B2B Buying Journey

Book “SubProfit. Profitable small business niches in 2023”. Amazon, Kindle

B2B Buying Journey in 2023

The B2B (business-to-business) buying journey refers to the process that a company goes through when it is considering purchasing goods or services from another business. It typically involves a series of steps that include researching potential vendors, evaluating their products or services, negotiating terms, and making a purchase.

Here are the typical steps in a B2B buying journey:

  1. Identify the need: The first step in the B2B buying journey is recognizing that there is a need for a particular product or service. This could be due to a problem that needs to be solved, an opportunity to improve operations or increase efficiency, or a change in business strategy.
  2. Research potential vendors: Once the need has been identified, the next step is to research potential vendors that can meet that need. This may involve searching online, asking for recommendations from industry colleagues, or attending trade shows or conferences to learn about different options.
  3. Evaluate products or services: After identifying a list of potential vendors, the next step is to evaluate their products or services to determine which one is the best fit for the company’s needs. This may involve reviewing product specifications, pricing, and customer reviews, as well as reaching out to the vendor to ask questions and request demos or samples.
  4. Negotiate terms: Once the company has selected a vendor, the next step is to negotiate the terms of the purchase. This may involve discussing pricing, delivery schedules, and any other specific requirements.
  5. Make the purchase: After the terms have been agreed upon, the company can make the purchase and finalize the transaction.

It’s important to note that the B2B buying journey can be a long and complex process, and it may involve multiple decision makers and stakeholders. It’s also important for businesses to stay up to date on industry trends and developments in order to make informed purchasing decisions.

B2B Buying Niches

There are many different niches within the B2B (business-to-business) market, as businesses of all sizes and industries need to purchase goods and services from other companies. Here are a few examples of B2B niches:

  1. Manufacturing: Manufacturers often need to purchase raw materials, machinery, and other equipment to produce their products. They may also need to purchase services such as transportation, logistics, and consulting.
  2. Construction: Construction companies typically need to purchase a wide range of materials and equipment, such as concrete, steel, and tools. They may also need to hire subcontractors or purchase services such as project management and engineering.
  3. Healthcare: Healthcare facilities need to purchase a variety of goods and services, including medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment. They may also need to purchase professional services such as consulting and legal advice.
  4. Information technology: IT companies often need to purchase hardware, software, and other equipment to support their operations. They may also need to purchase professional services such as consulting, training, and support.
  5. Wholesale and distribution: Wholesale and distribution companies typically purchase large quantities of products from manufacturers and then resell them to retailers or other businesses. They may also need to purchase logistics and transportation services.
  6. Government and public sector: Governments and other public sector organizations often need to purchase a wide range of goods and services, including construction materials, equipment, and professional services.

These are just a few examples of the many niches within the B2B market. Businesses of all sizes and industries need to purchase goods and services from other companies in order to operate and grow, creating a diverse and dynamic B2B market.

B2B Buying Trends

The B2B (business-to-business) buying landscape is constantly evolving, and there are several trends that are currently shaping the way that companies purchase goods and services from other businesses. Here are a few examples:

  1. Increased digitalization: Many B2B buyers are using online channels to research and purchase goods and services, with more and more businesses opting for digital solutions to traditional face-to-face sales processes. This includes the use of online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and digital communications tools.
  2. Emphasis on sustainability: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in B2B purchasing decisions, as businesses look to minimize their environmental impact and improve their social and ethical practices. Companies are looking for suppliers that prioritize sustainability in their operations and offer eco-friendly products and services.
  3. Rise of subscription-based models: Subscription-based models, where businesses pay for access to a product or service on a recurring basis, are becoming more popular in the B2B market. This allows businesses to access the products and services they need without the upfront cost of purchasing them outright.
  4. Increased importance of data and analytics: Data and analytics are playing a larger role in B2B purchasing decisions, as businesses seek to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. This includes the use of data analytics tools to track key performance indicators and make data-driven decisions.
  5. Growing importance of customer experience: B2B buyers are increasingly expecting a seamless and personalized customer experience, similar to what they would expect in a B2C (business-to-consumer) setting. Companies are looking for vendors that prioritize customer service and offer easy-to-use products and services.

These are just a few examples of the trends that are currently shaping the B2B buying landscape. It’s important for businesses to stay up to date on these trends in order to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

B2B Buying Strategy

A B2B (business-to-business) buying strategy is a plan or approach that a company uses when considering the purchase of goods or services from another business. A well-defined buying strategy can help a company make informed purchasing decisions, negotiate better terms, and ultimately save time and money.

