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How to create a targeted account-based marketing campaign

November 18, 2023 | Jimit Mehta

Are you tired of sending out generic marketing campaigns that seem to fall flat with your target audience? It may be time to try something new: account-based marketing (ABM). ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. By creating a personalized and targeted campaign, you can increase the chances of conversion and nurture relationships with your key accounts. In this article, we will show you how to create a successful ABM campaign that will help you reach your business goals.

Defining your target accounts

Defining your target accounts is an essential first step in creating a successful ABM campaign. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully select the accounts that you want to target.

To define your target accounts, start by creating a list of your ICPs. These are detailed descriptions of the types of companies that are most likely to benefit from your products or services. Consider factors such as industry, size, location, and pain points.

Once you have defined your ICPs, it's time to create a list of specific accounts that fit those profiles. You can use tools like LinkedIn and company websites to gather information about these accounts and create a list of key decision makers.

Defining your target accounts allows you to create a personalized and targeted marketing campaign that is more likely to be successful in converting those accounts into customers. It also helps you focus your marketing efforts and resources on the most valuable prospects, rather than spreading yourself too thin.

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Creating personalized messaging

Creating personalized messaging is an important step in creating a successful ABM campaign. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. Personalized messaging is essential in ABM because it shows the target account that you have taken the time to understand their specific needs and pain points.

To create personalized messaging for your ABM campaign, start by conducting research on the target account. This can include reviewing their website, social media profiles, and any published content. Look for information about their industry, challenges, and goals.

Next, use this information to craft a messaging strategy that speaks directly to the needs of the target account. For example, if the target account is a manufacturing company that is struggling with efficiency, you might emphasize the ways in which your product or service can help them streamline their processes.

Personalized messaging can also include using the name of the target account or specific individuals within the account in your messaging. This helps to make the campaign feel more targeted and relevant to the recipient.

Overall, creating personalized messaging is an effective way to build trust and credibility with the target account and increase the chances of conversion.

Identifying the right channels

Identifying the right channels for your ABM campaign is an important step in ensuring its success. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. The channels you choose should be those that are most likely to reach and engage your target accounts.

There are many different channels to consider when planning an ABM campaign, including email, direct mail, social media, events, and advertising. The right channels for your campaign will depend on your target accounts and their preferred method of communication.

To identify the right channels, start by researching your target accounts. Look for information about their industry, size, location, and any specific communication preferences they may have. You can also consider the channels that have been successful for your company in the past.

Once you have a list of potential channels, test them out to see which ones are most effective in reaching and engaging your target accounts. You may want to start with a few channels and then add more as you learn more about your target accounts' preferences.

Overall, identifying the right channels is an essential step in creating a successful ABM campaign that will help you reach your business goals.

Measuring the success of your ABM campaign

Measuring the success of your ABM campaign is essential in order to understand what is working and what is not, and to make any necessary adjustments. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. By measuring the success of your campaign, you can determine whether it is meeting your business goals and making a positive impact on your target accounts.

There are several key metrics you can use to measure the success of your ABM campaign. These include:

  1. Conversion rate: This is the percentage of target accounts that have converted into customers.

  2. Engagement: This includes metrics such as the number of clicks on your emails or website, the amount of time spent on your website, and the number of interactions with your content on social media.

  3. Lead generation: This is the number of leads that have been generated as a result of your ABM campaign.

  4. Sales: This is the amount of revenue generated from the target accounts that have converted into customers.

  5. Customer lifetime value: This is the estimated amount of money that a customer will spend on your products or services over the course of their relationship with your company.

By tracking these metrics, you can get a clear picture of the success of your ABM campaign and make any necessary adjustments to improve your results.

Tips for scaling your ABM efforts

Scaling your ABM efforts is a key way to grow your business and expand your reach. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. By scaling your ABM efforts, you can reach more target accounts and potentially increase your conversion rate. Here are a few tips for scaling your ABM efforts:

  1. Automate your processes: Use technology to automate tasks such as lead generation and email marketing, which will allow you to scale your efforts without increasing your workload.

  2. Increase your team size: As you expand your ABM efforts, you may need to hire additional team members to help manage the increased workload.

  3. Expand your target accounts list: As you grow, consider adding new target accounts to your list. This can be done by identifying new ICPs and researching potential accounts that fit those profiles.

  4. Use data to inform your decisions: As you scale your ABM efforts, use data and analytics to inform your decisions and identify areas for improvement.

  5. Leverage your existing customers: Your existing customers can be a valuable resource for scaling your ABM efforts. Consider using customer referrals and case studies to reach new target accounts.

Overall, by following these tips, you can effectively scale your ABM efforts and reach more target accounts, helping to grow your business.

Case studies of successful ABM campaigns

Case studies of successful ABM campaigns can be an invaluable resource for businesses looking to implement their own ABM strategies. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. By looking at real-world examples of ABM campaigns that have been successful, businesses can get a better understanding of what works and what doesn't, and use that information to inform their own campaigns.

Some key elements to look for in successful ABM case studies include:

  1. Clearly defined target accounts: The case study should describe the specific accounts that were targeted and why they were selected.

  2. Personalized messaging: The case study should describe the personalized messaging strategy that was used to engage the target accounts.

  3. The right channels: The case study should describe the channels that were used to reach the target accounts and how they were chosen.

