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Account-based marketing (ABM) for targeted lead generation

Written by Sander de Grijff | Jan 9, 2026 2:15:00 PM

Account-based marketing (ABM) is a strategic approach to B2B marketing in which marketing and sales resources are combined to focus on specific accounts. In this article, we discuss the definition of account-based marketing, highlight its benefits, and explore how ABM can be used for targeted lead generation.

What is account-based marketing?

Account-based marketing is a marketing strategy that applies a personalized approach to lead generation, focusing on individual accounts and customers. ABM places strong emphasis on creating relevant and personalized content for a selected group of accounts, with the goal of maximizing engagement and conversion. The benefits of account-based marketing include higher ROI, more effective targeting of specific accounts, and closer collaboration between marketing and sales.

Definition of account-based marketing

Account-based marketing focuses on individual accounts and customers that are most likely to result in new business for a product or service. It is a highly targeted form of marketing in which marketing and sales work together to deliver the right message to specific accounts.

Benefits of account-based marketing

The benefits of account-based marketing include higher ROI, stronger engagement from potential customers, and more relevant leads. With ABM, marketers can better measure the success of their efforts and map the impact on specific accounts, allowing them to work more strategically and generate more qualified leads.

Why choose ABM instead of inbound marketing?

Compared to inbound marketing, where potential customers are attracted to a company’s content, ABM is more focused and proactive. ABM enables marketers to concentrate their efforts on specific accounts, increasing the likelihood of conversion. It is particularly effective in the B2B market, where the focus is often on a smaller number of high-value accounts.

How to use ABM for targeted lead generation?

ABM requires the use of specific tools and strategies to be effective in generating leads. One of the most important aspects of ABM is creating personalized content, which is key to the success of ABM campaigns.

Tools for account-based marketing

There are various tools available for account-based marketing, including marketing automation platforms, ABM software, and specialized ABM tools that allow marketers to focus their efforts on the right accounts and communicate their message effectively.

Creating personalized content for ABM campaigns

Creating personalized content is an essential part of ABM. By developing content tailored to the needs and challenges of selected accounts, marketers can increase engagement and maximize conversion opportunities.

Examples of ABM campaigns

Examples of successful ABM campaigns demonstrate how targeting specific accounts can result in valuable leads and new customers. By sharing best practices and success stories, marketers can gain inspiration for their own ABM initiatives.

Key considerations when using account-based marketing

Integrating ABM into the marketing and sales strategy is essential for successful execution. In addition, LinkedIn is a critical platform for ABM, as it enables marketers to target specific accounts and share relevant content with decision-makers within those accounts.

Integrating ABM into the marketing and sales strategy

ABM requires close collaboration between marketing and sales to ensure consistent messaging and a shared focus on generating leads and acquiring new customers.

LinkedIn as an essential platform for ABM

LinkedIn enables marketers to target specific accounts and share relevant content with the right individuals within those accounts. This allows marketers to focus their ABM efforts on decision-makers and influencers within their target accounts.

Return on investment in ABM

Measuring the ROI of ABM is essential to assess the effectiveness of efforts and adjust the strategy when necessary. ABM allows marketers to better measure the impact of campaigns on selected accounts, providing insight into the value ABM adds to the overall marketing strategy.

Differences between account-based marketing and inbound marketing

Although both account-based marketing and inbound marketing aim to generate leads and attract customers, they differ in approach and focus. While inbound marketing focuses on attracting potential customers through relevant content, ABM targets specific accounts and customers with higher potential value.

Focus and customer approach in ABM and inbound marketing

ABM focuses on a smaller number of selected accounts, whereas inbound marketing targets a broader audience by attracting potential customers through relevant content and SEO strategies.

The role of personalized content in ABM and inbound marketing

Personalized content plays a crucial role in both ABM and inbound marketing. However, in ABM the content is even more specifically tailored to the needs and challenges of individual accounts, while inbound marketing targets a broader audience.

The impact of ABM and inbound marketing on marketing campaigns

ABM and inbound marketing each have a different impact on marketing campaigns. While inbound marketing generates broader awareness and reach, ABM can lead to more focused engagement and higher conversion rates, especially within selected accounts.

How account-based marketing generates leads and sales

Account-based marketing is effective in generating leads and driving sales due to its targeted approach. It enables marketers to focus on specific accounts and provide them with relevant content and messaging aligned with their needs.

Effective targeting of specific accounts

By targeting specific accounts, marketers can tailor their messaging to the needs and challenges of those accounts, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

Optimizing ABM campaigns for the ideal customer

ABM enables marketers to optimize campaigns for the ideal customer through personalized content and targeted approaches, helping to generate valuable leads and support sales growth.

Using marketing automation in ABM

Marketing automation plays a crucial role in the success of ABM by enabling marketers to automate efforts and deliver personalized content at scale to specific accounts.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is account-based marketing (ABM)?

Account-based marketing (ABM) is a strategic B2B marketing approach in which marketing and sales focus on specific accounts rather than the market as a whole. The goal is to run personalized campaigns to generate leads and acquire customers.

Q. What is the difference between account-based marketing and inbound marketing?

The main difference lies in the approach. With ABM, you focus on selected accounts using targeted campaigns, while inbound marketing aims to attract leads by creating valuable content and drawing in potential customers.

Q. How does account-based marketing software work?

Account-based marketing software helps marketing and sales teams identify ideal customer profiles, select target accounts, and execute personalized campaigns to attract and convert those accounts.

Q. What are examples of account-based marketing campaigns?

Examples include targeted email campaigns, personalized advertisements, exclusive events for selected accounts, and direct mail campaigns aimed at individual accounts.

Q. How do marketers decide which accounts to target with ABM?

Marketers select accounts based on criteria such as industry, company size, buying behavior, and strategic fit. They work closely with sales to define ideal customer profiles and select target accounts accordingly.

Q. What does it mean to work with an account-based marketing strategy?

Working with an account-based marketing strategy means that marketing and sales teams collaborate to identify, engage, and convert specific accounts using a personalized approach to reach the most valuable leads.

Q. What is the goal of account-based marketing campaigns?

The goal of ABM campaigns is to generate leads and convert customers within a predefined group of selected accounts, maximizing return on investment through targeted efforts.

Q. How can B2B marketers benefit from account-based marketing?

B2B marketers benefit from ABM by achieving higher ROI, focusing on high-value accounts, generating more relevant leads, and strengthening collaboration with sales teams.

Q. What are the benefits of account-based marketing for existing customers?

ABM helps retain and expand existing customers through targeted campaigns and upselling activities tailored to the needs of specific accounts.

Q. Why is an ideal customer profile important in account-based marketing?

An ideal customer profile is crucial in ABM because it enables marketing teams to identify accounts that are most likely to convert and remain customers, ensuring efforts are focused on the right prospects.