like fabric, you can implement best-in-breed microservices without developing the solutions in-house.
Plan for Growth with fabric Digital Services
fabric digital services uses an approach to designing and implementing strategies for e-commerce growth. Agile and collaborative, it accelerates digital transformation. Learn more about how our team of e-commerce professionals can position you for future success.
Customer marketing @ fabric. Previously @ Staples, BORDERLINX, and Groupon.
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