B2B e-Commerce Site Maintenance - Your Website Administrator

There are all kinds of posts on the internet about how important it is to have a B2B e-commerce site, and how to choose the right one. But what happens once you choose a solution and implement it? In this multi-part series, I’ll be addressing the most frequently-faced pitfalls, and providing insight to how you can foresee and forestall their impacts. This post is oriented toward apparel, equipment and footwear brands with a seasonal business model, but the information is valuable to anyone trying to manage a B2B e-commerce website, so read on!

Today’s Topic: Your Website Admin

Your website administrator is (obviously) your primary success driver for your site’s adoption and maintenance. Here are some things to consider when hiring.

• Technological interest. Your admin needs to be tech savvy, yes. But they also need to be interested in finding better ways to peel the proverbial onion. (Is that actually a proverb? And why is peeling onions so important?) You want someone in this role who - at the very least - values change, and - even better - seeks it.

• Data audit passion and mastery. You’re looking for someone who actually gets fulfillment from finding mistakes and correcting them. Additionally, your admin needs a very high level of expertise in Excel, in the performance of data audit functions. Reporting experience is not the same thing.

• Able to set boundaries. The primary function (and alternate title) of a B2B admin is often “cross-departmental cat wrangler.” You need someone who can communicate well and lead influentially. You also need someone who will push work back where it belongs. An admin who is willing to work 18-hour days fixing late or incorrect data and assets is not as good as someone who will hold others accountable at due dates. Your business’ digital transformation cannot ultimately rest on one person - it has to be an organizational change.

• Personability. Bottom line, this is a role that speaks to multiple departments within your organization, as well as website users and providers. You want someone who can be engaging and compassionate while setting expectations and providing support.