Comments on: Marketing for B2B vs. B2C – Similar but Different

By: Ruchi Mahna

Ruchi Mahna — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:20:09 +0000

Am cleared up now, thanks to your article.

By: Debra Murphy

Debra Murphy — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:07:41 +0000

This is a very good question. When businesses use distribution channels for sales, where should their marketing focus? In most cases (and maybe even all cases), companies like Nintendo have two marketing organizations – one marketing to the consumer to educate them on their product and the other marketing to the channel to help them understand how to sell the product to the consumer. Distribution channels need the manufacturer to market the product because the channel usually does not have the resources to do so. Plus the distribution channel is really a service business and competes on acquiring and satisfying customers.

By: Debra Murphy

Debra Murphy — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:03:41 +0000

Manda,

Thanks for the question. I believe the Internet offers more potential to all businesses. I can’t quantify whether B2B would get more benefits than B2C as they have different measures of success. But if a business isn’t marketing online today, they are missing a huge opportunity to reach their market further, faster and more effectively.

By: Dav

Dav — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:16:46 +0000

Hi there, I need some help in clearing something up. Would you say that Nintendo is B2C or B2B? I know that their products reach the end user (consumer), but they do not sell/distribute direct to consumers, and sell through retailers, who I presume become their B2B clients?? Many thanks

By: Manda

Manda — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:58:09 +0000

Hi Debra,

Very helpful article…I was just wondering about the use of the Internet and whether you think the Internet offers MORE potential to B2B marketers than B2C marketers.

If so, why or why not?

I appreciate your insight.

Thanks!

By: Debra Murphy

Debra Murphy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:45:35 +0000

That’s a great question. Some businesses do operate in both spaces. Banks have both consumer banking and commercial banking. Companies like Staples also have both and usually organize into two divisions with separate marketing departments so marketing can focus on their particular client. When you have two distinct target markets, you have to have two marketing plans to reach that target.

By: Doyin

Doyin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:34:42 +0000

Dear sir,
just wanted to know, do you think a bank operates a B2B or B2C or both ? because its quite confusing.

By: scheinar

scheinar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:15:49 +0000

this has been very help full
i really needed to understand the difference between these two and now am ok with both concepts
thx

By: Debra Murphy

Debra Murphy — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:46 +0000

Milana,

If you have products that target both B2C and B2B, you need a separate marketing plan to ensure you can reach both markets effectively. A good example of a company that markets their products to both businesses and consumers is Staples. They have two separate divisions with marketing organizations so they can focus their marketing activities properly. Trying to develop a marketing strategy that will hit both markets almost guarantees you will hit neither.

Hope this helps.

By: milana

milana — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:06:16 +0000

Hi!
How do firms who sell to both B2C and B2B need to adjust their marketing approach to suit both buying characteristics?

any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!