Do you want to make your ABM method more efficient? Utilize videos

Dec 9, 2022

The idea of account-based marketing (ABM) is an extremely targeted approach to B2B marketing that focuses on specific accounts instead of market segmentation.

ABM previously was firms deciding on a small set of prospective customers they wanted to reach and dedicating a significant amount of their marketing and resource to close sales. ABM strategies typically relied on scraping of data, costly and high-cost activities that targeted a smaller groups, as well as marketing to salespeople via cold-calls. They weren't always successful.

In the present, ABM is a more than just a strategy for Sales and Marketing to attract clients. It is a significant change since organizations are shifting from the stereotype which claimed that B2B Sales and Marketing usually had a dispute.

If properly executed, ABM helps both Marketing and Sales teams focus on the most important customers they want to target and help them win new customers.

This document explains the basics of what ABM is the most effective technique to use video to enhance your marketing plans using accounts, like targeted communications, ABM videos, and other things.

What will you learn

  1.     What is an account-based approach to marketing?
  2.     an introduction to ABM The essential elements of an successful ABM strategy
  3.     What should you avoid when using accounts-based marketing as part of your marketing strategies
  4.     How can you personalize ABM campaigns for your top-tier clients
  5.     Closing ideas

What is account-based marketing?

To recap, account-based marketing (ABM) is described as a technique that permits an organization to tailor the marketing strategies of their company to concentrate specifically on specific customers instead of taking a more generalized method.

With regards to ABM It is essential to understand the needs of the best client. In this way, you'll be able to design targeted marketing campaigns which will be more likely to go over well for those who are making the decisions at your targeted accounts.

"How can you differentiate account-based marketing from traditional marketing?" you might ask?

Traditional methods of marketing whose focus is typically on creating greater leads than what is feasible. With ABM, the focus is on the quality of leads over quantity. That means that instead of trying to connect with as many individuals, it's more about focusing on the key decision makers through specific accounts that are more likely to change their behavior.

Also, it is important to consider the reality that ABM is teamwork. For success with ABM, Sales and Marketing should be aligned with their actions and goals.

It is essential to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal: making leads of superior quality that convert into customers.

Every day life of marketers who use accounts

The following daily things account-based marketers accomplish:

  • They create and target specific clients' profile.
  • They then create targeted campaigns and specific material designed specifically for their target customers as well as for the businesses.
  • Together with Sales, ABM team members publish and disseminate these materials on various channels (depending on the accounts intended for).
  • Lastly, they track the performance, evaluate their results, and make improvements to the performance of their campaigns in order to increase the effectiveness of their ABM strategy over time.

So...why do you believe it's important to prioritize account-based marketing?

There are many motives why ABM should be an important consideration for your organization.

By adapting your marketing strategy specifically for each customer and thereby creating customized experiences and contents that are significantly better able to resonate with your target audience. This means you will be able to build more solid relationships with your targeted accounts and close more revenue and improve retention.

Utilizing ABM It allows you to focus your efforts on accounts which are more likely to conversion which means a greater return on investment for your business.

The second reason is that ABM aligns Sales and Marketing. Traditional methods of marketing There is an inconsistency between the needs of Sales and Marketing's needs. But with ABM the two departments are working to make deals with specific customers.

In addition, the buyers of today -- B2B and B2C--are more informed and sophisticated than they have ever been. They aren't going to react effectively to general messages or even one-size-fits all campaigns. Through ABM, you can tailor your approach and message to certain individuals or businesses. This approach will be more likely to be appealing to the buyers of today and will result in more profitable deals.

In addition, ABM is trackable, possibly more so than traditional advertising and marketing. As ABM concentrates on quality over quantities, you are able to evaluate the impact of your actions and evaluate whether you're making a difference. The transparency of this approach is critical to gaining the trust of your managers and enhancing how you manage your business, and eventually gaining more numbers of customers in the process.

"The ABCs" of ABM Essential elements of an efficient ABM strategy

Through ABM it is feasible to treat each account as an individual market.

In order to sustainably grow your business You need a secure ABM (ABM) strategy. Here are the core factors to consider when you're contemplating implementing an ABM strategy for your business.

1. Segmentation

The first step in developing the ABM strategy is identifying those accounts that you wish to separate. For this, you need be able to comprehend the best customer profile (ICP).

The data that you include in your ICP should include details on characteristics (e.g. the title of your job along with the size of the company and the location) and information on psychographics (e.g. the factors that cause pain, motivations and purchasing influences).

To collect this data You can do first-person research through surveys or interviews with former and current clients. It is possible to supplement your personal brand by obtaining additional information from reliable sources, such as trade magazines and industry publications.

When you've got a good knowledge of your ideal client/company profile, you are able to begin creating an inventory of accounts that you could be interested in. You can also make use of the tools of market intelligence to create an inventory of businesses who match your needs.

If you've done some research on your own, it's time to segment your accounts in distinct categories of users. This will help improve your message and ensure that you're targeting the right people in your account. In this case, for instance, you may have a persona for decision-makers and influencers as well as one that is geared towards customers.

