We usually associate the term audit with a financial audit, which is an examination and verification of the books, or an assessment of accounts and records. Audits are not limited to financial audits. They can also be performed on other areas of the business.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of business, it’s important to keep an eye on things digital audits. This is especially true in the digital world. We recommend that you conduct these audits regularly to ensure that your business thrives in the digital world.
What is a Digital Audit?
A digital audit evaluates the performance of an organization in various digital areas. This audit helps to identify areas where growth and change are needed. The business can then have a better idea of its future and the goals it wants to achieve.
How is a digital auditor conducted?
The digital audit starts by re-examining the purpose of your business and what you are trying to achieve. Then, information is gathered and research is conducted in order to analyze the digital aspects of the business. Before deciding on the next step, it is important to evaluate your competitors: what needs to be changed, what should be added and what can be kept.
Who performs a digital auditor?
Employees who are familiar with the digital world can perform digital audits, but digital consultants should be hired to provide a more objective and unbiased assessment of digital aspects of the business.
When should digital audits take place?
Digital audits can take place at any stage of the business cycle, but they are most important during certain stages.
1. When an enterprise is performing (or not) well
When things aren’t going well, digital audits can be helpful in gaining insight into the problem. It is also important to conduct an audit even when everything is going well, to make sure the business stays ahead of the game. Financial audits are done every year. To keep track of the digital performance of a company, it is important to perform regular audits.
2. Before (and even during) the launch a new company
It is important to assess a digital plan before launching your business in the digital world to ensure it aligns with business goals. It is crucial to track the digital performance after launch to determine if there are any adjustments that need to be made.
3. Before (and during the launch) of a new item
It is also important to keep an eye on the digital landscape whenever a new product is added. During the process, strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities can change, so it is important to monitor every digital element.
4. Before and during mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings
Understanding all of the businesses, brands and products, as well as people involved, is essential. It is important to understand all the different businesses, brands, products, people etc.
What kind of digital audits are possible?
Digital audits come in different forms. Auditing is a way to gain insight into how a business is performing. Take a look at the seven digital audits your business can perform.
1. Digital presence audit
The easiest way to begin is by simply listing all digital spaces where your business can be found. A digital presence audit will then assess the consistency and inconsistency between the various presences. You will be surprised at how many different places a company appears in the digital realm, for example. The business website, social networks, websites listings, emails, digital ads, reviews, etc. A business needs a consistent and strong digital presence to be successful.
2. Website/app audit
The most common audit performed in the digital world is a website audit. The broad website audit examines the website and apps of the business. This audit evaluates the overall performance and quality of a website by evaluating its functionality and readability.
Each page is checked to see if there are broken links, missing pictures, copy errors or inconsistencies. It is important to compare your site to those of competitors and sites that follow best practices.
3. Audit of user interface and experience
During a UI/UX Audit, a business’s app or website is evaluated in accordance with UI/UX guidelines and rules. The UI/UX Audit focuses on the design and user journeys of the website or app. It assesses the form, navigation and search functionality.
4. Google Analytics audit
Google Analytics audits help to determine what data is being collected and whether it is useful. This audit will reveal many gaps which can be used to improve the data collection and reporting.
5. Technical Audit
The backend architecture is assessed by a technical audit. The audit considers sitemap, speed, responsive design and mobile compatibility.
6. Content audit and SEO
A SEO audit is essential if you wish to rank your website high in SERPs. The audit evaluates the content strategy of a company and identifies pages that need to be optimized or improved.
7. Social media audit
Social media audits look at the profiles on social media that a business owns, as well as those that it should have. This is an assessment of what content is working and not working as well as the strategies used by competitors.
You may need to perform more digital audits depending on the digital tools that your business uses. Digital audits can be time-consuming, but they are necessary to ensure that your business is successful in the digital age.
