Digital strategy is now an expression that is used everywhere as confetti during a wedding. Every company boasts of having one, but you can ask them what they mean by it and you’ll likely get a myriad of responses. 

Are they talking about social media? Perhaps it’s all concerned with SEO or search engine optimization (SEO)? Maybe it’s a matter of mastering how to create email newsletters?

The reality is that a digital strategy functions much like a symphony of various strategies working together harmoniously. If you don’t have the right conductor your digital song could sound like a noise. 

Let’s look at some of the most successful examples of digital strategy as well as the reason to consider investing in them and what the digital strategy differs from a marketing strategy for digital. We’ll let you know that they’re not identical.

Why Should You Invest in a Digital Strategy?

Let’s get to the point: Digital strategy isn’t just something you want to have but an essential requirement in today’s business. Businesses that approach digital strategies with the “we’ll wing it” mentality are like marathon runners who show their race attire in flip-flops, and are bound to be a failure.

Here are some compelling reasons to invest in a digital strategy that must be among your first priority list.

• It’s all about growth: A well-thought-out digital strategy is your path to grow. In a time when more than 55% of all internet traffic is generated by smartphones, if you aren’t connecting with your clients online, your competition is.
• Develop a lasting online presence: Having a sustainable online presence isn’t only about the launch of a site or an Instagram posting every once every now and then. Digital strategies help you’re consistent across all channels of interaction making a more coherent and well-known brand.
• Superpowers of Data: If you’ve got an effective digital strategy, you’re not just winging your web efforts. Data is being used to make educated decisions, optimize campaigns, and get in front of your customers more efficiently.
• More than marketing just A well-designed digital strategy encompasses operations and customer service, product development and, yes, marketing. This is the thread which ties your company into the digital web of your field.

A digital strategy goes beyond simply ensuring that you’re relevant; it is about setting the foundation for long-term success and growth of your business. Let’s ensure you know the difference between this and a digital marketing strategy before diving deep into some examples.

Digital Strategy vs. Digital Marketing Strategy

A lot of people refer to both digital and marketing strategies as interchangeable terms, but it’s the same as saying that your smartphone and charger are one and the same, each one is a device that can power the other.

Here’s a brief overview of the distinction.

Digital Strategy

The digital strategy provides the overall plan of how your company makes use of digital tools and technology to achieve its larger goals. This is not limited to the marketing aspect, but additionally transformation projects (think automation eCommerce, AI-powered customer service). This is the reason and the method that drives your digital presence.

Digital Marketing Strategy

The digital marketing plan is an element of your digital strategy that focuses exclusively on the way you utilize the internet (social media email, SEO, content marketing and more.) to market your business. 

This is what and where you will put your advertisements on the internet to promote your business, the type of marketing strategy you employ to market your business, and so on.

In essence, a digital strategy covers every aspect of your company’s online development and a digital marketing plan focuses on marketing.

Digital Strategy Examples

Once we’re well-heated, it’s time to consider what a successful and strong digital strategy could appear like.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Starbucks

Starbucks isn’t just about serving lattes, it’s also about interacting with customers at a digital level. Through its loyalty program and app, Starbucks has successfully created customized experiences for each customer. 

Starbucks collects information about the preferences of customers and utilizes it to deliver specific offers, recommend beverages, and boost the overall experience.

Starbucks has also stepped up the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to enhance customer experience on mobile, predict the behavior of customers, and improve the management of its inventory. Starbucks’ use of AI can help create an experience that is seamless, and that makes customers feel as if they are being listened to by the company and their preferences for coffee.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Integration: IKEA

IKEA has made the next step in digital innovation by expanding their IKEA Place app by integrating IKEA Kreativ, a tool that allows customers to visualize furniture within their homes by using Augmented Reality (AR). 

Customers can now scan rooms using their phones and get the latest product recommendations that they can then buy online or save to use for their next visit to the store.

Virtual real-time (VR) integration also permits customers to view online tours through IKEA showrooms. This is especially beneficial to customers who shop online but want to look at the items “in person.” It’s an amalgamation of innovation, convenience and customer-centricity which showcases the IKEA digital strategy.

Content Strategy: Duolingo

Duolingo has stepped up its game on TikTok by introducing quirky, interesting, relevant content that entertains, but also educates. The mascot of the company, Duo, a green Owl with a sly personality is now a TikTok success with millions of people taking advantage of its fun and engaging language learning abilities.

The owl doesn’t just teach languages in a boring traditional way — Duo is making hilarious content, jumping on the latest trending topics, and engaging in meme culture which makes learning languages be enjoyable and accessible.

From humorous skits to relatable struggles with language learning Duo’s fun-loving presence has turned Duolingo’s TikTok into a must-follow page. 

Utilizing the virality from social networking, leveraging the algorithm of TikTok, and adjusting its marketing strategy for content, Duolingo has created shareable relevant content that blends education and entertainment.

Personalization: Amazon

Amazon has introduced a brand fresh level of individualization through personal Shopper by Prime Try Before You Buy which makes use of AI to give style recommendations. 

This new feature goes above and beyond the simple suggestion of a product using an advanced algorithm that analyses the customer’s past purchases and browsing history, as well as personal style preferences, as well as reviews of products.

Based on the information using this data, the AI creates a collection of clothes and accessories that fit the individual’s style and makes shopping not only easy but also personal.

Through by integrating AI into every stage of the shopping experience, Amazon is showing the business how the future for retail is in personalized shopping — offering consumers the exact items they want before they even realize they’re looking for it.

Digital-First: Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Pizza has mastered the art of convenience using its digital strategy. It added more advanced voice ordering using AI-powered assistants. Through the use of the power of voice, customers are able to make an order with their smart devices at home, such as Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. 

This has made it easier to complete the process of ordering to make it as simple as a simple voice command.

Domino’s is investing in automation. Domino’s has tested self-driving delivery vehicles in some regions and is also experimenting with drone delivery. With investments in digital technology, Domino’s is ensuring the brand is a leader in food delivery innovations.

How To Create a Digital Strategy

Are you feeling invigorated? You’ve made it! Let’s get an overview of how you can create your personal digital strategy. This isn’t rocket science however, it will require some thinking, planning and a clear understanding of your company’s objectives.

• Make clear your goals: Begin by defining what you would like to accomplish. Are you looking for more engagement with customers or better internal processes or increased sales on the internet? For instance, if the goal is to increase your sales as the primary goal, the incorporation of conversion marketing strategies will be crucial in guiding your overall strategy.
• Make use of technology: whether it’s AI VR, AR or automation, you need to find the best technology to support your objectives. There are a variety of digital marketing solutions to help you improve your efficiency with everything from marketing automation software and analytics tools. Be aware that a successful digital strategy doesn’t mean jumping onto every trend that’s new; it’s about making use of the best technology to meet your needs.
• Monitor and adjust Changes in the digital age happen quickly, so your strategy should be able to adapt. Be aware of the key metrics of success (KPIs) and returns on investments (ROI) , keep track of the feedback of customers and be ready to pivot as needed.

The process of developing a digital strategy can appear difficult, but it’s actually an opportunity for you to make a difference in your business. 

It’s important to think about it carefully and adapt if necessary and ensure that your customers are in the center of all you undertake. Digital transformation is not only about keeping pace, it’s about being ahead of the curve.