Here's how you can give effective feedback in the context of digital strategy.

Providing specific, actionable feedback is essential in digital strategy. Instead of offering vague comments like "this could be better," identify precise areas for improvement. For instance, if a website's UX is suboptimal, propose concrete enhancements such as streamlining navigation or optimizing page load times. The key is to deliver targeted recommendations that directly support digital objectives, enabling your team to implement your suggestions without confusion. By offering clear, constructive feedback, you empower your team to make meaningful improvements that drive better results and user experiences.

Effective feedback in digital strategy requires specificity to be actionable and meaningful. Instead of vague comments like "Improve the content," provide detailed observations and suggestions. For example, say, "The engagement on our recent blog post was low because it lacked visual elements and a clear call-to-action. Adding infographics and a compelling CTA could increase user interaction." Specific feedback helps the recipient understand the exact areas for improvement and the steps needed to achieve the desired outcomes.

La retroalimentación específica y práctica es fundamental para mejorar continuamente las estrategias digitales y garantizar que los equipos puedan realizar ajustes efectivos que impulsen los resultados deseados.

Provide clear and detailed feedback. Instead of saying "The website needs improvement," specify which parts need work, some examples of how to be detailed and clear in your feedback: 1. "The homepage needs a stronger call-to-action" 2. "The checkout process has too many steps, leading to cart abandonment. Streamlining it to three steps could improve the conversion rate." 3. "The navigation menu is not intuitive. Users are struggling to find the 'Contact Us' page. Moving it to the top menu could enhance accessibility." You don't get frustrated and your team understands what you mean.

Every decision should be backed by a rationale, I believe in a zero waste policy. Whether digital or physical, it is marketing at the end of the day, you do not reinvent the wheel. You figure out the target customer demography with highest potential and focus on that. Sometimes spending that $200 on a live event rather than contents/media buying can do wonders in being more effective in reach. I follow a basic thumb rule, that a virtual post might take 5-7 exposures/engagements before it converts into sales, a physical event can do much more with equal cost. Use your budget effectively, keeping in mind the sustainability of your business and mother earth as a whole.

Empathy is entirely too underrated. Understanding their environment, your environment, the goals of the organization, what makes this individual's heart soar, what they hate, are they okay? All these elements need to be factored in to give true feedback.

La empatía y el reconocimiento de los esfuerzos previos son fundamentales para mantener un equipo motivado y comprometido con la mejora continua, permitiendo que la retroalimentación sea constructiva y efectiva.

Consider the recipient's perspective. Acknowledge their efforts and challenges, and frame your feedback in a supportive manner, like "I understand the deadline was tight, how about...." Saying the word "but" usually makes the recipient of the message becomes defensive...

La objetividad asegura que las decisiones estratégicas se tomen con base en información sólida y orientada a resultados, optimizando así el rendimiento de las estrategias digitales y asegurando una dirección clara hacia el éxito comercial.

Focus on the issue, not the person. Use data and examples to support your feedback. For example, "Analytics show that the average session duration decreased by 30% after the latest UI update. Let's look at user session recordings to identify the pain points."

Promover el diálogo y la colaboración en torno a la retroalimentación facilita la identificación de soluciones innovadoras y efectivas, fortaleciendo así la estrategia digital y mejorando el rendimiento del equipo en general.

Invite the recipient/s to share their thoughts and suggestions. This creates a collaborative atmosphere, for example, I usually say, "What do you think?" or Are there specific improvements you think I didn't see?"

Ofrecer soluciones junto con la identificación de problemas ayuda a impulsar la mejora continua y la innovación dentro del equipo, asegurando que las estrategias digitales puedan evolucionar y adaptarse de manera efectiva para lograr mejores resultados.

Look closely at the specific problem. This could involve a drop in KPI's, technical problems with a platform or any other obstacle that is affecting the performance of the digital strategy. Based on an analysis of the causes of the problem, generate a list of possible solutions. This could involve adjustments in strategy, changes in planning, improvements in the technology used, or any other action that could effectively address the identified problem.

Suggest actionable steps to address the issues. Instead of just pointing out problems, provide possible solutions, like "Improving the site's load time can significantly boost user satisfaction. Let's look into lazy loading for images and prioritizing above-the-fold content."

You can use the following strategies 1. Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to support your feedback. This can help illustrate the tangible effects of strategies and actions. 2. Promote a Feedback Culture: Encourage a team environment where feedback is not only accepted but actively sought after. This can lead to continuous improvement and innovation. 3. Time It Right: Deliver feedback at an appropriate time, not too long after the event in question, to ensure it is relevant and actionable. 4. Balance Positives and Negatives: Ensure that feedback includes recognition of what’s working well in addition to what needs improvement. This balanced approach can motivate and guide the recipient effectively.

In addition to addressing areas for improvement, highlight successes to reinforce positive behaviors and strategies. For example, during a project review meeting, I made sure to commend a team member for their innovative use of SEO techniques that significantly boosted our website's organic traffic. Recognizing and celebrating these wins not only boosts morale but also provides a clear example of effective practices for the team to emulate. This balanced approach ensures that feedback is not just about correction but also about reinforcement and motivation.

It is important to know that feedback is not always negative and is not meant to point out holes or gaps. When there is a constructive feedback, it should start by recognizing the positive in the item we’re giving feedback on and acknowledging the efforts and obstacles of those who got it to its current state. Then share any educated observations and supported suggestions to enhance the current state with little disruption and without the intention to overhaul. And it is always great to offer helping to apply the feedback you’re giving.

Be contextual to what is happening, what will/could be happening. If your needs and your feedback can be contextualized, there is a greater chance of it being accepted by others. Remember that you are within an ecosystem. :)

While I strongly agree with the first six points of order, what interests me is who the “effective feedback” concerning the digital strategy is for ? Wise individuals are able to see and hear things with a great perspective, unburdened by preconceived notions or biases. Change and growth can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it also presents opportunities for transformation and renewal. The feedback should be embraced and approached with resilience and optimism as these teachings can provide solace, clarity and a deep sense of fulfillment.