5 Major Failures of Account-Based Marketing (ABM)

In our most recent ABM event, we ventured beyond the basics and delved into the transformative world of ABM. Whether you’re still on the cusp of embracing ABM or already navigating its complexities, this blog post is your essential read. We kicked off the event by unraveling the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of stepping into ABM for newcomers, providing insights that demystify the initial stages of adoption. Then, we shifted gears to tackle a more nuanced topic – the common pitfalls and missteps companies encounter in their ABM journey; here they are:

1. Avoid Underutilizing ABM Technology:

Simply having an ABM platform isn’t enough. It’s crucial to actively use and integrate this technology into your daily operations. This involves regular training, updates, and ensuring that all relevant teams are fully utilizing the platform’s capabilities. Also, be ready to adapt your approach based on real-time feedback and evolving market conditions. 

2. Do Not Misinterpret ABM as Merely Lead Generation:

One of the most common misconceptions about ABM is equating it with traditional lead generation. ABM is a strategy for building long-term, meaningful relationships with key accounts. It’s about the depth of engagement and relationship-building, not just a numbers game of lead generation.

3. Do Not Use Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Content:

Generic content does not cut it in the personalized world of ABM. Each account or persona has its unique challenges and interests. Invest in understanding your audience and create content tailored to their specific needs, challenges, and industry trends. This may involve producing various content formats – from blog posts and videos to case studies – all aligned with the interests of your target accounts.

4. Choose and Measure the Wrong KPIs for ABM: 

In ABM, the focus should be on the quality of engagement rather than just the quantity of leads. Look at how deeply and effectively you are engaging with your target accounts, how they are moving through the sales funnel, and the tangible impact on your revenue. This shift in focus provides a more accurate and holistic view of your ABM strategy’s success.

5. Never Embark on ABM Without Clear Goals: 

Venturing into ABM without set, achievable goals is like navigating without a map. Establish clear, time-bound goals that align with your overall business strategy. These goals should cover various aspects, not just lead generation, but also customer retention, upselling, and expanding market influence. Tailor these goals to different segments – new clients, existing accounts, and churn reduction to ensure a focused and effective ABM campaign.

Key Takeaways:

Leverage ABM Technology Fully: Don’t just have the technology; use it comprehensively and strategically.

Understand ABM’s True Purpose: ABM is about deep, long-term relationships, not just lead generation.

Create Tailored Content: Generalized content doesn’t work in ABM; personalize your approach to each account or persona.

Focus on the Right KPIs: Quality of engagement is more crucial than the quantity of leads in ABM.

Set Clear, Specific Goals: Go into ABM with well-defined, realistic goals that align with broader business objectives.

As we continue to explore the facets of ABM, remember that avoiding these common failures is just as crucial as implementing best practices. By recognizing and steering clear of these pitfalls, your ABM strategy will be more robust, focused, and ultimately, more successful. Stay tuned for the final part of our series where we will introduce you to some advanced ABM tools that could revolutionize your marketing strategy.

Start your free trial or talk to us.

Also, Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with B2B and ABM marketing trends, news, and insights.