Account Based Marketing vs Marketing Automation

Table of Contents

Account-Based Marketing vs. Marketing Automation: Finding the Perfect Match for Your Business

 

Introduction:

 


Are you marketing or sales manager with a focus on Account Based Marketing! Today, we dive into the world of two powerful marketing strategies - Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and Marketing Automation. Both approaches are known to revolutionize the way businesses connect with their target audience and drive results.  Just what sort of results are we talking about?  Well, for users of Hubspot's Marketing Automation Platform, how about a 40% increase in number of deals created within 12 months of purchase!

 

Screenshot 2023-12-28 at 17.36.00

 

Source: Hubspot 2023 Annual ROI Report

 

 

But which one should you choose? Fear not, for we're here to help you navigate the waters and find the perfect match for your business needs. So, let's get started!



Understanding Account-Based Marketing:

 


Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is like the personalized concierge service of the marketing world. It focuses on targeting specific accounts or companies rather than casting a wide net. When implementing ABM, all of your marketing efforts are tailored to meet the needs of a few high-value accounts. This approach allows for deeper engagement and personalized experiences that resonate with decision-makers.



The Power of Marketing Automation:

 


On the other side of the spectrum, we have Marketing Automation. This strategy utilizes software tools to automate repetitive marketing tasks such as email campaigns, social media posting, lead nurturing, and more. Marketing Automation helps streamline processes, improve efficiency, and scale your marketing efforts to reach a larger audience. It allows you to deliver targeted messages at the right time, ensuring consistent engagement with your leads and customers.



The Key Differences:

 


Now that we have a basic understanding of ABM and Marketing Automation, let's explore their differences:


  1. Focus: ABM is all about quality over quantity. It prioritizes individual accounts and tailors marketing efforts to their specific needs. Marketing Automation, on the other hand, casts a wider net to capture as many leads as possible and automates the process of nurturing them through the sales funnel.

  2. Personalization: ABM shines when it comes to personalization. It allows you to create highly targeted campaigns that speak directly to the pain points and goals of your target accounts. Marketing Automation provides personalization to a certain extent, but it relies more on segmentation and automation rules to deliver relevant content to groups of leads.

  3. Scalability: Marketing Automation is ideal for businesses aiming to scale their marketing efforts rapidly. With automation, you can reach a larger audience and nurture leads efficiently. ABM, on the other hand, is best suited for businesses with a smaller target account list, where personalized attention can make a significant impact.

  4. Resources and Effort: ABM requires more resources and effort, as it involves deep research, personalized content creation, and account-specific strategies. Marketing Automation, while also requiring initial setup and ongoing maintenance, can significantly reduce the manual workload by automating repetitive tasks.


Finding the Right Match:

 


Now that we've weighed the differences, how can you determine which strategy is the right match for your business?

 

Here are a few key considerations:



  1. Goal Alignment: Define your marketing goals clearly. If your primary objective is to land a few high-value accounts, ABM might be the way to go. If you're aiming to attract a larger audience and optimize lead generation, Marketing Automation could be a better fit.

  2. Target Audience: Assess the size of your target audience. If you have a defined list of high-value accounts, ABM can help you concentrate your efforts effectively. If your audience is broader and includes various segments, Marketing Automation can help you engage and nurture them at scale.

  3. Available Resources: Consider your team's expertise, bandwidth, and budget. ABM requires a more hands-on approach and personalized content creation, which might need more resources. Marketing Automation may require an initial investment in software and set up, but it can save time in the long run.

ABM Using the LinkedIn Sales Navigator

 

Now that we have a better understanding of Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and Marketing Automation, let's explore how you can execute an ABM Account Strategy using LinkedIn Sales Navigator in conjunction with the Hubspot Marketing Suite's ABM capabilities.

 

LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a powerful tool that allows you to identify and target key decision-makers within your target accounts. By leveraging the extensive network and data provided by LinkedIn, you can easily find and connect with the right people at the right time. Combine this with the ABM capabilities of the Hubspot Marketing Suite, and you have a winning combination. With Hubspot's ABM features, you can personalize your marketing efforts, deliver targeted messages, and track the engagement of your target accounts. By integrating LinkedIn Sales Navigator with Hubspot, you can take your ABM strategy to the next level and achieve even greater results. So, if you're looking to effectively engage with your target accounts and drive meaningful conversations, consider using LinkedIn Sales Navigator in conjunction with the Hubspot Marketing Suite's ABM capabilities.

Conclusion:

As you can see, both Account-Based Marketing and Marketing Automation have their unique strengths. The right choice ultimately depends on your business goals, target audience, and available resources.

 

Remember, you can also combine these strategies to create a hybrid approach that suits your needs. So take your time, evaluate your options, and find the perfect match that will propel your business forward. Happy marketing!

 

LinkedIn Sales Navigator Consulting Support

Are you ready to take your Account-Based Marketing (ABM) strategy to the next level? Look no further! We offer LinkedIn Sales Navigator Consulting and Hubspot Consulting to help you set up your enterprise class ABM Marketing and Sales Strategy. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of leveraging LinkedIn Sales Navigator to identify and target key decision-makers within your target accounts. By combining the power of LinkedIn Sales Navigator with the ABM capabilities of Hubspot, you can personalize your marketing efforts, deliver targeted messages, and track the engagement of your target accounts. Our consulting services will ensure that you have the knowledge and expertise to effectively engage with your target accounts and drive meaningful conversations. Don't miss out on the opportunity to maximize your ABM strategy. Contact us today for LinkedIn Sales Navigator Consulting and Hubspot Consulting. Let us help you achieve even greater results with your ABM Marketing and Sales Strategy.

 

 

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Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP

About the Author: Lonnie Ayers is a Hubspot Certified Inbound Marketing consultant, with additional certifications in Hubspot Content Optimization, Hubspot Contextual Marketing, and is a Hubspot Certified Partner. Specialized in demand generation and sales execution, especially in the SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Partner space, he has unique insight into the tough challenges Service Providers face with generating leads and closing sales using the latest digital tools. With 15 years of SAP Program Management experience, and dozens of complex sales engagements under his belt, he helps partners develop and communicate their unique sales proposition. Frequently sought as a public speaker in various events, he is available for both inhouse engagements and remote coaching.
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He also recently released a book "How to Dominate Any Market - Turbocharging Your Digital Marketing and Sales Results", which is available on Amazon.

View All Articles by Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP

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