Here are a few elements that a B2B buying strategy might include:

  1. Defining the need: The first step in developing a B2B buying strategy is to clearly define the need for a particular product or service. This includes identifying the specific problem that needs to be solved or opportunity that needs to be seized, as well as the specific outcomes that the company hopes to achieve.
  2. Identifying potential vendors: Once the need has been defined, the next step is to identify potential vendors that can meet that need. This may involve searching online, asking for recommendations from industry colleagues, or attending trade shows or conferences to learn about different options.
  3. Evaluating products or services: After identifying a list of potential vendors, the next step is to evaluate their products or services to determine which one is the best fit for the company’s needs. This may involve reviewing product specifications, pricing, and customer reviews, as well as reaching out to the vendor to ask questions and request demos or samples.
  4. Negotiating terms: Once the company has selected a vendor, the next step is to negotiate the terms of the purchase. This may involve discussing pricing, delivery schedules, and any other specific requirements.
  5. Making the purchase: After the terms have been agreed upon, the company can make the purchase and finalize the transaction.

It’s important to note that a B2B buying strategy is not a one-time process, but rather an ongoing approach to purchasing that evolves as the company’s needs change. By regularly reviewing and updating their buying strategy, companies can ensure that they are making informed and cost-effective purchasing decisions.

The B2B sales process

The B2B buying process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Identify the need: The first step in the B2B buying process is to identify a need or problem that needs to be addressed. This may involve identifying a specific pain point or recognizing an opportunity to improve efficiency or productivity.
  2. Research potential solutions: Once the need has been identified, the next step is to research potential solutions. This may involve looking for information online, consulting with industry experts, or seeking recommendations from colleagues or peers.
  3. Create a shortlist of suppliers: After researching potential solutions, the next step is to create a shortlist of potential suppliers. This may involve comparing prices, capabilities, and reputations of different companies to determine which ones are the best fit.
  4. Request proposals or quotations: Once the shortlist of suppliers has been created, the next step is to request proposals or quotations. This may involve filling out a request for proposal (RFP) or request for quotation (RFQ) and providing details about the need or problem that needs to be addressed.
  5. Evaluate proposals: After receiving proposals or quotations, the next step is to evaluate them and compare the different options. This may involve comparing prices, capabilities, and terms of service to determine which supplier is the best fit.
  6. Negotiate terms: If a supplier is selected, the next step is to negotiate the terms of the agreement. This may involve discussing pricing, delivery times, warranties, and other details.
  7. Purchase the solution: Once the terms have been negotiated and agreed upon, the next step is to purchase the solution. This may involve signing a contract, paying for the product or service, and setting up delivery or installation.
  8. Review and evaluate: After the purchase has been made, it’s important to review and evaluate the solution to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the business and providing value. This can help to identify any areas for improvement and ensure that future purchases are successful.

B2B Sourcing

Business-to-business (B2B) sourcing refers to the process of finding and acquiring goods or services from other businesses for use in your own business operations. B2B sourcing can involve a variety of activities, including identifying potential suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing the relationships with those suppliers.

There are several factors to consider when sourcing goods or services for your business:

  1. Cost: Compare the costs of different suppliers to ensure you are getting the best price for the goods or services you need.
  2. Quality: Consider the quality of the goods or services you are purchasing. It’s important to find suppliers that can consistently provide high-quality products or services.
  3. Delivery: Consider the delivery times and terms offered by different suppliers. You want to find suppliers that can meet your delivery needs in a timely and reliable manner.
  4. Relationship: Building strong relationships with your suppliers can help you secure better prices, faster delivery times, and higher quality products or services.
  5. Risk management: Consider the risks associated with each supplier, such as the risk of supply chain disruptions or financial instability. It’s important to diversify your supplier base to minimize these risks.

Effective B2B sourcing can help your business save money, improve efficiency, and ensure a reliable supply of goods or services.

Key trends in B2B trade

Business-to-business (B2B) trade has undergone significant changes in recent years due to various trends and developments. Some of the key trends in B2B trade include:

  1. Digital transformation: The increasing digitization of businesses has led to the proliferation of e-commerce platforms, online marketplaces, and digital payment methods. This has made it easier for businesses to find and purchase products and services from other businesses online.
  2. Globalization: The globalization of supply chains has led to an increase in international B2B trade. Many businesses now source goods and services from suppliers in different countries, resulting in a more complex and interconnected global economy.
  3. Sustainability: There has been a growing focus on sustainability in B2B trade, with businesses increasingly seeking out suppliers that adhere to environmental and social responsibility standards.
  4. Data-driven decision-making: The availability of big data and analytics tools has enabled businesses to make more informed purchasing decisions based on data-driven insights.
  5. Collaboration: There is a trend towards increased collaboration and partnerships between businesses, with many companies forming strategic alliances or forming joint ventures to access new markets and capabilities.

These trends are likely to continue to shape the B2B trade landscape in the coming years, and businesses will need to adapt and stay abreast of these developments to remain competitive.

