Advertising TechnologyContent MarketingEmail Marketing & AutomationMobile and Tablet MarketingPublic RelationsSales and Marketing TrainingSales EnablementSearch MarketingSocial Media & Influencer Marketing

Dear Tech Marketers: Stop Marketing Features Over Benefits

Dear Tech Marketer or SaaS Enthusiast,

It’s undeniable that the world of technology is exhilarating. The thrill of crafting and unleashing new releases and groundbreaking features ignites the passion within every tech marketer’s heart. We understand the complexities, the sleepless nights, and the countless lines of code that go into transforming concepts into reality. It’s no wonder you’re proud of these achievements and eager to tout them to the world.

However, let’s take a moment to reflect on a crucial question: Are you speaking to an audience that shares your enthusiasm for the intricate details of your projects, or are you addressing those eagerly seeking solutions to their challenges? This distinction might seem subtle, yet it holds the key to resonating with your audience and driving real results for your SaaS business.

For Software as a Service (SaaS) providers and technical services, successful marketing strategies hinge on one fundamental principle: communication that resonates with the buyer. While touting platform features might seem like a logical approach, a paradigm shift toward benefit-based messaging is proving to be far more effective in capturing the attention and trust of potential clients.

Understanding the Psychology: Entering the Buyer’s Mind

To truly connect with potential clients, SaaS providers and technical services must delve beyond the surface and understand the psychology of decision-making. Buyers are seeking solutions to their pain points and challenges, and their minds are wired to evaluate how a product or service can bring value to their lives. Feature-based communication might list impressive functionalities, but it often fails to address the fundamental question:

What’s in it for me?

Moreover, navigating the B2B buyer journey is a complex process that involves understanding potential buyers’ questions and concerns at each stage. Let’s explore the buyer journey stages and the questions buyers may ask during each phase:

1. Problem Identification:

  • What challenges are we currently facing within our organization?
  • How is this problem impacting our business operations and goals?
  • What is the cost of not addressing this problem?
  • How can we quantify the potential return on investment (ROI) if we solve this problem?

2. Solution Exploration:

  • What potential solutions are available to address our identified problem?
  • Which companies are known for providing solutions in this area?
  • Where can I find information about different solutions?
  • What content or resources can help me understand the available solutions better?

3. Requirements Building:

  • What specific features or capabilities do we need in a solution to solve our problem?
  • How can we create a comprehensive checklist of our requirements?
  • What is the timeline for implementing a solution?
  • How can we quantify the impact of the chosen solution on our business?

4. Supplier Selection:

  • What companies offer the solutions we are considering?
  • How can we evaluate the credibility and reputation of these companies?
  • Are there customer testimonials or use cases that showcase successful implementations?
  • What industry recognition or certifications do these companies have?

5. Solution Validation:

  • How can we ensure the chosen solution aligns with our industry and business maturity?
  • Are there case studies that demonstrate successful problem-solving within our specific context?
  • Can we see prototypes or examples that illustrate how the solution works?

6. Consensus Creation:

  • Who needs to be involved in the decision-making process within our organization?
  • How can we present the chosen solution to our leadership team effectively?
  • What sets one solution apart from the competition, and why should we choose it?
  • How can we facilitate the approval process and gain consensus among team members?

Understanding these questions at each buyer journey stage enables SaaS providers and technical services to craft targeted and relevant content that addresses buyer concerns, builds trust, and guides potential customers toward making informed decisions. By acknowledging the buyer’s journey and tailoring content to address their specific needs, companies can establish themselves as valuable partners and solution providers, positioning themselves for success in the competitive market.

The Power of Benefit-Centric Communication

Shifting the focus from features to benefits taps into these core emotional drivers of the buyer’s journey. Benefit-centric communication highlights the transformation a potential client can experience by using a particular product or service. It appeals to their desires, aspirations, and needs, ultimately guiding them toward a purchasing decision. By addressing the ‘why’ behind the ‘what,’ companies can establish a deep connection and build trust, vital factors in the competitive world of SaaS.

Company A: Feature-Based Messaging

  • Headline: Unparalleled Data Analytics Platform with Advanced Reporting and Real-time Monitoring.
  • Description: Our platform offers robust features, including data analytics, advanced reporting, and real-time monitoring for data-driven decision-making.

Company B: Benefit-Centric Messaging

  • Headline: Elevate Your Business Insights with Actionable Data, Informed Decisions Guaranteed.
  • Description: Transform your business with our data analytics solution. Make informed decisions, drive growth, and gain a competitive edge.

In the example above, Company A focuses on platform features, providing an impressive list of capabilities. However, it lacks the emotional connection that drives action. On the other hand, Company B’s messaging is benefit-centric. The headline promises a tangible transformation – elevated business insights. The description addresses the value of informed decisions, growth, and a competitive edge. This speaks directly to the buyer’s desires and aspirations.

Why Benefit-Centric Messaging Works

  1. Emotional Resonance: Benefit-based messaging speaks to emotions, tapping into desires and needs that drive decision-making.
  2. Solution-Centric: Buyers seek solutions to their problems. Benefit-based messaging presents the product or service as the answer.
  3. Customer-Centric Approach: It focuses on the buyer, showing that the company understands their pain points and is dedicated to solving them.
  4. Clear Value Proposition: Benefit-centric messaging provides a clear ‘what’s in it for me’ answer, making it easier for buyers to see the value.
  5. Long-Term Vision: It fosters a long-term relationship by showcasing how the product or service can contribute to the buyer’s ongoing success.

SaaS providers and technical services can revolutionize their marketing strategies by embracing benefit-centric communication. By understanding the psychological aspects of decision-making, they can create content that resonates with potential clients on a deeper level. Remember, it’s not about the features but the transformation and value you can bring to your clients’ lives. So, the next time you’re crafting your marketing messages, think about benefits, not just features, and watch how it impacts your business’s growth journey.

Douglas Karr

Douglas Karr is CMO of OpenINSIGHTS and the founder of the Martech Zone. Douglas has helped dozens of successful MarTech startups, has assisted in the due diligence of over $5 bil in Martech acquisitions and investments, and continues to assist companies in implementing and automating their sales and marketing strategies. Douglas is an internationally recognized digital transformation and MarTech expert and speaker. Douglas is also a published author of a Dummie's guide and a business leadership book.

Related Articles

Back to top button
Close

Adblock Detected

Martech Zone is able to provide you this content at no cost because we monetize our site through ad revenue, affiliate links, and sponsorships. We would appreciate if you would remove your ad blocker as you view our site.