An interesting study showed that the more focused your financial accounts are, more budget your business will allocate to your team. Consider this as you plan your next year's budget and also seeking support by your team's management.

Bombora State of ABM 2022 report

2. Individualized messaging and outreach

Once you've identified the target accounts and personas Next step is to create a custom messages and contents for each one. Be aware that when using ABM the company treats each account as its own marketplace consequently it's essential to design the content to be specific to each individual account.

If you try to use identical messages and information across all your accounts in your list, you won't achieve the outcomes. It is best to design custom messages to each of the accounts you have on your list. It can be difficult as well as a heavy workload for multiple teams, however it's definitely worth the effort. Personalized messages have a significantly higher rates of responses than generic messages.

It's equally important to be sure to align your go-to-market (GTM) strategy with the one of the ABM strategy. This means personalised messaging and employing the correct combination of channels that will reach your customers where they're engaging on the internet. As an example, LinkedIn would be a excellent channel for senior executives at large enterprises.

Personalized messages allow you to develop relationships with the people you want to accounts. Today, people do business only with those they trust, know and trust. Through sending out personalized messages to relevant channels, it's possible to build relationships with your target accounts and encourage them to purchase from you when they're ready to make a purchase.

3. The relationship between sales and marketing

The third crucial aspect of a highly successful ABM strategy is the creation of multi-functional teams. That means forming teams that include people from various divisions within your company such as Sales Marketing, Sales, or Customer Success. An investigation carried out by the company Bombora discovered that companies typically have five teams dedicated to ABM.

They aim to bring all employees within your organization to one goal: winning the business of your target accounts.

4. Customer lifecycle marketing

One crucial, yet often overlooked component of a successful ABM strategy is customer lifecycle marketing. It involves building relationships to the most important people in your accounts of interest. It can be done in several ways like sending them personalized emails or an opportunity to call them on their birthday, or even giving them an extensive list of sources. However you choose to do it, you need to ensure that you're adding value while remaining at the top of your list.

In most cases, you'll need at least one individual on a target account to sell your service or product to at least two individuals on the account you'd like to promote the product or service to. It is likely that you'll need to involve several people from various organizations in order to take the sale towards the next step. This is the reason why the creation of specific data that can be utilized throughout the buying process as well as over the course of its life.

If you have a mix of top-of-the-funnel (TOFU) and middle-of-the-funnel (MOFU) as well as bottom-of-the-funnel (BOFU) content accessible, you'll be able to connect with prospects throughout the sales process as well as after purchase.

5. ABM software

One of the key elements of the ABM strategy is to have an appropriate program. ABM software helps B2B marketers streamline and manage their account-based marketing processes. Some of the most well-known platforms are HubSpot Sales, Terminus, Pardot and Marketo.

ABM software can help you assess and monitor customer engagement, an important metric to consider in any ABM software (as we'll be discussing in the following). It's possible to alter your ABM strategy accordingly by understanding what types of accounts connect with your company's brand , and what they are doing. It can result in increased account engagement with time. This could result in greater completion of contracts as well as increased revenues.

ABM software is also useful in automating repetitive tasks, in order to let you focus on more strategically ABM strategies. Automating also allows you to run targeted campaigns more effectively through ensuring all right contacts receive the right messages at the appropriate date and time. This makes your ABM system more efficient and cost-effective over time.

In the end, ABM software will help enhance the overall return on investment (ROI). It can help you generate greater revenue for your company through increasing engagement with your account and also campaign effectiveness. That means you'll be able to make sure your ABM program will be effective in generating more return on investment. It will also benefit your bottom overall.

6. Measurement of performance

Another thing worth mentioning is that you must evaluate the outcomes. Similar to any other type of marketing strategy It is crucial to track the effectiveness and outcomes for ABM campaigns. For this to be done effectively, ensure you're able to monitor and evaluate the results that will tell you how each stage of your ABM campaign was carried out by every decision maker within the desired account.

You'll have the ability to make a solid assessment of whether you're ABM strategy is effective to benefit your company by monitoring key measures like:

  • Websites are accessed by traffic from certain accounts
  • The rate of conversion from MQL to SQL
  • The frequency of meetings are set by Sales
  • The new opportunities are now available
  • Size of deal
  • Customer lifetime value (CLV)

What do you not want to do in your account-based marketing strategy

We've discussed some core elements of a successful ABM strategy. In this article, we'll go over a handful of ABM mistakes to avoid as you begin.

Be cautious not to make use of the spooky and obnoxious ABM methods

Poorly executed ABM strategies like purchasing data for cold calls and cold email are certain ways to fall short of accounts-based marketing. If your cold-mailing campaign isn't personalized or doesn't demonstrate its worth (e.g. by providing useful information , or even invitations to occasions) is it unlikely that readers will respond or even schedule a time to meet.

Studies show that cold outreach can work...if properly executed. If you are deciding to use cold outreach as an element within the ABM strategy, you should ensure that your team follows best practices:

  • It is important to identify yourself. 79 percent of calls that are not identified go without a response
  • Use "we" statements--Successful cold calls include 65% more "we" statements
  • Create content that is relevant to every recipient-- 57 % of buyers at the C-level would prefer to be contacted by phone

Do notrely too much on scraped data

Account-based marketers require data for creating their ideal customer or their company's profile. However, relying on bought or scraped data could lead to inadequate ICPs. Additionally, it could lead to your employees contacting potential customers without their consent. This can be harmful to your brand image. It could also cause customers to stop receiving your emails as spam.

