Question

Topic: Strategy

What Are Some Ideas For Cheap B2b Marketing?

Posted by Anonymous on 125 Points
We are a small software company, specialising in an enterprise tool - in a small but rapidly growing market (we are currenty the leaders in this field). Our application is not industry or LoS specific and can be used across the enterprise.

Due to our size, we have always had to do our marketing at a reasonably restrictive budget - however, we've been remarkably successful at doing this. We've gone into paid search, free search optimisation, e-newsletters, blogs, video case studies, written case studies, white papers, conferences and tradeshows to name a few - but each year, our competitors catch up - and each year I need to find the one big thing that will put us ahead of the rest in terms of mindshare in this field. I'm now trying to figure out what that next big thing will be for us. What's the best way to reach the CXO type execs who are typically our sponsors? And what are the cheapest ways to do this in an effective manner? Every marketing seminar I go to is focused on the much easier consumer segment - what do we do for B2B?
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!

RESPONSES

  • Posted on Member
    Hi

    have you tried:
    - seo
    - keyword bidding
    - marketing to online communities where you're likely to find customers
    - online public relations

    and, out of left field, eBay. If you can find your customers there, the sheer volume of traffic might pay off.

    Since you're selling software, what's the marginal cost of producing one more copy? Probably low - the value's in installation, licencing & support. Maybe there's a way to price an eBay auction that makes sense (& profit)

    hth

    Will Rowan
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on Member
    I suggest putting ads in The WallStreet Journal and USA Today. Those are probably the two most widely read publications in the C level business world.

    Also, one strategy I utilize, which took years to develop, is to call and ask to speak to them! Most people just figure "ahhh, they won't take the call"...but you would be surprised how many actually do...or at least return your call.

    Another strategy I use with the most success is to send an email to the highest "title" I can find and start out with "Please Forward To CEO/President" (acting as if you do not know who the CEO is).

    Again, you would be surprised how many C level execs you can get on the line by simply asking.

    I hope that helps! That's what I do!

    Good Luck!!
  • Posted by ReadCopy on Accepted
    I offer the following in case it triggers off ideas from anyone!

    EXTERNAL MEDIA:
    Aerial advertising
    Audio/Visual material
    Books
    Business Gifts
    Case Studies
    CD-Rom
    Cinema
    Competitions
    Corporate Hospitality
    Customer Training
    Customer user panels
    Dealer panels
    Direct marketing
    Directories and yearbooks
    Editorial publicity
    Email
    Events
    Helplines
    House Magazine
    Internet
    Letters
    Literature
    Magazine ads
    Mailings – ads and press releases
    Newsletters
    Newspaper ads
    Outdoor posters
    Packaging
    Private exhibitions and receptions
    Point of purchase
    Public Exhibitions and Tradeshows
    Radio
    Roadshows
    Sales aids
    Samples
    Seminars and Conferences
    Social events
    Sponsorship
    Telephone
    Television
    Video Conferencing

    PEOPLE AS MEDIA:
    Academics
    Agents
    Business partners
    Consultants
    Customers
    Employees
    Journalists
    Other outside influences
    Retailers
    Trade associations

    INTERNAL MEDIA:
    Annual reports
    Attitude surveys
    Award ceremonies
    Campaign presentations
    Company magazines
    Information on PCs
    Intranet
    Literature
    Local newspaper articles
    Manager/employee team talks
    Mass meetings
    Notice boards
    Pat packet inserts
    Posters
    Senior management presentations
    Special competitions
    Sports and social events
    Static displays
    Training sessions
    Videos

Post a Comment