Top B2B Loyalty Trends for 2021, from Apex Loyalty Lens

With new technologies and channels, consumers can find what they seek effectively. This notion brought about a tremendous transformation for B2B eCommerce. Tossing obsolete methods aside almost completely, B2B markets constantly look for ways to develop their businesses further and increase customer loyalty. As 2020 proved to be a year of unforeseen challenges, making sound predictions about B2B loyalty trends for 2021 is vital.

This article will give you a brief overview of the obstacles B2B has suffered in 2020. In addition, we will cover some of the B2B loyalty trends for 2021 so that you can stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming year.

The Impact of COVID-19 on B2B Loyalty Trends for 2021

COVID-19 swept the whole world since the beginning of 2020. Online and offline businesses suffered a major blow due to the economic challenges the pandemic has brought. Many quickly adapted to the new normal and updated their strategies accordingly. However, the long-term impact of the pandemic extends into 2021 and beyond.

As we move forward to 2021 and look for ways to understand better B2B loyalty trends for 2021, marketers still need to adapt and strategize in line with some of the challenges from 2020. Among them are the changes in budget, the shift in consumer behavior, the new channels to reach customers, and increased reliance on online commerce. In that respect, B2B marketers must look for new ways to increase loyalty to achieve their business goals and survive the pandemic. Let’s look at the predictions for B2B loyalty trends for 2021.

Predictions for B2B Loyalty Trends for 2021

One big takeaway from the pandemic and the emergence of new online platforms is the significance of digitalization. Digitalization is now the number one strategic priority for B2B marketers, particularly with the recent change in customer engagement methods. Businesses should improve their digital presence to influence anyone involved in B2B purchasing. This way, they can achieve conversion via an innovative customer experience.

Once you are confident about your digital identity, building around it and shaping it will be easier following B2B loyalty trends for 2021. Studies show it is getting increasingly important to offer customers a seamless experience regardless of the platform or device they use. Seeking consistent integration of different channels where they can shop, consumers expect easy use once they choose your brand. Today, what marketers define as “omnichannel marketing” is becoming more relevant for consumers worldwide. However, more than half of the businesses lack a cross-channel strategy. B2B markets should involve omnichannel customer loyalty marketing in their 2021 strategy to keep ahead of the pack.

Incorporation of Big Data and AI

B2B loyalty trends for 2021 also foresee the novelties in AI. With the advancement of AI technologies, it is now a must-have for any business that has a digital space. In that respect, B2B Loyalty Trends 2021 includes this major data processing tool. There are many ways to incorporate AI for marketing purposes. One way is to make use of it to improve the customer experience. Businesses can also use big data, machine learning, and other relevant data to understand their audience further. Thanks to AI, collected data drafts tangible information for the marketing teams. They can analyze and work on them for a more effective presence, which results in conversion.

Forecasts regarding B2B loyalty trends for 2021 also indicate that B2B Content Marketing will be an important factor in increasing business loyalty. Maintaining its place as a major conversion tool, content marketing is a reliable channel for customers whenever they need information. However, businesses can still create constant and tiresome content. Conversely, creating regular but less content will be more effective for your brand. This can be achieved by understanding your audience and making the relevant content available wherever and in whatever form it is preferred. Surveys show that most people usually go between online search and video content during their shopping experience. As a result, using different channels and formats in content marketing will be an important factor for successful B2B loyalty marketing in 2021.

Blending with B2C Elements

B2B Loyalty Trends for 2021 also signify a merger with B2C. As millennials, who were almost born into internet technology, occupy more and more places in the active workforce globally, B2B will likely resemble B2C commerce even more. Seeking a similar online experience in the workplace, B2B purchasers desire to see an emulation of what they are used to as B2C customers.

Progressive Web Apps, also known as PWAs, appear to be another major player in B2B Loyalty Trends for 2021. As more and more businesses understand how the B2C model is preferable among the purchasers, they lean towards PWAs. PWAs serve as mobile apps but are built with more common novelties on any mobile device. As PWAs are webcast, the maintenance and update processes are easier. Implementing such technology is easy and is a sure way to get your customers to stay in 2021.

Top B2B Loyalty Trends for 2021: What is to Conclude

As 2020 proved to be a tough year with unprecedented challenges, 2021 might appear intimidating for you and your business. Apex Loyalty is the perfect support if you want to take your business to the next stage while keeping up with the new trends and satisfying and even improving your current clientele. Offering various models of B2B loyalty programs, Apex Loyalty helps you profile your customers better. In addition, it provides target-based content tailored for you and your business. With Apex Loyalty, you will always take advantage of marketing opportunities that are right for you. Lead the pack in these challenging times with a smart B2B loyalty program!

You can read our previous post on https://www.apexloyalty.com/b2b-brand-awareness/