{"id":8988,"date":"2019-10-29T03:00:13","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T03:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/?p=8988"},"modified":"2023-05-05T23:59:42","modified_gmt":"2023-05-05T23:59:42","slug":"the-best-b2b-marketing-campaigns-and-what-they-have-in-common-fc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/the-best-b2b-marketing-campaigns-and-what-they-have-in-common-fc\/","title":{"rendered":"What The Best B2B Marketing Campaigns Have In Common"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The best marketing campaigns are like great books: They have something important and interesting to say, and the message sticks with us long after the story\u2019s over. Great B2B campaigns transform potential leads into loyal, long-lasting client relationships\u2014the business equivalent of happily ever after.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does a Great B2B Marketing Campaign Look Like?<\/h2>\n<p>Although the definition of campaign success varies by company size, the best campaigns all use a few key best practices.<\/p>\n<p>All the best B2B marketing campaigns:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Talk to their target audience<\/b> in terms the audience cares about;<\/li>\n<li><b>Tell a story their audience hasn\u2019t heard before <\/b>that directly relates to how well their company\u2019s product works;<\/li>\n<li><b>Establish expertise by sharing insights<\/b> that help their audience solve their problems;<\/li>\n<li><b>Show, don\u2019t tell<\/b>, their company\u2019s competitive edge; and<\/li>\n<li><b>Incorporate vivid imagery <\/b>to solidify abstract ideas and set the brand\u2019s tone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at how and why these are must-haves, with examples of companies putting them into action.<\/p>\n<h3>Talk to Your Target Audience in Terms They Care About<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9259 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FPS_5IngredientPieChart_Icon_TargetAudience_Bullseye@200px.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" \/>Know your audience. That means more than identifying a target demographic and working on a sales pitch. You need to know how your audience thinks, understand the questions they\u2019re asking, and provide the answers they want\u2014in the terms that matter most to them.\u00a0This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Referencing relevant <b>statistics or research studies<\/b> for audiences that are more likely to want to see evidential proof of any claims you make;<\/li>\n<li>Tailoring the<b> tone of your content<\/b> to fit your audience\u2019s expectations and needs;<\/li>\n<li>Keeping content <b>concise <\/b>for audiences with limited time and attention to spare; and<\/li>\n<li>Focusing on <b>what your audience wants to know<\/b>, not just what you want to tell them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left !important;\"><b>Example: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Software provider defi SOLUTIONS specializes in financial services. Its blog posts tell readers what they want to know directly (e.g. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/defisolutions.com\/defi-insight\/2019\/08\/01\/building-loan-origination-system-using-salesforce-read-first\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We already have Salesforce. Why shouldn\u2019t we use their lending solution?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d) in a straightforward tone which is perfect for bankers and other time-pressed lenders.<\/span><\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Tell a Story Your Audience Hasn\u2019t Heard Before That Directly Relates to How Well Your Product Works<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9260 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FPS_5IngredientPieChart_Icon_Story_Book@200px.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" \/>Audiences crave narratives. So instead of reeling off facts, figures, and sales points, tell them an interesting story about your products or services.<\/p>\n<p>Your story doesn\u2019t have to be lengthy or even very complicated. It can be as simple as introducing a problem and illustrating how your company can help solve it. Some other examples of how to use this tactic include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Referring to relevant, interesting <b>real-life or hypothetical situations<\/b> that highlight the positive experience of working with, or within, your company;<\/li>\n<li>Spotlighting <b>testimonials or past success stories<\/b> to illustrate the effectiveness of the solutions you\u2019re offering;<\/li>\n<li>Interweaving <b>a personal narrative<\/b> to help put a face to your brand\u2019s name and story; and<\/li>\n<li>Sharing your own <b>original, new insights<\/b> and fresh perspectives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left !important;\"><b>Example: <\/b>Electricity provider Liberty Power used narrative by telling a thrilling tale of how solar energy helped a group of people survive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.libertypowercorp.com\/blog\/the-power-of-the-future-how-solar-energy-technology-lit-up-the-zombie-apocalypse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a zombie apocalypse<\/a>. Actual facts and figures about solar energy are weaved artfully throughout the story to educate the reader while entertaining them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Establish Expertise by Sharing Insights That Help Your Audience Solve Their Problems<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9261 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FPS_5IngredientPieChart_Icon_Insights_Owl@200px.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" \/>Once your audience is paying attention, it\u2019s time to show them you\u2019ve got something to say\u2014and that you know what you\u2019re talking about. Establish the breadth and depth of your team\u2019s knowledge and experience by sharing valuable insight. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/seo-blog\/entrepreneurship\/magic-element-thought-leadership-content-perceived-value\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">establish your company as an industry leader<\/a> that has the answers they need.<\/p>\n<p>Some ways to achieve this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Publish white papers, quarterly or annual reports, or other types of <b>in-depth industry analyses<\/b> backed up by reliable research;<\/li>\n<li>Share helpful <b>hints, tips, or detailed how-to guides<\/b> to instill confidence in your team\u2019s know-how; and<\/li>\n<li>Inviting collaboration with non-competitive <b>experts in the field<\/b> to reinforce your brand image and spread the word through third-party media such as YouTube reviews, news articles, and relevant blogs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left !important;\"><b>Example: <\/b>Deloitte put this strategy to use with its in-depth resource portal <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\/insights\/us\/en.