Online Business Planning is a key activity that needs to be performed before embarking on the development of an online store.  Too many companies move straight into the website development and online stores, before clarifying online strategies and before carefully planning their entry into, or improvement of, their online trading environments.

As with any development process, it is important that clear plans are in place in terms of online objectives, strategies, resources, etc.  Key focus areas covered by ClickDirect during a client OBP exercise are tailored to the specific client needs.

These include:

• The development of an online strategy.
• A detailed competitor analysis.
• A product and market analysis for the intended site positioning.
• Preliminary logistics planning.
• Preliminary online marketing plans
• A high-level technical analysis.
• Resource Planning.
• Implementation planning.

Once these steps have been undertaken, clients are far more ready to embark on online development processes - Back to Top

Specific benefits include:

• Increased knowledge relating to competitor strategies and positioning.
• Increased understanding of the key factors that drive electronic trading success (this includes traffic creation and conversion monitoring).
• An agreed strategy relating to the products and services to be sold online, upselling opporunities as well as the intended target market.
• A high-level technical systems architecture that provides a framework for development (if required).
• A clear plan, including timing and deliverables, relating to the entire online trading project process.
• A good understanding of the key resource requirements, start-up capital required and budgets associated with the online development and implementation process.
• Practical plans relating to product logistics and delivery processes.
• Agreed structures and arrangements relating to the provision of electronic payments systems.
• Specific ideas, concepts and strategies for initial online store marketing campaigns.

The practical benefits of conducting an online business planning strategy are significant.  The downside of not taking the time to plan before embarking on the implementation of an online trading system could be costly and will invariably end up delivering sub-optimal results - Back to top

ClickDirect has extensive experience and credentials in the area of strategic business planning, electronic commerce, systems planning and architecture, as well as change and project management.  Our approach to OBP is simple but thorough, covering all the elements required to ensure that our client’s online trading experience is successful.

From the outset, the ClickDirect team develops a comprehensive understanding of the client’s key business drivers and the factors that will ensure successful trading on the Internet, we ensure that costs are minimised and your returns maximised.  The focus is then on planning, jointly with client management, the key areas outlined earlier.

On all assignments, the client is allocated a project manager, who reports directly to a senior client executive.  Regular report–back sessions are held and all plans are presented to management for approval.  Depending on the size of the client, as well as the trading opportunity, small project teams may be established.  All project findings, strategies, plans, etc, are well documented and serve as a basis for the development process to follow - Back to top

OBP is required in order to ensure that the investments made in online trading activities, achieve the desired result. It is only with careful planning and sound strategy that an organisations online trading results can be optimised - Back to top

Achieve your online business success, contact us today