Why Agencies Don’t Get B2B

But it’s the other side — from the client’s point of view –that’s hard for agencies to see.
First of all (this will be a relief for many to hear), it’s not about the products. You’re likely working with B2B companies where experienced pros need months to understand what the company builds and how it builds it. They want you to try to understand what they make (when you don’t, they think you’re lazy). But they don’t really expect you to “get” their products.

When B2B clients have that “don’t get it” look (and when they talk about you behind your back), they’re thinking that whatever it is you’re saying or showing demonstrates no understanding of their markets. Of course, to many (should I say most?) agencies, those B2B markets seem arcane and murky — as impenetrable as the products they buy. It’s easy to empathize with people who need new HDMI cables; they’re just like you.
But electrical engineers needing 30 miles of high-voltage underwater power cable with two cores and PVC sheathing? That’s a whole other kettle of fish (and only fish understand fish). It may seem that way, but it’s not. You know those difficult, technical, mysterious markets like the back of your hand. You “get it” perfectly.

Here’s an example. I’ve owned guitars for a long time. Let’s call me an amateur expert. A couple of years ago, I bought a new one. I went into the shop and played a dozen. I ignored the marketing messages — all the product info about “highs” or “action” or “tone.” In fact, I tried to step over as many adjectives and beauty shots as I could without slipping. I read specs; I talked saddles and machine heads and woods. I strummed; I picked; I bought.

That’s not just how I buy guitars; that’s my buying habit for anything I know a lot about. What about you? Aren’t there things at which you’re an expert—amateur or otherwise? Cooking or carpentry or Creative Suite? As an expert, think of your own personal buying habits. They’re similar to mine—you don’t need to read bullet points about product value, because you already know all about it. My guess is that you too go right to the details. If someone tries to ply you with marketing babble, you might even be like me and get cranky. When marketing says “renders images at blazing speed,” your only thought is, “how fast and with how much memory?” You don’t need the hype; you don’t notice the hoopla, and you don’t want the hassle. What you want is help making an informed decision. That’s the kind of marketing you respond to best.

Good news: That attitude we have about our expert buying experiences? Our desire to sidestep the flash and folderol, to cut through the crap? The way we ignore creative and focus on content? That mindset that says, “all I really want is help making an informed decision”? That’s exactly what a B2B customer is like. So congratulations; now you get it. B2B markets are just like you.

Michael Fischler is a tech copywriter who has been involved in B2B marketing his entire career. 

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