5 Tips for Using Business to Business Marketing Lists Effectively

March 30th, 2023 by

When it comes to using business to business (B2B) marketing lists effectively, having a targeted and effective marketing list can make all the difference. By reaching the right audience, you can increase your chances of success and maximize your marketing efforts. Here are five tips for using B2B marketing lists effectively.

Define Your Target Audience.

Before you can effectively use a B2B marketing list, you need to know who your target audience is. This means defining the characteristics of the businesses or individuals you want to reach, such as industry, company size, job title, and location. By understanding your target audience, you can tailor your marketing message and ensure that your list is focused on the right prospects.

Understanding Standard Industrial Codes.

Standard Industrial Codes (SIC) are a system of codes used to classify businesses by industry. These codes were developed by the US government to help track and analyze economic activity. When using B2B marketing lists, it’s important to understand the SIC codes of your target audience. This will help you tailor your messaging and content to their specific industry and needs. You can use SIC codes to segment your marketing lists and create targeted campaigns that resonate with your audience.

SIC codes are four-digit codes that represent a specific industry or business type. As we “drill down” (that’s the expression we use to fine-tune our targeting), we can select by 6 or 8-digit SICs to define the businesses we want to reach.

For example, the 4-digit SIC code for direct mail advertising services is 7331. If we want to locate mailing list providers, we need to drill down to 73319906

Understanding SIC codes is essential for any business looking to purchase or build a B2B marketing list. These codes help identify businesses within specific industries, making it easier to target potential customers or partners. It’s important to note that SIC codes are not static and can change over time as industries evolve. Keeping up-to-date with these changes can help ensure that your B2B marketing efforts are effective and targeted. Additionally, some businesses may have multiple SIC codes, so it’s important to do thorough research to ensure you are targeting the right audience.

Understanding NAICS Codes.

The term, NAICS, refers to the North American Industry Classification System. NAICS is the Census Bureau’s “system for classifying business establishments. It is the first economic classification system to be constructed based on a single economic concept. Economic units that use like processes to produce goods or services are grouped together.”  Basically, this means that similar companies that are in the same line of business will be assigned the same NAIC codes.  The system is hierarchical with more broad industries at the top of the numerical range. More specific industries have more numbers.

NAICS codes are used in the Economic Census as well as in a number of different databases. To look up a code for a particular industry, visit the official NAICS website and do a keyword search for the industry. The NAICS system was created in 1997 to replace the older SIC codes. SIC codes are no longer updated, while the NAICS codes were last updated in 2007.

Since many resources use only NAICS or only SIC codes, it is important to have both the NAICS codes and SIC codes when doing business research.

Thinking Outside the Box – Business Specialty Lists.

Sometimes, selecting the businesses you want to reach is not just by category. It may be where they are in their cycle. A new business has different needs than an established business. A business with outstanding liens may need new financing. If you’re offering business opportunities, you may want to check out a list of franchise owners.

Some unique business specialty lists include:

Use Multiple Channels to Reach Your Audience.

When it comes to B2B marketing, it’s important to remember that your target audience may not be active on just one platform. That’s why it’s important to use multiple channels to reach them. Consider using email marketing, social media advertising, and even direct mail campaigns to get your message in front of your audience. By using multiple channels, you increase your chances of reaching your target audience and driving conversions. Just be sure to tailor your messaging and content to each specific channel for maximum effectiveness.

Choose the Right Marketing List Provider.

The success of your B2B marketing campaign depends heavily on the quality of your marketing list. That’s why it’s important to choose the right marketing list provider. Look for a provider that offers accurate and up-to-date data, as well as a wide range of targeting options. You should also consider the provider’s reputation and customer service. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or read reviews before making your decision.

In terms of a marketing list provider, we love Dataman Group Direct in Boca Raton, FL. The team at Dataman Group works closely with its’ customers to deliver finely tuned business to business marketing lists to connect them with new prospects by direct mail, phone or email.

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