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LEVEL UP
YOUR DEMAND
GENERATION
GAME!
A Strategic Playbook
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Tabel of
Content
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................................................3
5) Technology as an Enabler:......................................................................................................................................................7
Chapter 8: Provide actionable tips for optimizing the strategy based on data and insights.......................14
Chapter 10: Use Data to Optimize Landing Pages, Forms, and CTAs...........................................................................16
Summing up....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
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Introduction
Welcome to Creating compelling content is a cornerstone of
“How to Level-Up Your demand generation. In this playbook, you will get a
brief idea of how to develop high-quality and relevant
Demand Gen Game! A content that resonates with your audience, captures
their attention, and builds trust.
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Chapter
01
Identify the Essential
Components of a Successful
Demand-Generation Strategy
Demand generation is a critical aspect of marketing Step 5: And address all pain points by building a
that requires a well-defined strategy to be successful. marketing campaign strategy and capturing the
The organization has developed an effective attention and interest of potential customers.
demand-generation strategy; it is vital to identify and
incorporate essential components. One of the primary Therefore, understanding the target audience
components is understanding the target audience. It is essential to a successful demand-generation
involves conducting thorough market research and strategy. It involves conducting market research,
gathering insights about the ideal customer profile developing buyer personas, and identifying potential
(ICP). Businesses can gain a deeper understanding customer’s pain points. Businesses can create tailored
of their target audience by analyzing market trends, marketing messages and tactics that resonate with
demographics, and customer behavior. potential customers by gaining insights into the
target audience’s preferences, motivations, and
1) Understanding your target audience: challenges. Such competitive landscape analysis
To understand the target audience, it is crucial to and understanding of market trends help build an
develop buyer personas. Buyer personas are fictional effective demand-generation strategy.
representations of ideal customers created based
on research and data. These personas encompass 2) Setting clear goals and objectives:
various characteristics such as demographics, Setting clear goals and objectives in B2B demand
preferences, pain points, motivations, and challenges. generation is crucial to driving focused and
By developing detailed buyer personas, businesses measurable results. By defining specific, measurable,
can better tailor their marketing messages and attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals,
tactics to resonate with their target audience. businesses can establish a clear roadmap for their
demand-generation efforts.
Step 1: Identify the pain points and challenges of
potential customers’ businesses so they can position Before beginning demand generation, it’s crucial
their products or services as solutions. to establish clear goals that outline the business’s
desired outcomes. Setting goals and objectives for
Step 2: Conduct thorough research and analysis retaining existing customers differs from acquiring
to determine the pain points most significant to the new customers, requiring a different strategy for goal
target audience. setting.
Step 3: Analyze the competitive landscape, identify A clear and specific goal could be to improve customer
market trends, and understand the customer’s retention by a certain percentage within a particular
buying journey. time frame. This differs from setting goals to attract
new businesses and start-up entrepreneurs, which
Step 4: Assess the industry trends and competitors’ can help provide clarity and direction to develop a
activities to set your business position effectively in robust demand-generation strategy for your business.
the market and make a difference.
Before setting your goals and objectives, businesses
must consider the following aspects:
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Aspect 1: Business entities must ensure that goals 1) First and foremost, businesses need to understand
are measurable, including quantifiable metrics their target audience’s pain points and challenges.
that can be tracked and evaluated. This enables The value proposition should clearly communicate
businesses to assess the effectiveness of their how the product or service addresses these pain
demand-generation efforts and make data-driven points and offers unique value to the target audience.
decisions. The setting of measurable goals could
include metrics such as lead conversion rate, revenue 2) It is important to be concise yet comprehensive in
generated, or website traffic. crafting the value proposition. The message should
clearly articulate the key benefits and advantages that
Aspect 2: The goals should be attainable and set the product or service apart from competitors.