It is recommended to create your ICPs using initial research such as customer surveys or interviews. If needed, you may add secondary research from trusted sources, such as magazines for trade and industry magazines, or even tools like Sparktoro.

Don't disregard the return on investment

The process of calculating your ABM investments isn't difficult especially if you focus on these metrics and employ an ABM software to aid you.

Although some ABM strategies (like the ones mentioned above) are more uncertain regarding ROI measurements. This isn't a reason to stop employing these strategies if there's absolutely no evidence that they will in bringing about change or facilitate transactions.

Do not make the error of hosting large, expensive experiences or spending lots of money on promotional items to improve "brand recognition" without determining the relationship between the primary goals and key performance indicators.

Beware of ignore accounts that don't suit you.

Even if an account doesn't seem like a perfect fit for your business or product, it shouldn't be a reason to completely dismiss it. Even though an account might not bring in sales, there may have additional advantages, for instance, publicity or knowledge gained from interactions with the account.

It is important not to concentrate on the short-term outcomes but rather focus at the strategy that can continue for a long period of time ABM.

How to customize ABM campaigns for your top customers

Although ABM is extremely efficient, it's also important to keep in mind that all accounts are not made equal. The top clients -- those who are most likely to generate income for your business -- deserve the most focus.

If you're looking to pick the right account ensure that you select a selection of accounts with high value that offer an opportunity for growth.

The top clients of your firm are accustomed to getting the best of the best, so your website and content must reflect that quality. This doesn't mean that you should blow the bank--but it does mean making the effort to produce attractive, high-quality content that will surely grab the attention of your target audience and yield the results you want.

Here are a few ways to customize your ABM campaigns to attract top clients. (Hint: They include video!)

Account-based marketing videos

Videos for marketing that are made from accounts share your brand's story through engaging, personal and interactive ways that is much more engaging than a writing a marketing plan. Videos are a great opportunity to showcase the product or service in the way it actually is, and give potential customers a better sense of the benefits and features.

What do these look like on the job? In the beginning, when you're trying to establish a new company, it's beneficial to introduce your staff by presenting a brief video. Business leaders who make the decisions a chance to give a face to the name and establish an impression with your staff.

Your video doesn't need to be extravagant. A brief tour of your workplace and some intros by each member of your team is enough. Just make sure it's clear and professional. It should also highlight what makes your company most compatible with the account.

Screen recordings that are personalised

Enhance engagement and boost sales by making custom screen recordings. Instead of making a standard recording, take the time to create a custom demo with the ICP's needs as well as your business's details at the back of your head.

Custom-designed recordings are an ideal way to please the potential customer. In enhancing the user's interaction with you, you build trust and increase the likelihood of them completing the funnel.

Video campaigns via email

Utilize account-based marketing video inside your emails to build relationships with. Instead of sending another generic "Look at our offerings that we have to give you!" message, try creating the emails you want to send featuring a compelling video that is specific to the person receiving the message.

Videos that highlight the pain areas of the company that you're trying to reach and also provide exactly how your products or services solve issues for customers are likely to resonate more deeply.

It allows you to distinguish yourself from your competitors and show that you're willing to go beyond in order to add quality. Videos of the highest quality sent via email could move potential customers onto the next phase of the funnel, and help to book an appointment with sales representatives.

Virtual occasions

The modern buyer is different. They deal with those they who they trust and admire. An effective way of fostering camaraderie and trust among your customers is by hosting curated events. A good example of this would be an online VIP experience or executive experience.

Avoid creating cookie-cutter events to your clients who are the most important ones. Take the time to get acquainted with their requirements and concerns so that you can develop specific virtual events that can provide pertinent solutions and connections to networks.

By putting in an additional effort at the beginning by putting in the extra effort in the beginning, you'll gain the opportunity to make yourself a reliable business partner, who's committed to helping businesses succeed in the long run.

Programs to reduce the quantity of chaff

ABM doesn't stop after you've made a sale. In the event that you ICPs are your "perfect" clients , it's recommended to keep in contact with them even after the buying.

Inspire Customer Success to stay in people who are targeted often, whether it's biannually or quarterly to make sure the customer's experience was pleasant. Create feedback loops that allow for valuable feedback as well as gain an understanding of how they're using this product to serve. You can ask them to join Beta testing groups to test future features, or to be a part of a team that consults with the product team.

It is important to treat your customers as valuable customers can reduce the chance of losing clients and increase retention. Customers LTV.

Ideas to close

An effective account-based marketing strategy requires careful planning and execution over a range of teams and dimensions.

If you spend the time to understand your ideal client and develop customized campaigns, as well as personalized video content, you'll be able to establish deeper relationships with them, and close many more transactions.

Additionally, as ABM is tracked, it can be used to evaluate the impact of your campaigns and map back new customers to the custom-designed, innovative marketing campaigns.

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