Digital strategy: Structure and Processes

In the past years, I've developed an expertise in defining, building, refining and testing digital strategies for significant companies and brands. Digital media strategies generate awareness, define Web 2.0 policies, build communities for stakeholder alignment, establish thought leadership and reach key constituents through all digital mediums. These are, at a very high level, the structure and processes I've seen that were effective in developing the optimal digital strategy roadmap.

STEP 1 : General education – what is out there ?Repository of knowledge

Market analysis and trends
- New technologies
- New consumer behavior / usage stats
- Competitive landscape
- How it affects Media / Other departments

In the form of
- Presentations
- Briefs, posts on intranet
- Studies

STEP 2 : Strategic assessment – where are we now ?
Current digital situation (high level)
- Yearly updates
- Renewals every year

Corporate
- Values, mission, vision
- SWOT
- Core competencies
- Brand promise / BHAG

Context / Market
- Trends
- 4Ps
- Revenue behaviors

Consumer segment
- Demographics / Personas
- Interests
- Life-phase / roles
- Consumer behavior

Competitors
- USPs

Capacities
- Innovation
- Budget

STEP 3 : Opportunity development – where can we go ?
Identification of viable opportunities

Use cases
- Scenario-driven
- Consumer-based

Investment criteria
- w/ M&A group

Considerations
- Budgeting
- Market

STEP 4 : Digital media mix – how can we get there ?
Find the best mix to accomplish selected options with:
- Functionalities
- Media reach
- Expected results
- Digital team’s capabilities

Develop roadmaps

Customization of monetization features

STEP 5 : R&D and Partners – who can help us get there ?
Buy vs Build vs Partnering

Based on preset criteria

Builds the funnel for future acquisitions

Test out new concepts without significant investments