realistic. It is important to consider the available
resources, budget, and capabilities of the business 3) Additionally, the value proposition should align
when setting goals. Setting unattainable goals can with the specific needs and goals of the target
lead to frustration and disappointment, while setting audience. Understanding their motivations and using
realistic goals promotes motivation and progress. a personalized approach enhances the relevance
and appeal of the value proposition to potential
Aspect 3: Relevance is another important factor customers.
when setting goals for demand generation. The goals
should align with the overall company objectives and 4) To convince your audience of the benefits you claim,
sales targets. For instance, if the company aims to providing evidence, proof, and real-life examples is
expand into a new market segment, the demand- helpful. In addition, this can be achieved through
generation goals should be aligned with generating customer testimonials, case studies, or data-backed
leads and opportunities within that specific segment. results. Such efforts can help businesses to achieve
value propositions.
Aspect 4: The goals should be time-bound,
meaning they should have a defined timeframe for 5) Consistency is key in marketing. Reinforce the
achievement. This provides a sense of urgency and value proposition across all channels and touchpoints
helps prioritize activities. Time-bound goals could for potential customers. To effectively communicate
be monthly, quarterly, or yearly, depending on the the value of a product or service, it is essential to
nature of the business and its sales cycles. maintain consistency across all marketing channels
and touchpoints.
Businesses can use SMART goals techniques to set
their business goals and execute their demand- The compelling value proposition is a critical
generation strategy with the overall company component of demand generation. It requires
and sales objectives. This alignment ensures that crafting a clear and unique message that effectively
the efforts put into demand generation directly communicates the product or service’s benefits.
contribute to the growth and success of the business. By highlighting how the solution solves the target
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the progress audience’s pain points and offers value, businesses
towards these goals enable firms to make necessary can attract and engage potential customers,
adjustments and optimize their demand-generation ultimately driving demand for their offerings.
strategy for maximum effectiveness.
4) Multi-channel marketing approach:
3) Compelling value proposition: A multi-channel marketing approach is essential in
A compelling value proposition is a key element of demand generation to effectively reach and engage
demand generation, effectively communicating a the target audience through various channels. By
product’s or service’s benefits to the target audience. utilizing a mix of marketing channels, businesses can
Crafting a clear and unique message that resonates maximize their visibility and connect with potential
with potential customers is essential to create a customers differently.
compelling value proposition.
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Here are some useful marketing channels: and measurable conversion tracking along with ABM
and ICP alignment make it a popular method to
Channel 1: Email marketing is a key channel drive pipeline and revenue impact for internal teams.
in demand generation. It allows businesses to Working with the right partners is key, as the space
communicate directly with their audience, nurture is convoluted and very few partners actually develop
leads, and deliver personalized content and offers. the leads internally, most operate from a reseller
Email marketing campaigns can be tailored to model which minimizes value and optimization
specific target audience segments, providing opportunities.
relevant information and compelling messages that
drive engagement and conversion. When executing a multi-channel marketing
approach, it is essential to maintain consistency in
Channel 2: Social media is another powerful messaging and branding. The value proposition,
channel in demand generation. Platforms like core messages, and visual identity should be
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram offer consistent across different channels to reinforce
opportunities to reach a wide audience, build brand brand recognition and ensure a cohesive experience
awareness, and engage with potential customers. for potential customers. Consistency helps establish
Businesses can boost sales by developing engaging trust and credibility, making marketing efforts more
social media content, implementing targeted impactful and effective.
advertising campaigns, and participating in industry
dialogues.
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5) Technology as an Enabler:
Technology serves as a powerful enabler in demand generation, providing businesses with tools and platforms
to streamline and optimize their efforts. Businesses can enhance their demand-generation strategies by
leveraging marketing automation tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, analytics
platforms, and other relevant technologies.
“Technology is not a strategy, it is a tool”
- Sam Nohava, VP Blue Yonder
a) One of the key benefits of technology in demand generation is the ability to automate repetitive tasks.
