B2B digital commerce is no longer limited to storefronts and e-commerce mobile websites and is growing faster than ever before. In fact, due to the current pandemic and the ongoing changes in how businesses operate globally, relying on B2B commerce is no longer a choice but a necessity. Cutting-edge digital technologies have upgraded B2B omnichannel marketing to a more enhanced B2B digital commerce, enabling businesses to sell products to other businesses by delivering consistent brand experience and making analytics-driven decisions. Some of the factors that support this exponential hike in B2B digital commerce are:
- A sudden rise in mobile commerce
- Emerging cloud-based e-commerce platforms
- Integration of digital commerce platforms with ERPs, CRMs and PIM systems
- Use of digital commerce analytics
However, the foundation of any modern e-commerce business operation is based on a fail-proof B2B commerce strategy, the right technology selection, platform evaluation, roadmap creation and a map for success journey. Now this is where you will need the help of an experienced digital commerce consultant who will guide you throughout your digital commerce journey.
Here are the main factors that you must consider when you hire a digital commerce consultant:
1. Digital commerce expertise
The digital commerce consultant that you hire must have a breadth of experience and a hand-picked team who is well-versed with digital commerce technologies such as Sitecore Experience Commerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Magento Commerce, SAP Hybris and others to accelerate your B2B e-commerce business. Ask them technical questions pertaining to digital commerce platforms evaluation, strategy, B2B e-commerce store upgrades and maintenance, digital commerce analytics, customer experience optimization and more. Their answers to these questions will give you a fair idea of their technical expertise.
Check if they are up-to-date on the latest digital commerce trends. Also, do not ignore the fact that they should be proficient in digital marketing optimization that includes delivering engaging content to your B2B customers across various channels, with the right set of analytics from web to big data.
2. Industry references testimonials
Before you hire a digital commerce consultant, make sure you get some of their clients’ testimonials and industry references from them. Contact those references to ascertain the company’s work quality, level of customer service, work ethic, integrity, reliability, etc.
You can also check the company’s reviews on websites such as Clutch or Skilled. These websites will give you an idea if their clients recommend them for projects that are similar to yours.
Also, figure out how they are ranked among others in the industry. These things validate whether a service provider’s quality of service and work experience are sufficient to tackle your project.
3. Contract and engagement model
Your groundwork is very important. So, list down your priorities like budget, timelines, milestones, deadlines, reports, flexibility on collaboration, time to market and others before hiring a B2B digital commerce consulting service provider. Also, decide the engagement model of necessary resources – hourly, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, annually that would be allocated for your project. It’s better to have clarity about these aspects before you partner with a digital commerce company to avoid any discrepancies later.
4. Reporting and communication
When you develop your digital commerce project, it is very important to get timely work reports and establish regular communication with the team. This will keep you aware of every aspect of your project. Moreover, you will be able to give your inputs during the on-going project. So, don’t forget to ask your consultant about their approach from time-to-time through various modes of communication.
Prefer face-to-face meetings with the entire team. This builds trust and encourages greater alliance. Collaborate using the latest technologies that have made it easier to conduct meetings anytime and anywhere via video conferencing and collaboration platforms.
The final say
The prevalence of B2B digital commerce signifies that B2B businesses must enhance and streamline their clients’ shopping journey. Therefore, give priority to digital commerce consultation for roadmap design, digital solution, customer experience, legacy modernization and digital marketing cautious planning, platform evaluation, strategy and implementation for custom programming and development.
Hence, you must get help from the right digital e-commerce solution provider who will seamlessly guide you throughout your digital commerce journey. If you wish to know more about how to accelerate your business with the right e-commerce platform, talk to our experts.
