Why is now the most difficult time to be a B2B marketer?
Technology & Consumer Behaviour Change:
As businesses accelerate the use of digital processes and technology, you will most certainly be engaging with increasingly tech-savvy clients. As a result, traditional tactics for appealing to purchasers are no longer effective. Marketers must be more analytical and imaginative when it comes to selling.
Content and marketing globalisation Another important issue I've observed is that of globalisation. In theory, B2B marketers understand the concept, but serving diverse markets throughout the world while keeping true to your brand may be a daunting undertaking. Understanding and responding to market demands on a local level is necessary when selling products and services internationally.
Because what resonates in one market may not be received in another. Global marketing takes more than just converting content into the right format. You want to offer the sense to your audience that you understand their difficulties and have solutions to make their lives simpler.?This includes speaking in accordance with the customs of that particular location.
As a result, it is unlikely that human behaviour will have altered in just ten years. Purchasing habits remained mostly unchanged. What changed between the launch of the internet in 1997 and the smartphone in 2007 was a significant growth in the number of brands' channels and touchpoints for information.?Information to help with purchasing decisions is readily and globally available. Not only yours, but also the direct and indirect rivals'. This shift in behavioural and purchasing behaviours makes closing B2B sales more difficult than ever.
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More Sophisticated Competition:
You must comprehend just what function your product is getting hired to do. How? Continue to ask questions—the five whys—until you reach the basic desire that motivates consumers' behaviour. Then you will be able to meet it better than anybody else.
The business-to-business technology industry is intensely competitive. It might be difficult to separate out from the crowd and exhibit value in such a crowded market. That is why, in order to identify any prospects in your business, you will need to do frequent and in-depth market research:
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In today's industry, time is of the importance, and you must locate that extra gear to power your digital branding engine. When you switch on your digital gadget, you must know exactly what you want and be prepared to answer.
Changing B2B Customer Behaviour:
Consider what you're giving to customers in a B2B scenario. Do you still expect them to call you with questions? Do you accept native payments, or do they have to call you for that as well? Are you expecting them to print documents before signing them? Do they have to fax you anything? Can I send you a check? You do not provide online scheduling? What exactly are you doing? These antiquated habits may have been okay a few years ago, but they're now outdated and irritating, and they're costing you a lot of business. And don't worry about how good you are at what you do. So is your rivalry.
So, because humans are people, why not treat them similarly? When B2B professionals realise how simple it is to book a cab through Uber, arrange for lodging through Airbnb, or utilise 1-Click buying at Amazon, why should they be ready to sacrifice customer experience when doing their professional duties? Something to keep in mind is that B2B transactions are meant to be governed by ratio, but in reality, there is a lot of emotion involved.
Big agreements have big stakes. For example, the CIO wants to ensure that the proper decision is made. Because he or she wishes to keep their internal customers satisfied. And they want some assurance that they are making the proper decision. Because what if they didn't? Will they still have a job?
Nowadays, it is still common for B2B clients to be treated with deafening silence after sealing the transaction until the contract is ready to expire. There is plenty of space in between to keep your brand at the forefront of your thoughts. And give them the impression that they are in excellent care.
Consider directing customers to possibilities to improve their operations (requiring your service products). And persuade them by presenting the business case. Invite them to experience days where they may stay up to date on market trends. Or, once in a while, reward them as a thank you for being a valued and cherished customer.