Businesses can use marketing automation tools to streamline their email campaigns, lead nurturing
workflows, and other redundant processes. With this approach, marketers can save time and resources,
freeing them up for more valuable tasks like strategy and creative content.
b) Tech solutions allow businesses to track and measure the performance of their demand-generation
campaigns. Analytics platforms offer helpful information on different metrics, such as website traffic, lead
conversion rates, and campaign engagement that provide valuable insights. By analyzing this data, businesses
can identify areas for improvement, optimize their marketing strategies, and make data-driven decisions to
drive better results.
c) Marketing automation and CRM systems also facilitate lead management and nurturing. These technologies
help businesses capture, track, and manage leads throughout the customer journey. By segmenting leads
based on their behavior, interests, and stage in the buying cycle, businesses can deliver targeted and
personalized content to nurture leads, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
d) Technology enables business entities to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. By
analyzing data collected through various channels, companies can understand their audience better, identify
trends, and tailor their demand-generation strategies accordingly. These insights help develop more effective
campaigns, improve targeting, and enhance overall customer experiences.
Overall, technology plays a crucial role as an enabler in demand generation. Businesses can streamline
processes, automate repetitive tasks, track campaign performance, and gain valuable insights by leveraging
marketing automation tools, CRM systems, analytics platforms, and other relevant technologies. It empowers
businesses to optimize their demand-generation efforts, deliver targeted and personalized experiences, and
ultimately drive more significant success in attracting and converting potential customers.
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Chapter
02
Sales and Marketing
Alignment
Each organization is different, and one size does 4) When different teams collaborate and share their
not fit all. Hence, a successful demand-generation ideas, expertise, and successful strategies, they
strategy requires alignment between marketing and can collaborate to create new and effective ways
sales teams. to connect with the desired audience and increase
demand.
Establishing effective communication and
collaboration between these teams is essential 5) Furthermore, cross-functional collaboration helps
to ensure a smooth lead transition and maximize identify and address any gaps or inefficiencies in the
conversion rates. Working together to define lead customer journey. By bringing together teams from
qualification criteria and develop strategies to nurture different business areas, businesses can identify pain
leaders throughout the buyer’s journey is better. points, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
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Chapter Outline the Steps for
03 Building a Demand-
Generation Plan
Building a comprehensive demand generation plan with clear milestones and deadlines for your content
involves several key steps to ensure a tactical and promotions.
organized approach. The following steps outline the
process: Step 6: Define specific, measurable, attainable,
relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for lead
Step 1: Start by providing an overview of the gen, website traffic, engagement rates, or conversion
demand generation plan, including its purpose, rates. Clear goals provide a benchmark for success
target audience, and key objectives. This helps set and help track the effectiveness of your demand-
the foundation and provides a clear direction for the generation efforts.
plan.
Step 7: Outline your communication strategies
Step 2: Determine the key themes or topics that will for engaging with the target audience, including
resonate with your target audience. These themes determining the frequency and timing of
should align with your brand’s value proposition and communications, personalization tactics, and
address your potential customers’ pain points or methods for gathering feedback and responding to
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Chapter
Balance the Art and
Balancing the art and science of demand generation is crucial in today’s competitive business landscape.
On the one hand, there is a need to understand customer behavior, craft compelling messages, and create
engaging content. On the other hand, the science of demand generation involves data analysis, metrics
tracking, and leveraging technology to optimize campaigns.
Aspect 1: Speed and agility are key to successful demand generation. In a rapidly evolving market,
organizations must be able to respond swiftly to changing customer needs and market dynamics. Agility
allows for quick adjustments in strategies and tactics based on real-time feedback and data insights.
Aspect 2: Demand generation shouldn’t be limited to generating initial interest or leads. It should
encompass the entire customer journey. Businesses must consider the follow-up processes through business
development (BD) and sales to convert leads into loyal customers to achieve the organization’s broader sales
and revenue goals.
Balance the art and science of demand generation to create campaigns that resonate with customers.
Data and technology maximize efficiency and effectiveness. It requires ongoing monitoring, analysis, and
adaptation for optimal results and sustainable growth.
