What are the Key Differences Between B2B and B2C Strategies

The differences between B2B and B2C marketing run a lot deeper than the type of audience they target.

Let us have a look at the main differences you should be aware of -

Language and tone of messaging

B2B buyers are most likely looking for a solution to a business problem. Thus, they look for content that adds to their knowledge and gives them a way to overcome their issue. Thus, the B2B messaging is more focused on industry related terms and jargons, and appeals more to the logical side of the key decision maker. The content is also usually tailored to a very specific audience group for more relevance.

The B2C content, on the other hand, targets a broad category of individual consumers. The messaging intends to delight them, and appeal to their emotional side than the logical one. Thus, the tone is more lighthearted and conversational than B2B.

Customer relationships

B2B places more emphasis on customer lifetime value and customer loyalty for a long-term business relationship. Thus, B2B marketers focus on cultivating a personal relationship with their customers, both during and after the buying process. This relationships also spur positive word-of-mouth marketing, enabling your business to generate new leads.

B2C prioritizes customer experience, but does not focus much on actually getting to know each and every customer. Thus, the nature of B2C marketer and consumer relationship is of a more transactional nature than personal.

Buying cycles

As the B2B buying process is more governed by logic, and ROI is an important concern for the purchase decision makers, the B2B buying cycles are typically longer than the B2C ones. B2B buyers require more nurturing to move through the sales funnel than their B2C counterparts.

Social media channels

As B2C marketers target a vast audience base, they can use nearly every platform for promoting their content. Visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are especially dominated by B2C.

On the other hand, B2B marketers have to be very selective about their choice of platforms, based on whether or not their target audience spends time on them. LinkedIn, the platform of choice for businesses, is obviously the most preferred by B2B marketers. It is closely followed by Facebook and Twitter. However, the last few years are seeing a steady rise in the usage of Instagram, as well as Pinterest, for B2B content distribution.

TSL Consulting Pvt Ltd is an integrated marketing company based in India. We offer customized outbound marketing, inbound marketing, digital marketing and data profiling services to a wide spectrum of small and mid-sized organizations.