Promoting B2B services is totally different than promoting B2C services. There are various things that you want to adapt since you will be in contact with other business managers and people that actually know what you are trying to do. Obviously, when you need to promote an international B2B service, everything becomes even more complicated.
There are various things that you can do and using social media is definitely something that you are going to think about. You can definitely use social media to enhance B2B networking but we now want to talk about actually getting new international clients. Networking helps you to eventually get clients but this is done in time. You can u se social media in order to actually promote your B2B services but many managers end up making mistakes. This is why we should highlight some things.
Using Social Media Advertising
This is one of the first things that you should consider. However, in this case it is vital that you conduct a very good market research. You want to realize exactly what the clients need and want. You cannot simply target a country and terms like “business”.
If you want to use social media advertising, we recommend that you invest money in local market research. For instance, if you want to get clients from Spain, it is a good idea to hire a local research firm that would help you to identify the complete profile of that Spanish client. All the data that you receive can be used in your social media advertising and in all the other campaigns that you will launch.
Targeting Local Social Networks
Most people think about Facebook, Twitter, Google + and similar. This is not actually the only option available since you may be able to find some great local social networks that would be interesting for your promotion purposes.
Try to locate some social networks that are used by your audience in the country where you want to promote the B2B service. This will surely take some time. Make sure that you do not invest too much money in this. The promotion through the local social networks might or might not bring in results. That is why you really want to exhibit caution.
Bonus Thing To Consider: Using Local B2B Marketplaces
Using B2B marketplaces is definitely a really good idea and most countries have such locations where you can advertise for free and get a direct contact with potential customers. The idea in this case is to adapt. You want to observe the competition that comes from the country and see how you can offer something better. If your service is 100% unique, focus on how you should communicate. The way in which you present your services in B2B marketplaces is always the most important thing with such a promotional method. Using these marketplaces is free and you can combine the strategy with the social media use.
On the whole, what is really important is being sure that you know as much as possible about the local market when you do anything in a foreign environment. That is practically the only way to be sure that you will be successful. This basic business principle is going to be particularly important when you use social media, even when you promote B2B services internationally.
