Differences in Marketing for B2C and B2B Sites

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Differences in Marketing for B2C and B2B Sites

Introduction

Marketing in an electronic-business/commerce (e-business/e-commerce) arena today is truly no different than the ole ‘brick and mortar' business. Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sites need to have a crafty approach to implement marketing strategies and develop an effective marketing plan to reach the intended (targeted) market. Thus, the mixing or blending of the four Ps (product, place, price, and promotion) in such a way to attain both the business and target market's goals and objectives is the key to success. The correct marketing mix, or blend, will help both a B2B or B2C site develop a successful marketing strategy plus a highly effective marketing plan.

Both B2B and B2C sites must consider the intended market when blending the mix elements. Knowing the intended market and understanding their wants and needs helps to build a marketing mix that satisfies those needs and wants, but also meet or exceed the organization's objectives. Both types of sites need to view the marketing mix as a management tool to ensure that products and services are developed to be profitable and are according to market requirements.

This paper discusses the similarities and differences of marketing for B2B and B2C web sites. One similarity found for both types of sites is the use of ‘branding.' Not only are logos used to identify a business, but the tone of the words used as well as the use of emotions ("B2B Marketing: Mind your language," 2005). Branding is an important part of both B2B and B2C marketing.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

As part of the marketing mix, B2C sites add a fifth P to the mix: people. Being a business that caters to consumers, people are another aspect that must be analyzed and addressed. Through market segmentation and data research, B2C sites can develop the other four Ps to ‘spark' the consumer's interest. Additionally, many B2C businesses do ‘data sharing' of consumer information where they pool their consumer files together creating a listing of highly responsive consumers. B2B sites have not grasped this concept yet. Most B2C businesses have done extensive research into the types of consumers interested in their product and will spare no expense to capture that target market's interest.

Hence, B2C marketing concentrates primarily on the consumers. B2C sites attempt to determine consumer needs and desires.

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