B2B Trade Tools

There are many different tools that can be useful for businesses engaged in business-to-business (B2B) trade. Some examples include:

  1. E-commerce platforms: These platforms allow businesses to set up an online store and sell their products or services to other businesses. Popular examples include Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
  2. Supply chain management software: This type of software helps businesses manage their inventory, procurement, and logistics processes. Examples include SAP Ariba, Oracle NetSuite, and JDA Software.
  3. Project management tools: These tools help businesses plan, track, and collaborate on projects. Examples include Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project.
  4. Marketing automation software: This software helps businesses automate marketing tasks, such as email marketing and social media marketing. Examples include HubSpot, Marketo, and Pardot.
  5. Customer relationship management (CRM) software: This software helps businesses manage and analyze customer interactions and data. Examples include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and Zoho CRM.
  6. Collaboration and communication tools: These tools help businesses communicate and collaborate with their clients, partners, and team members. Examples include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

B2B Buyer Persona

A buyer persona is a semi-fictional representation of a company’s ideal customer. In the context of business-to-business (B2B) trade, a buyer persona can help a company understand the needs and preferences of its target audience, so it can better tailor its products or services to meet those needs.

When creating a B2B buyer persona, it’s important to consider the following factors:

  1. Job title: What is the job title of the decision-maker or primary user of the product or service?
  2. Company size: What is the size of the company (e.g., small, medium, large)?
  3. Industry: What industry is the company in?
  4. Pain points: What problems or challenges is the company facing that the product or service could help solve?
  5. Goals: What are the company’s goals, and how does the product or service fit into those goals?
  6. Decision-making process: How does the company typically make purchasing decisions? Who is involved in the decision-making process?
  7. Objections: What objections or concerns might the company have about the product or service?

By understanding these factors, a company can create a detailed and accurate buyer persona that can help guide its marketing and sales efforts.

To create a business-to-business (B2B) buyer persona, follow these steps:

  1. Gather data: Collect as much information as possible about your target audience, such as job titles, company sizes, industries, and challenges or pain points. You can gather this data through market research, customer surveys, and interviews with sales and customer service teams.
  2. Analyze the data: Look for patterns and trends in the data you have collected. What common characteristics do your ideal customers have? What challenges do they face? What are their goals and motivations?
  3. Create a profile: Use the data you have collected and analyzed to create a detailed profile of your ideal B2B customer. Include information such as the customer’s job title, company size, industry, pain points, goals, and decision-making process.
  4. Develop personas: Create multiple buyer personas to represent different segments of your target audience. This will help you better understand the diverse needs and preferences of your customers.
  5. Use the personas: Use your buyer personas to guide your marketing and sales efforts. When developing marketing campaigns, consider what message will resonate with each persona. When interacting with customers, use the information in your buyer personas to tailor your communication and sales pitch.

It’s important to note that buyer personas are not meant to be exact representations of individual customers, but rather generalizations based on data and research. They are a useful tool for understanding and targeting your audience, but should not be used as a substitute for actual customer data.

How to recognize B2B customer problems

There are several ways you can recognize B2B customer problems:

  1. Direct feedback: One way to recognize customer problems is to ask for direct feedback from your customers. This can be through surveys, one-on-one conversations, or even social media reviews.
  2. Analyze customer data: Another way to recognize customer problems is to analyze customer data, such as customer service logs or sales data. Look for patterns or trends that may indicate a problem or pain point.
  3. Monitor industry trends: Keeping an eye on industry trends can also help you recognize customer problems. For example, if there is a new technology or trend that is gaining popularity, you may find that your customers are struggling to keep up and may need assistance.
  4. Observe customer behavior: Observing how your customers interact with your products or services can also provide insights into their problems. For example, if you notice that a high number of customers are abandoning their carts or returning products, this may indicate a problem with the product or the purchasing process.

By using a combination of these methods, you can get a better understanding of the problems your B2B customers are facing and take steps to address them.

The B2B sales process

  1. Identify potential customers: The first step in the B2B sales process is to identify potential customers. This may involve research and analysis to determine which companies or organizations are likely to be interested in your products or services.
  2. Make initial contact: Once you have identified potential customers, the next step is to make initial contact. This could be through phone, email, or in-person communication. The goal of this step is to introduce yourself and your company and to gauge the potential customer’s interest in your products or services.
  3. Qualify the lead: The next step is to qualify the lead. This involves determining whether the potential customer is a good fit for your products or services and whether they are likely to make a purchase. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as asking questions, gathering information, or conducting research.
  4. Present the solution: If the potential customer is a good fit and appears interested in your products or services, the next step is to present the solution. This involves explaining how your products or services can solve the customer’s problem or meet their needs.
  5. Handle objections: It’s common for potential customers to have questions or concerns during the sales process. It’s important to be prepared to handle objections and address any concerns the customer may have.
  6. Close the sale: If the customer is interested in your products or services and you have addressed any objections, the next step is to close the sale. This may involve negotiating terms and pricing, and finalizing the details of the sale.
  7. Follow up: After the sale is complete, it’s important to follow up with the customer to ensure their satisfaction and to address any issues that may arise. This can help to build a long-term relationship and encourage future business.

Need more information – write to us: connect@subprofit.com

B2B Buying Journey in 2023. SubProfit. The Most Profitable Niches for 2023. Business Trends to Watch Out in 2023