Is B2B CRO REALLY Different than B2C? ft. Carlos Trujillo
Aug 28, 2024
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Carlos Trujillo, known as 'The Selfie King', is an eCommerce CRO expert, and is joined by optimization whiz Shiva Manjunath. They dive into the nuances of B2B vs. B2C conversion rate optimization. Discover how core principles overlap while user psychology and metrics differ. They highlight the importance of understanding customer needs and the balance between creative strategies and structured techniques. Plus, get a sweet promo code to snag a discount for an upcoming conference and maybe even a selfie with Carlos!
B2B and B2C conversion rate optimization processes share fundamental principles, with the primary focus on solving user problems and enhancing customer experiences.
While user journeys differ significantly in timing and decision-making between B2B and B2C, effective messaging and addressing user needs remain critical in both contexts.
Deep dives
B2B vs. B2C Optimization Similarities
B2B and B2C optimization processes share fundamental principles, primarily focused on solving real user problems and enhancing customer experiences. The speakers argue that while there are nuances like sample sizes and user journeys, the core optimization strategies remain consistent across both contexts. Identifying specific problems and crafting tailored solutions is crucial, and many practitioners, regardless of specialization, can effectively navigate both B2B and B2C environments. Ultimately, the emphasis remains on understanding user needs and effectively addressing them.
User Journey Dynamics
The user journey differs significantly between B2B and B2C transactions, particularly in terms of timing and decision-making processes. B2C users may complete a purchase within minutes, whereas B2B users often engage in prolonged decision cycles that can extend over months or even years. This perspective challenges the common assumption that B2C always entails shorter purchase timelines. Notably, large purchases in B2C, such as lavish vacations, can also involve lengthy considerations, highlighting that both contexts can share common complexities.
Misconceptions in CRO Practices
The distinction between best practices in B2C and B2B conversion rate optimization (CRO) is often overstated, leading to a proliferation of checklist-based approaches that may not address deeper user insights. The conversation emphasizes that CRO should not simply focus on superficial usability factors but rather involve thorough research to understand user motivations and pain points. It’s reiterated that a systematic process, grounded in genuine customer interactions, is vital for achieving effective optimizations. The idea that certain strategies are exclusively applicable to one sector over the other can mislead practitioners and hinder genuine growth.
The Role of Messaging in Optimization
Effective messaging is highlighted as a critical factor in both B2B and B2C optimization, where clear communication of value can significantly influence user behavior. Strategies should pivot towards addressing user problems rather than merely promoting products, aligning the messaging approach with users' needs and motivations. Notably, the speakers advocate for a principle to 'design on behalf of users' rather than 'for them,' suggesting a shift from reactive to proactive design strategies. Results from successful CRO efforts demonstrate that impactful changes in positioning or messaging often yield more significant effects than visual redesigns alone.
How should optimizers approach experimentation in B2B vs. B2C? Is it truly that different, where it's a skillset that is specialized? Or is there a standard process that can be adopted across both.... with SOME nuance, but really you can be an expert in both at the same time.
Shiva Manjunath enlisted the help of Carlos "The Selfie King" Trujillo, who JUST taught a course on CRO for Ecommerce Growth, to discuss this. We netted out basically saying "there aren't any major differences in process." However, there are some nuances worth exploring which can strengthen how you approach B2B vs B2C in CRO, specifically around psychology of users, differences in metrics (and test success), and research methods used.
If you listen to the whole episode, I drop an exclusive promo code for a hefty amount of $$$ off a ticket for EXL. (Disclaimer: I get no kickbacks or dollars for anyone who uses the code - I just want to meet as many certified homies at EXL! Plus, if you come, you can get a selfie with the selfie king himself!)
Timestamps:
00:00 Start of Episode
2:55 Exploration of Process for B2B vs B2C
11:32 One Major Difference in CRO for B2B v s B2C
16:06 The Definition of "CRO" Is Important to the Conversation
20:34 Solutions for Problems May Be The Differentiation
29:29 Listener Question : James Carbary (plus other discussion related to CRO in B2B vs B2C)
Go follow Carlos Trujillo on Linkedin, and check out his course taught at CXL (https://cxl.com/institute/online-course/cro-for-ecommerce/)
Also make sure you guys are following James Carbary on LinkedIn - link to his post here: https://tinyurl.com/JamesAtoB
If you have listener questions, submit them at https://tinyurl.com/askfromatob for a chance to be featured too!
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