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Chapter Track and Measure the
05 Success of Demand-
Generation Efforts
To achieve marketing goals, tracking and measuring demand-generation success through effective
monitoring and evaluation is important.
Step 1: it is crucial to ensure alignment among stakeholders regarding definitions, playbooks, timelines, and
desired outcomes. The use of clear communication and collaboration is vital to make sure that efforts are
coordinated effectively.
“A major success of the campaign starts with collaboration
and communication.”
- Dave Steinmeyer, Managing Partner
Vereigen Media.
Step 2: Businesses can gather valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives from key stakeholders and
customer advocates. These people’s feedback can help refine strategies, messaging, and targeting for more
effective campaigns.
Step 3: Demand-generation efforts must be measured and analyzed. These metrics may include sales goals,
pipeline growth, customer engagement, conversion rates, and revenue. This data-driven approach lets you
make informed decisions and optimize as needed.
Businesses can benefit greatly by implementing these practices. They can gain valuable insights, identify
areas for improvement, and optimize their strategies to achieve their marketing and revenue objectives
through demand generation.
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Chapter Identify Key Metrics
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Chapter Provide Actionable Tips
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for Creating Targeted
Content
Creating targeted content is essential for effectively engaging your audience and driving desired actions.
Here are some actionable tips to consider when crafting your content strategy:
Tip 1: Triggered and abandoned content is crucial in capturing and re-engaging your audience. Triggered
content revolves around personalized messages or offers sent automatically based on audience actions or
behaviors. On the other hand, Abandon content aims to re-engage users who have shown interest but haven’t
completed a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.
Tip 2: Tailoring content to each stage of the buyer’s journey is another effective strategy. Understand your
audience’s needs and pain points at each stage—awareness, consideration, and decision—and create content
that aligns with their specific interests and requirements. For example, educational blog posts, informative
videos, or comparison guides can be valuable during the consideration stage, while case studies and product
demos can be effective during the decision stage.
Tip 3: Storytelling enhances content creation. Emotional, relatable stories draw people in. Use storytelling
to engage your audience. Tell your brand’s story and value proposition with relatable characters, compelling
narratives, and a clear message. Emotional connections build trust, loyalty, and engagement.
Creating targeted content requires a strategic approach. By incorporating triggered and abandoner content,
tailoring content to each stage of the buyer’s journey, and utilizing storytelling techniques, you can create
content that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful interactions. It’s important to regularly
analyze and optimize your content strategy by using audience feedback and data insights to ensure its
effective in achieving your marketing goals.
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Chapter Provide Actionable Tips for
08
Optimizing the Strategy
Based on Data and Insights
There are some practical suggestions to take into account while optimizing your demand creation plan
based on data and insights:
• To optimize your demand generation strategy, focus on key areas. First, prioritize reliable data
sources to make informed decisions. Accurate and trustworthy data is essential.
• Ensure inclusivity in targeting and messaging to address different buyer personas. Tailor your approach
to meet their unique needs and preferences.
• Consider timing and be adaptable. Analyze audience behavior to identify patterns and trends. Optimize
the timing of your campaigns and regularly update your definitions to remain aligned with market
conditions and customer behaviors.
• Take into consideration post-lead acquisition activities. Nurture and engage leads with valuable
content and interactions to move them closer to conversion. Analyze engagement, conversion
rates, and customer feedback to refine your strategies continually.
By addressing reliable data sources, inclusive targeting, timing considerations, post-lead engagement, and
collaboration, you can optimize your strategy, enhance customer experiences, and achieve better marketing
results.
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Chapter Incremental Change and
09
Identifying Bottlenecks in the
Customer Journey
Demand generation optimizes plans, messages, and tactics incrementally based on data-driven insights.
Identifying customer journey barriers improves conversion rates. Changing messaging, user experience,
targeting, and support can fix bottlenecks. Data analysis reveals bottlenecks and informs decisions.
Incremental change and bottleneck removal improve customer journeys, engagement, and conversion rates.
