Business-to-business marketing (B2B) is emerging as the new primary concern for e-commerce companies. It is not enough to let customers find a business on their own. Sales managers and owners must reach fresh markets. By reaching out to other companies, sales teams can drive commerce and marketing connections.
Cloud vendors are responding to the changing landscape by providing software solutions to create opportunities for sales connections. With up to 70 % of B2B contacts now linked through social media sites, and a workforce that has been connected to the internet their whole lives, sales managers have a whole new set of tools for marketing. Cloud-based software systems are a very effective tool through their flexibility and ease of access. Acumatica, the premier cloud service vendor, provides a complete suite of B2B systems and related software.
Here is a list of tips and tricks to maximize your company’s B2B commerce opportunities and ensure a positive response from customers.
*Be sure to optimize for mobile sites Close to a majority of internet usage is through mobile devices, and that percentage is going to increase in the near future. B2B teams need to ensure that their project websites work clearly for mobile access.
*Create engaging SEO content Beyond writing content focusing on SEO keywords, B2B commerce branding must be salient to your customers and go beyond a posted template. The sales team needs to be in accord with their messaging.
*Focus on one key platform Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, B2B commerce should be directed toward one key platform so the message is not diluted.
*Minimize transaction complexities Successful transactions hinge on ease of access and fast checkout. Your website needs to minimize the steps to completing a payment.
*Get buy-in from the sales team Marketing teams cannot promote B2B content by themselves. The sales team has to align themselves to the B2B promotions so they can secure connections and promote the company’s services.
*Do not just focus on your own brand Alongside the platform choice and SEO content, B2B commerce teams need to ensure that they are up-selling their product, not just providing a limited focus on the brand.
*Make security a priority Cybercrimes are on the rise, and companies need to provide a transaction environment where their customers are protected. IT security is a critical component of any B2B environment.
*Websites should offer a complete experience A business can drive connections by providing a one-stop website and platform. By integrating customer service, payment, and marketing together, it creates a superior experience.
*Mix in B2C strategies B2B and B2C management are not divided. Rather, the two marketing strategies can be drawn upon to strengthen a connection.
*Maintain timely communications Regular and timely postings on social media allows your customers to keep track of new opportunities. And your sales team can maintain and generate new relationships by frequent messaging.
A company’s B2B team needs to keep those strategies in mind, but also keep track of what not to do. Sales teams need to be sure that they are writing engaging content, and not just sitting there “liking” their own social media content and posts. B2B commerce must be engaging, but also directed. The same message cannot apply in every case, so companies need to have a savvy marketing team which keeps track with the latest business and marketing trends.
Why Acumatica for B2B systems
Acumatica’s software suites offer a comprehensive and robust solution for a company’s B2B e-commerce needs. Those and other cloud-based software systems form the core of our experience. The B2B platforms form an integrated system across one access portal, reducing transaction costs. Their team is dedicated to providing a high-end customer experience, and our software suites are customizable for different levels of service. Reach out and contact ASC (most trusted Acumatica re-seller) sales team today for a free quote and user guide.