  4. Measurable results: The case study should provide data on the results of the ABM campaign, including metrics such as conversion rate, engagement, lead generation, and sales.

By studying successful ABM case studies, businesses can gain valuable insights and ideas for their own campaigns and increase the chances of success.

The role of sales and marketing alignment in ABM

The role of sales and marketing alignment in ABM is crucial to the success of the campaign. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. In order to effectively reach and convert those target accounts, it is essential that the sales and marketing teams are aligned and working towards a common goal.

Here are a few key ways in which sales and marketing alignment can support a successful ABM campaign:

  1. Shared understanding of target accounts: Both the sales and marketing teams should have a clear understanding of the target accounts and their needs, pain points, and goals. This can be achieved through regular communication and collaboration between the two teams.

  2. Coordinated messaging: The sales and marketing teams should work together to develop a consistent and cohesive messaging strategy that speaks directly to the needs of the target accounts.

  3. Joint ownership of the customer journey: Both the sales and marketing teams should be involved in the customer journey, from lead generation to conversion. This ensures that the customer experience is seamless and consistent.

  4. Shared metrics and tracking: Both the sales and marketing teams should track the same metrics to measure the success of the ABM campaign and identify areas for improvement.

Overall, sales and marketing alignment is essential for a successful ABM campaign. By working together and aligning their efforts, the sales and marketing teams can effectively reach and convert target accounts, leading to increased business growth.

The benefits of ABM for B2B companies

ABM can be an effective strategy for B2B companies looking to grow their business. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. Here are a few key benefits of ABM for B2B companies:

  1. Increased conversion rates: By creating a personalized and targeted marketing campaign, B2B companies can increase the chances of conversion and nurture relationships with key accounts.

  2. Better use of resources: ABM allows B2B companies to focus their marketing efforts and resources on the most valuable prospects, rather than spreading themselves too thin.

  3. Improved ROI: ABM can help B2B companies generate higher quality leads and drive more revenue, leading to an improved return on investment.

  4. Stronger customer relationships: ABM allows B2B companies to build strong, personalized relationships with key accounts, leading to increased customer loyalty and retention.

  5. Enhanced brand awareness: By targeting specific accounts and tailoring marketing efforts to those companies, B2B companies can increase their brand awareness and reach within their target market.

Overall, ABM can be an effective strategy for B2B companies looking to grow their business by targeting key accounts and building strong, personalized relationships with those companies.

Overcoming common challenges in ABM

There are several common challenges that businesses may face when implementing an ABM strategy. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. Here are a few challenges that businesses may encounter and some tips for overcoming them:

  1. Lack of resources: ABM can be resource-intensive, as it requires a high level of personalization and targeting. One solution is to automate tasks such as lead generation and email marketing, which can help to scale your efforts without increasing your workload.

  2. Difficulty defining target accounts: Identifying the right target accounts can be a challenge, especially for businesses that are new to ABM. One solution is to start with a small number of target accounts and expand from there. You can also use tools like LinkedIn and company websites to gather information about potential accounts and create a list of key decision makers.

  3. Poor sales and marketing alignment: In order for ABM to be successful, it is essential that the sales and marketing teams are aligned and working towards a common goal. One solution is to establish regular communication and collaboration between the two teams to ensure that they are both on the same page.

  4. Difficulty measuring success: Measuring the success of an ABM campaign can be difficult, as it often involves tracking multiple metrics. One solution is to establish clear goals and metrics at the outset of the campaign and track progress regularly.

Overall, by being aware of these common challenges and taking steps to overcome them, businesses can effectively implement an ABM strategy and achieve their business goals.

Integrating ABM with your overall marketing strategy

Integrating ABM with your overall marketing strategy is essential in order to ensure the success of your ABM campaign. ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. By integrating ABM with your overall marketing strategy, you can ensure that all of your marketing efforts are aligned and working towards a common goal.

Here are a few key steps to take when integrating ABM with your overall marketing strategy:

  1. Define your target accounts: As with any ABM campaign, it is essential to start by defining your target accounts and creating a list of key decision makers.

  2. Align your messaging: Ensure that your messaging is consistent across all marketing channels and tailored to the specific needs of the target accounts.

  3. Integrate your channels: Consider how ABM fits into your overall marketing mix and identify any channels that may be missing. For example, if you are not currently using direct mail as a marketing channel, you may want to consider adding it to your ABM efforts.

  4. Track and measure success: Use the same metrics to track the success of your ABM campaign as you do for your overall marketing efforts. This will allow you to see the impact of ABM on your overall marketing results.

Overall, by integrating ABM with your overall marketing strategy, you can ensure that all of your marketing efforts are aligned and working towards a common goal, leading to increased success and business growth.

Summary

ABM is a targeted approach that focuses on specific accounts and tailors marketing efforts to those specific companies. By creating a personalized and targeted campaign, businesses can increase the chances of conversion and nurture relationships with key accounts. In order to create a successful ABM campaign, businesses should start by defining their target accounts, creating personalized messaging, identifying the right channels, and measuring the success of the campaign.

Additionally, businesses should consider scaling their ABM efforts, looking at case studies of successful ABM campaigns, ensuring sales and marketing alignment, and integrating ABM with their overall marketing strategy. By following these steps, businesses can create a successful ABM campaign that will help them reach their business goals.

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