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Conducting a digital audit of your business
Many small business owners believe that they are already using digital technology effectively, because they have a website and Facebook page. But there are many more ways to use digital technology to improve your business outcomes.
Conducting a digital audit will help you work out whether your business is a digital novice, digitally active or digitally advanced.
The 3 stages of digital innovation
Surviving (novice)
A business at this stage would have some digital innovation by using basic and broad digital channels. For example, they might have a website that isn't updated regularly, and are unable to accept orders via email.
Consolidating (active)
A business at this stage would have moderate digital innovation, with a website that is actively used as an e-commerce platform to accept orders. They may be using various pieces of software internally to simplify their processes, or they may be using some cloud-based services for remote workers.
Leading (advanced)
A business at this stage is at the top of the digital innovation game, and constantly striving to better its digital position. They embrace digital solutions across the 9 key components of a digital strategy, and invest in technology and digital solutions across every level of the business.
Digital audit tool
Use the digital audit tool below to assess your business's digital readiness. In each row, read the descriptions and select the option that best describes your business. The column with the most options selected reflects whether your business is a digital novice, active or advanced. This information will help you to create a successful digital strategy.
| Surviving (novice) | Consolidating (active) | Leading (advanced) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online presence | You have developed and launched a business website |
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| Your online presence | |||
| Digital marketing |
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| Your digital marketing | |||
| Customer interaction |
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| Your customer interaction | |||
| Supplier interaction | You find, order from and pay suppliers online |
Your online ordering and stock control is integrated with suppliers’ online systems |
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| Your supplier interaction | |||
| Mobility | Your online services are optimised for mobile devices, and you provide support for mobile customers |
You interact with mobile customers, use mobile devices within the business, and may allow telecommuting for staff |
You use location-aware and device-aware marketing, mobile apps and mobile product delivery |
| Your mobility | |||
| Online security | You change passwords regularly |
You have business-wide policies and security processes, including for disaster recovery |
You have multiple backup systems, security certificates and digital signatures |
| Your online security | |||
| Technology and efficiency |
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You use cloud computing, have a software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) |
You have scalable online business models, integrated systems and customer intelligence |
| Your technology and efficiency | |||
| Business strategy | You are aware of the need for a digital strategy and its likely impacts |
Critical digital capabilities are built into your business plan and marketing plan |
Your business plan and marketing plan are primarily focused on digital business |
| Your business strategy |
Benchmark your digital readiness
Remember to benchmark your business against other similar businesses in your industry, to get an idea of which tasks are most important. Your business may not need to be digitally advanced in all areas, but you should aim to match or surpass your competitors.
Our market research kit can help you research your competitors.
Also consider...
- Watch a recorded webinar for an introduction to digital strategy.
- Revisit your business vision to make sure your digital strategy is in line with your business goals and aspirations.
- Learn how to maintain your competitive advantage.
- Last reviewed: 17 Jul 2017
- Last updated: 24 Jun 2016