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Deloitte Insights<\/a>. This magazine-style hub teems with educational articles, videos, and podcasts.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Show, Don\u2019t Tell, Your Company\u2019s Competitive Edge<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9262 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FPS_5IngredientPieChart_Icon_Show_Camera@200px.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" \/>With so much content out there, even subject matter expertise can\u2019t convince some potential clients. That\u2019s why the best marketing campaign strategies for B2B businesses emphasize what it is about their company that sets it apart. Is your company culture positive and solutions-focused in an industry known for cutthroat competitiveness? Maybe your solutions are more advanced and cutting-edge, or something completely different from anything else in the industry.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever it is that\u2019s unique about your company needs to be in your marketing campaign\u2019s message. Otherwise, you run the risk of fading into the background.<\/p>\n<p>Demonstrate the unique benefits of working with your company through:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Subtle implications<\/b> in your narrative and message;<\/li>\n<li><b>Case studies or company reports<\/b> that showcase innovative and effective problem-solving; and<\/li>\n<li>Directly <b>stating advantages or comparing them<\/b> to those of your competitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left !important;\"><b>Example: <\/b>HomeVestors took this approach <a href=\"https:\/\/homevestorsfranchise.com\/the-2019-real-estate-investing-franchise-risk-benefit-chart-all-the-pros-cons-potential-problems-slp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">to show potential clients the benefits<\/a> of becoming a real estate investing franchisee. It created a chart listing pros and cons side-by-side. The \u201ccons\u201d are honest, but appeal to the type of driven audience the company wants (e.g. \u201cYou have to put in the hard work\u201d.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Incorporate Vivid, Valuable Imagery<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9263 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FPS_5IngredientPieChart_Icon_Imagery_Palette@200px.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" \/>When you think of an advertisement, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a TV commercial, a banner on a website or in a magazine, or perhaps a billboard. Why? Because imagery catches the eye in a way that text simply does not. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nngroup.com\/articles\/photos-as-web-content\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">recent studies<\/a> show that blog readers may actually pay <i>more <\/i>attention to relevant, informational visuals (such as infographics) included in a blog post than the rest of the post. It should come as no surprise, then, that the most successful B2B marketing campaigns tend to include some kind of bold, emotive, educational, or otherwise memorable imagery.<\/p>\n<p>In your own campaign, you can use imagery to boost your visibility in any number of ways, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Using <b>custom graphics or illustrations <\/b>to highlight your brand\u2019s message or set a tone. An original single-panel comic could help deliver a lighthearted message. A more original take like the zombie illustration above might be needed to break through in a crowded market;<\/li>\n<li>Including charts, graphs, infographics, or other <b>educational visuals <\/b>to break down complicated concepts and spark curiosity; and<\/li>\n<li>Using <b>photographs<\/b>\u2014especially of real people in your company, if possible, to let readers see the professionals they\u2019ll work with. Don\u2019t hide the pics away on the About Us page; consider a photo for bylined articles, and throughout your site wherever you want to send the message: \u201cYes, our people are great at this.\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left !important;\"><b>Example: <\/b>Mitsubishi Electric used this approach for their stunning <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwgs1.mitsubishielectric.com\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u201cTallest Building on the Internet\u201d<\/a> campaign, which features a fascinating interactive online tour of the titular building that spotlights a few of ME\u2019s specialties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Setting Up Your B2B Marketing Campaign for Success<\/h2>\n<p>Each of these elements\u2014narrative, expertise, a competitive edge, imagery, and personal connections\u2014is a powerful marketing tool by itself. Keep all five in your \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/thought-leadership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">thought leadership<\/a>\u201d toolbox, and use the right one for each part of your campaign.<\/p>\n<p>The moral of the story for all successful B2B marketing campaigns is:<\/p>\n<p><i>Original content illuminates the path forward for decision-making readers.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Stories that let audiences reach their own conclusions make strong impressions. Your audience wants options. Don\u2019t try to make their choices for them. Instead, show why your company is best, and let people make their own decisions. They\u2019ll be more likely to choose you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cta-box\">If you\u2019d like to make <a href=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/thought-leadership-marketing-services\/\">thought leadership<\/a> part of your marketing strategy, let us know. We\u2019ve published nearly 5,000 keyword-driven, expertly-written articles so far. Yours could be next. <a href=\"https:\/\/firstpagesage.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a> anytime.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best marketing campaigns are like great books: They have something important and interesting to say, and the message sticks with us long after the story\u2019s over. Great B2B campaigns transform potential leads into loyal, long-lasting client relationships\u2014the business equivalent of happily ever after.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9257,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,13,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marketing","category-seo-blog","category-thought-leadership"],"meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8988","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8988"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23033,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8988\/revisions\/23033"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9257"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redesign.fpsclients.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}