Demand Generation

Plotting a digital marketing strategy can prompt even some of the savviest B2B marketers to ask for directions. Gartner recently unveiled its digital marketing transit map to provide a framework for marketers to develop a strategy, improve operations and plan initiatives.

One of the hurdles of marketing technology is that most organizations have acquired much of their technologies individually, so there is no plan in place regarding how they will connect, according to Andrew Frank, VP and Distinguished Analyst at Gartner, in an interview with Demand Gen Report. He said this challenge led to the creation of the map, which was developed over the course of the past year, to help facilitate communication between marketing and IT.

Vertical-based marketing offers a huge opportunity for growth, but it requires a deep understanding of a particular business segment that goes beyond simply adding a few “insider” phrases to generic content. With careful positioning around a benefit statement for a specific market or even accounts within a market, businesses can drive profitable long-term engagements within a vertical, experts told Demand Gen Report.

“The most common mistake marketers make in terms of vertical industry marketing is thinking that adding a few buzzwords and niche terms to their marketing collateral is enough to appeal to their desired vertical,” said Justin Gray, CEO of LeadMD. “The reality is that marketers must demonstrate a certain level of expertise in that industry — which means committing to a learning curve in which they understand the end user’s challenges and pain points.”

NetProspex upgraded its sales prospecting solution SalesProspex to simplify the process for B2B sales teams seeking to identify key contacts at companies.

“With this latest version of SalesProspex, B2B sales teams now have a wealth of information available about the company and the individuals they are calling on — all from one screen,” Bruce McCarthy, VP of Product at NetProspex, told Demand Gen Report. He added that SalesProspex enables sales teams to pinpoint decision makers at target accounts using information such as job title, company size and location for complementary or competitive sales prospecting.

Traditionally, B2B marketing has taken a volume-centric approach of attracting the widest range of clients possible. However, some larger B2B companies have been successfully practicing a completely divergent marketing tactic by honing in on key accounts, and observers say some smaller B2B firms are beginning to follow suit.

Known as account-based marketing (ABM), this strategy involves a targeted campaign that focuses on a small number of important accounts that offer the greatest potential for a sustained business relationship. Xerox, for example, recently won a Killer Content Award for its content aimed at 30 of its top ManagedPrint Services clients. HPhas also been trailblazing the practice.