Every year, the Sagefrog B2B Marketing Mix Report delivers fresh, data-driven insights to help marketers stay ahead of the curve. This year is no different—2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer. With businesses facing both opportunities and challenges from advancements in technology and changing market dynamics, this year’s report sheds light on strategies that are effective today and set the stage for long-term success.
What Is the 2025 B2B Marketing Mix Report?
Now in its 18th edition, the Sagefrog B2B Marketing Mix Report is a goldmine of data gathered from B2B professionals across industries like healthcare, tech, industrial, and business services. We surveyed decision-makers, from managers to executives, capturing insights on what’s working, what’s not, and where marketers are heading next. This report distills key trends in areas like budget allocation, lead generation, marketing tactics, and much more—giving you the edge you need to navigate the changing marketing landscape.
Let’s break down the top takeaways from this year’s report that every B2B marketer should have on their radar as we head into 2025!
1. AI & Automation Are Redefining B2B Marketing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer just buzzwords—they are transformative forces reshaping how B2B marketers approach their craft. By integrating AI, businesses are automating repetitive tasks, allowing marketing teams to focus on high-level strategy and creativity. Whether it’s AI-generated content, data analysis, or even coding, these technologies significantly enhance productivity while reducing human error.
Actionable Tip: Consider leveraging AI tools for content creation or integrating AI-powered chatbots to enhance customer service.
2. In-Person Events Still Matter in a Digital World
Despite the rise of digital marketing channels, in-person events remain a cornerstone for lead generation in the B2B world. There’s simply no substitute for the personal connections and networking opportunities from face-to-face interactions. Tradeshows, conferences, and industry expos allow businesses to demonstrate their expertise, build trust, and develop meaningful relationships with potential clients.
In a digital-centric era, the impact of in-person events is amplified when combined with follow-up digital engagement. Many businesses use these events as entry points, nurturing leads through personalized emails, social media, or even virtual meetings after the initial contact.
Actionable Tip: If you’re hosting in-person events, make sure you’re prepared to make an impact and capitalize on the value with the right strategy before the event, during the event, and after the event.
3. Hybrid Marketing: Don’t Choose Between Offline & Online
Gone are the days when businesses could rely solely on one marketing channel. The 2025 B2B Marketing Mix Report emphasizes the importance of hybrid marketing—combining both offline and online strategies to maximize reach and effectiveness. Offline strategies like direct mail, print ads, and in-person networking complement digital efforts such as SEO, paid social, and email marketing.
Actionable Tip: To maximize results, integrate your offline and online efforts. For example, follow up direct mail campaigns with personalized email marketing or use QR codes in print ads to drive prospects to landing pages or digital resources.
4. Increase Focus on Client Retention Tactics
While lead generation is often the most visible success metric, the 2025 report reveals a growing shift in focus towards client retention. Maintaining and nurturing existing customer relationships has become even more critical with rising customer acquisition costs. Loyal clients are more likely to make repeat purchases and tend to become brand advocates, promoting your services to others.
Actionable Tip: Keep communication lines open and focus on long-term relationship-building over quick wins.
5. Try Video Marketing
If you haven’t embraced video yet, 2025 is the year to make it happen. Video marketing continues to be one of the most powerful tools for engaging audiences, especially in the B2B sector. From product demos and explainer videos to customer testimonials and webinars, video content provides a dynamic way to convey complex ideas quickly and effectively.
Actionable Tip: Focus on creating short, impactful, easily digestible videos for your target audience.
6. ABM: Your Secret Weapon for Targeting High-Value Clients
Account-based marketing (ABM) continues to gain traction as one of the most efficient ways to target high-value clients with personalized marketing. Businesses can develop tailored strategies that directly address their most valuable prospects’ pain points and needs.
The data shows that companies utilizing ABM are seeing higher engagement rates and a stronger ROI. With ABM, it’s not about casting a wide net but instead honing in on the accounts that matter most and delivering highly personalized experiences that drive conversions.
Actionable Tip: Develop targeted content for key decision makers, whether it’s personalized email campaigns, custom landing pages, or exclusive webinars. Work closely with your sales team to align your ABM strategies for maximum impact.
7. CRMs Are Critical: Keep Your Customer Data Working for You
A reliable Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is more critical than ever in 2025. With the increasing complexity of customer journeys, CRMs allow businesses to manage interactions, track behavior, and ensure personalized outreach across every touchpoint. Whether you’re tracking sales opportunities, automating follow-ups, or analyzing data to refine your strategies, a well-integrated CRM system can significantly boost productivity and improve the overall customer experience, especially when integrated with AI.
Actionable Tip: Regularly audit your CRM system to ensure it’s up-to-date and meets your business’s evolving needs. Consider adding integrations such as marketing automation tools to improve lead nurturing and tracking customer interactions more effectively.
8. Adapt or Get Left Behind
If there’s one consistent theme in the 2025 report, it’s the need for adaptability. Market dynamics are constantly shifting, and businesses that stay agile—ready to adopt new tools, tactics, and technologies—are the ones that will thrive. Whether it’s AI, CRM tools, or ABM strategies, B2B marketers must embrace innovation to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Actionable Tip: Stay updated with emerging trends and industry research and connect with thought leaders.
Let’s Make 2025 Your Year for Marketing Success
The 2025 B2B Marketing Mix Report underscores the critical need for businesses to adopt innovative, data-driven strategies while keeping customer relationships at the forefront. From leveraging AI and automation to embracing hybrid marketing and ABM, the key to success lies in staying flexible, forward-thinking, and focused on delivering value. By incorporating these insights into your 2025 marketing strategy, you’ll be well-positioned to build a robust and sustainable brand that resonates with new and existing clients.
These takeaways from the 2025 B2B Marketing Mix Report offer actionable steps to supercharge your marketing strategy and set your brand up for success. But this is just dipping your toe in the pond. Want to dive deeper into the trends and data that will shape your 2025 strategy? Download the 2025 B2B Marketing Mix Report to get more in-depth insights, data points, and strategies to take your marketing efforts to the next level.
Need help putting these insights into action? Reach out to Sagefrog—we’re here to help you optimize your marketing strategy, leverage the latest trends, and drive real results for your business.