“Segment your audience based on what they have previously done, and then
send them similar topic-based content. By doing so, you will improve your
targeted engagement rates.”
- Kathy Mammon, B2B Marketing Leader & Demand Gen Expert
Demand generation succeeds with this iterative, data-driven approach. Businesses can improve performance
by gradually improving and addressing bottlenecks. Optimizing demand creation through insights and
feedback creates a smooth customer experience that boosts conversion rates.
To put it simply, incremental change is the name of the game for demand generation companies looking to
level up. By identifying roadblocks and implementing focused strategies, organization can amp up customer
engagement and crush their conversion goals.
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Chapter Use Data to Optimize
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Landing Pages, Forms, and
CTAs
Demand generation requires data-driven landing page, form, and Call-to-action (CTA) optimization. Data can
help firms improve these important components and conversion rates.
Data can assess landing page performance. Businesses may improve by measuring bounce rates, time on
page, and conversion rates. They can test layout, design, copy, and pictures to see what their target audience
likes. A/B and multivariate testing help to optimize landing page conversion rates and user experience.
Forms record lead information, which helps generate demand. Businesses can discover form submission
hurdles by reviewing form completion, abandonment, and field drop-off data. Form optimization requires
balancing data collection with friction. Simplifying forms, removing essential data, and utilizing appealing
language can boost form completion rates and lead quality.
CTAs also boost conversions. Measure click-through and conversion rates to evaluate CTAs. Testing location,
design, copy, and colors might reveal target-audience preferences. Data-driven optimization helps companies
design engaging and actionable CTAs.
Businesses can boost demand generation by optimizing landing pages, forms, and CTAs with data. Iterative
design and communications decisions are based on empirical evidence rather than preconceptions.
Businesses may improve user experience, minimize friction, and raise conversion rates by testing and tweaking
key features.
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Summing up
In the B2B world, generating demand is essential journey, incorporating triggered and abandoned
for driving business growth and achieving success. content strategies, and leveraging storytelling
This playbook emphasizes the significance of techniques are vital for creating targeted content
demand generation for all businesses. In order to that resonates with the audience.
have a successful demand-generation strategy,
it is important to consider a number of essential Data-driven optimization is a core of demand
components. Such components are understanding generation. Ensuring data accuracy, inclusive
your target audience, setting clear goals and targeting, effective content messaging, and refining
objectives, crafting a compelling value proposition, timing and definitions are vital to optimizing the
implementing a multi-channel marketing approach, demand-generation strategy. Demand generation
and leveraging technology as an enabler. operates on the principle of incremental change,
recognizing that minor adjustments can yield
Successful demand generation requires a strategic significant impacts. Identifying bottlenecks or drop-
and collaborative approach. Aligning sales and off points in the customer journey and leveraging
marketing teams and fostering cross-functional data to optimize landing pages, forms, and calls-to-
alignment within the marketing team ensures a action further enhance the effectiveness of demand-
cohesive and coordinated effort to reach and engage generation efforts.
prospects effectively. As we read, a demand-gen
plan involves setting clear goals, defining themes, By adopting these principles and strategies,
and implementing a multi-faceted approach that businesses can develop a solid demand-generation
includes strategic content planning, distribution, and playbook that drives growth and success in the B2B
effective communication. landscape.
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Essentials Take Aways
• Understand your target audience and set clear goals and objectives for effective demand generation.
• Create a compelling value proposition and adopt a multi-channel marketing approach to reach your
audience.
• Leverage technology as an enabler and align sales and marketing efforts for seamless collaboration.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and build a comprehensive plan to drive demand.
• Use data to optimize strategies, targeting, and messaging.
• Tailor content to each stage of the buyer’s journey to resonate with the audience.
• Balance the art and science of demand generation, prioritizing speed and optimizing the customer
journey.
• Track, measure, and optimize using data-driven insights, involving stakeholders and addressing
bottlenecks for success.
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Thank You!
We appreciate your time and attention
in reading this playbook. We value your
consideration highly.
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