According to Backlinko data, only 1/3 of businesses reach their digital transformation goals. And digital transformation is definitely something all businesses are attempting (clearly not always well).
The issue is that the concept of digital transformation is more than moving from paper to computer systems. It’s a complete transformation of an entire business infrastructure using digital strategies like AI and hybrid cloud to transform a business, as the name suggests.
Still, the numbers don’t lie, and a big chunk of businesses are doing it wrong. But with 94% of US and UK businesses having a digital transformation strategy of some sort (Backlinko data), it’s interesting to learn about the concept of a resilient online business and what that looks like.
Read on to find out more.
What Does a Digital Transformation Include?
It depends on how digital your business is. By definition, according to the Enterprise Project, a digital transformation is ‘the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.’
In general, most businesses are going for a complete digital transformation of every system using digital processes and tools. The most common digital processes and tools include:
- Cloud computing
- Project management software
- CMS platforms
- Digital accounting tools
- Digital workplace suites
- Digital marketing tools
- Website builders
Of course, a lot of this is outsourced. For example, some companies can build an entire cloud computing infrastructure and maintain it externally. There are some tools that businesses can easily utilise. For example, free business website templates are easy to use and build the foundation of a digital platform that will grow a business. And realistically, the website is where it all begins (or the app). An easy-to-navigate, well-designed user interface and attractive-looking websites.
In general, the tools you need depend on your business objectives.
What Does The ‘Digital Landscape’ Look Like Now?
The digital landscape is what people like to call it – we’d say it’s closer to a digital never-ending black hole. According
The digital landscape now covers everything, and you’d be lying if you said the least digital you ever are as a consumer interacting with businesses is going to the supermarkets to buy your food. And, even then, more people are turning to ordering their food shops online and having it delivered to their door. Or, you might even go into a card shop if you’re feeling fancy or the gym if you’re one of the good ones.
There are probably a few more instances when we venture out of our homes and into the real world of business interaction, but we can’t deny it’s limited. We order our food online, takeaways online, clothes online, presents online…the list goes on. We even make our booking reservations online.
So, what we’re trying to say is that the digital landscape is everything. And for a business trying to compete against something that’s everything, resilience is essential.
Forbes data states the top industries for digital-first strategies are the following:
- Services: 95%
- Financial Services: 93%
- Healthcare: 92%
We argue most businesses fall into the first category. But, in general, 44% of companies have already started a digital-first approach.
Strategies for Online Resilience
Online resilience is the ability to keep moving even when your biggest product flops or a cyberattack tries to ruin your day. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward.
So, what does online resilience look like?
First, it’s having systems in place to absorb shocks. Think of cloud backups, emergency funds, and customer services that won’t disappear if your online AI chatbot isn’t working.
It’s also about not being too reliant on one revenue stream or one product. If one side of your business takes a hit, another should be ready to carry the weight.
Agility also matters. Markets move fast, and consumers shift preferences like the wind. If your business is too rigid, it’ll crack. But if you’re set up to pivot, you’ll stay ahead. Maybe it’s switching platforms, changing suppliers, or tweaking a product launch based on real-time feedback.
And then there’s speed. Resilient businesses don’t wait around. When something happens—good or bad—they act fast. Even if all the facts aren’t in yet. It’s better to adjust on the move than to freeze in place.
Why Do Businesses Need Online Resilience?
Because disruptions are coming whether you’re ready or not, it doesn’t matter if it’s a global pandemic, a platform algorithm change, or your supplier going MIA. If you don’t build resilience into your online business, you’re building a house on sand.
Online businesses today deal with more moving parts than ever. There’s tech to maintain, data to protect, and customers to please. And don’t even get started on logistics. One hiccup in the chain, and suddenly, a Karen is on Google Reviews saying you’re the worst company she’s ever experienced.
Here’s the thing—resilient businesses don’t just survive those hiccups. They use them. They learn, adjust, and come out stronger.
And let’s talk numbers. According to a recent survey, 90% of consumers are willing to wait longer for a delivery if it means avoiding high shipping costs. That tells you something. It’s not always about being fast—it’s about being reliable, consistent, and trustworthy.
So, if your online business can weather the storms, communicate clearly, and still deliver a solid experience, you’ll gain something more valuable than profit. You’ll earn trust.
What About The Consumer?
Let’s be real. None of this matters without the consumer. And today’s consumer? They love to be online. They know what they want, and they expect your business to know it, too.
Consumer expectations have shifted. Speed used to be king. Now, the buzzword is reliability. According to McKinsey, 90% of customers will leave a cart if shipping costs are too high. But they’ll wait two or three days if shipping is free. That’s power in predictability.
But it goes beyond delivery. Consumers want flexibility. They want to choose when, where, and how they receive their order. They want to return items without jumping through hoops. They want to track their packages in real-time (god forbid you can’t see how many stops until your order arrives). And they want all of that while sipping oat milk lattes and scrolling TikTok (not that there’s anything wrong with that; it sounds like the perfect morning to some people).
So what does that mean for you? It means your business has to be customer-first, not just customer-aware. That’s where we think so many businesses fail – they’re aware of what the consumer wants but don’t always put them first.
Use data to understand behavior. Big data analytics is also one of the big tools for digital transformation. Some of the best tools include:
- Oracle Business Intelligence
- Tableau
- Power BI
- Qlik
We highly recommend that you outsource that!
Create experiences that feel personal. Show them you care about their time and their trust. At the end of the day, your business doesn’t need to be the fastest or the cheapest. It just needs to be the one they come back to.
Conclusion
Building a resilient online business isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. About making quick decisions, learning from mistakes, and treating customers like the VIPs they are. Resilience is what keeps you moving when others stall. It’s what makes your brand dependable, not disposable. But more than anything, we’d say building online resilience is building a business that will survive.
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