16 Jan 2025

What Do B2B Buyers Really Want?

For years, B2B purchases were thought to be cold, calculated decisions driven by pure logic. But here’s the twist—emotion has barged its way into the boardroom.

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The B2B buying world is completely different from what it used to be. Gone are the days of buyers only comparing features, spreadsheets, and prices. Now, it’s all about experiences that feel personalised, solutions that align with bigger business goals, and, let’s face it, a touch of trust. Buyers want to feel good about their choices—not just make the “smartest” one on paper. So, let’s dive into what modern B2B buyers really want and how you can provide the experiences that will make them keep coming back for more.

Influence of decision drivers in B2B marketing

Source: B2B Superpowers Index

1. Trust—Your B2B Superpower

Let’s get this straight: trust is the new currency. Seriously, buyers today are drowning in options, and when it comes to making a decision, 81% of B2B buyers say trust is the most important factor. But here’s the kicker: trust isn’t built overnight. It’s earned. Every interaction with your brand is an opportunity to prove that you’re reliable and that you’ve got their back.

So, what does this look like in practice? Consistency. Keeping promises. Showing that you genuinely understand your buyer's pain points. When you establish that trust, you’re not just a vendor—you’re a partner. And that’s where the magic happens.

2. Personalisation is No Longer Optional

Let’s face it: B2B buyers are busy. 75% of them expect a personalised experience—and they’re not going to settle for anything less. If you’re still sending out those generic emails that feel like they came from a robot, you might want to rethink your approach.

The good news? AI and automation have made personalisation easier than ever. So, whether it’s sending tailored product recommendations at the right time or crafting an email that speaks directly to their needs, personalised experiences will keep your brand top of mind.

Just think about it: How much more likely is a prospect to engage with content that feels like it was made just for them? Answer: very likely.

3. It’s Not Just About Logic Anymore—Emotion is Key

Let’s be real—B2B buying decisions used to be all about logic. You know, those old-school spreadsheets comparing features and prices. But today’s buyers are just as likely to make decisions based on how a product makes them feel. 70% of B2B buyers say their decisions are influenced by the experience they have with a vendor—so don’t forget the emotional side!

Buyers aren’t just looking for the best deal—they’re asking questions like, “Will this make my life easier?” or “Does this brand get me?” It’s about humanising the process and creating connections that go beyond the transaction.

4. The Maze of Modern Decision-Making

Now, let’s talk about the fun part—today’s B2B buying journey. Spoiler alert: it’s messy. It’s not as straightforward as it used to be. Buyers do their research, loop in stakeholders, and then often retrace their steps. 60% of buyers do at least half their research online before they even reach out to a sales team. So, by the time they contact you, they’re already well into their decision-making process.

The trick here? Make the buying journey as easy as possible. Offer helpful resources, interactive demos, and chatbots that actually make sense. And don’t just rely on tech—personal touchpoints are still crucial. Buyers want guidance, not pressure. So, if you can be the calm in the storm and guide them toward the right decision, you’ll earn their trust.

B2B marketers' top contributors to customer acquisition

5. Millennials & Gen Z: The New B2B Power Players

Want to capture the attention of the younger generations? Well, Millennials and Gen Z are not just changing the way businesses buy—they’re rewriting the whole playbook. These digital natives are used to quick responses, engaging content, and brands that stand for something more than just making a sale.

To win them over, you’ve got to meet them where they are:

  • LinkedIn for thought leadership: Show them you’re the expert.
  • Instagram and TikTok for quick, digestible content: Think behind-the-scenes moments, customer success stories, or fun explainer videos. Attention spans are plummeting. In the past decade, they’ve gone from 2.5 minutes to 47 seconds.
  • Use AI to personalise: These generations expect content to feel custom-made just for them. So, use data to send tailored recommendations, emails, and offers at the right time.

6. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

In today’s world, buyers don’t want to work hard. So, if your buying process is complicated or hard to follow, they’re going to look elsewhere. The key? Make things simple—from your website to your sales process. Remove friction wherever possible.

The goal is to make your buyer’s journey seamless. If you’re still asking prospects to fill out long forms or navigate confusing pages, it’s time to rethink your process. If you can make the experience smooth, buyers are more likely to convert.

7. The Future is Hybrid, AI-Powered, and Human-Focused

To stay ahead of the curve, here are some trends you should be watching:

  • AI-powered personalisation: It’s all about predicting what buyers need before they even know they need it.
  • Video content: Explainers, testimonials, product demos—buyers love short, visual content.
  • Micro-communities: Building exclusive online groups, such as Facebook groups, where buyers can connect, share feedback, and exchange ideas is becoming key.
  • Hybrid events: The magic of in-person connections, mixed with the convenience of virtual technology, is the way forward.
  • Be real and relatable: Buyers are tired of corporate jargon. Keep it human.

8. How to Stand Out in Today's Buyer-Driven Market

Let’s wrap this up by talking about standing out. Here’s the deal: today, the power is in the hands of the buyer, and they have more choices than ever before.

  • Keep things simple: Don’t over-complicate the process. Make buying from you easy.
  • Let your personality shine: Add some humour, be relatable, and show off your brand’s personality.
  • Balance tech and humanity: Yes, automation is amazing, but there’s no substitute for genuine human interactions.
  • Be adaptable: Things change fast, and if you’re not willing to pivot when necessary, you might miss out.

The Bottom Line: Build Relationships, Not Just Sales

At the end of the day, buyers aren’t just looking for products—they’re looking for long-term partnerships. They want to work with brands that align with their values, solve their problems, and help them achieve their goals.

By focusing on trust, personalisation, and providing a human touch, you’re not just closing deals—you’re building lasting relationships.

Are you looking for help in elevating your B2B marketing efforts? Browse our top Marketing Strategists, Brand Experts and Content Creators available to hire through Cemoh.

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