Recent Project and Job Topics > Industry Consultants
Internet and Ecommerce consultants
The umbrella term Internet and eCommerce covers several distinct areas that all rely on internet technologies for their business models. eCommerce, or internet retail, is one of the largest. Internet marketing is another. Services provided over the Internet, such as social networking, financial services or cloud software subscriptions. Finally, there is online media, such as publishers, video web sites, and music services. Although these more rightly fall under the broader category of media, internet media business models are subject to unique conditions and challenges. In general, internet and eCommerce businesses are concerned with audience acquisition, whether web site visitors or ad viewers, and conversions, meaning the desired action a visitor takes such as completing a purchase or entering information.
Internet businesses evolve rapidly, driven by new technologies and ever-growing customer demand to conduct more and more business and personal activities online. Web sites may look dated after just two or three years, new platforms such as smartphones and tablets require companies to optimize for these devices, and new marketing and advertising channels open up with the launch of every social network. These innovations present substantial opportunities as well as challenges, and new business models evolve within days, not years or even months. Companies that successfully leverage these opportunities often engage consultants to provide specialized expertise in their particular industry area. Specialist consultants are likely to be up to date on the latest technologies, and are especially helpful when a company is just starting out in the online space, such as when a retailer launches an eCommerce site. For marketing and advertising, companies frequently turn to agencies, but often rely on consultants to outline the initial digital strategy before handing it over to an agency for execution.
Internet and eCommerce consultants come from a broad range of backgrounds, with many having spent time at small companies or start-ups, due to the newness of the field. Many have also worked at digital agencies or the digital arms of traditional agencies. A high level of quantitative proficiency is also expected, since Internet activity is highly trackable and quantifiable. While a general understanding of Internet business models is helpful, narrower expertise is often desired, since a consultant must be completely up to date on their field, which is difficult to maintain outside a narrow area. Competency in eCommerce, online advertising, digital publishing, or social media are some of the skills desired by companies wishing to hire consultants for internet businesses.
Internet and ecommerce businesses are also dependent on geography. While the industry drivers and metrics remain the same globally, the landscape is different in different countries. Global leaders such as Google, Facebook and eBay don't dominate every market, and some countries have strong local players whose influence causes the market to be significantly different from the average. International expansion plans are a common reason for consultants to be utilized, with projects consisting of market analysis and market entry strategy for the company. In this case, the consultant may or may not have experience in a particular market, but they will have a general familiarity with the industry area, and the relevant language ability.
MBA & Company's broad network of consultants includes many experts in internet businesses, including ecommerce, services, internet marketing and social media. Some of the projects these consultants have worked on include ecommerce business development, online lead generation and management and digital strategy for brands, agencies, and internet firms. Whether you are a consultant or looking for one, sign up with MBA & Company and get matched with clients or projects in your area of interest.
