A database is more than a simple file: it organises and structures information on your customers and prospects. It is crucial in the implementation of an effective marketing strategy, whether your targets are businesses or consumers. The data to be collected and stored are different whether you work in B2B or B2C.
A database is a structured information set stored in a computer system (CRM, Access, Excel, etc.). More specifically, a customer database centralizes all the information related to your customers. It allows you to keep a complete and clear view of your customers or prospects. Your database is an important part of your marketing actions.
In both B2B and B2C, the aim of a database is to gather quality information to increase your turnover. Developing a profitable business strategy is a key point in leveraging this data. Prospecting, building customer loyalty, launching a email marketing campaign, etc. will multiply your return on investment tenfold if you take the time to analyze your customers and collect the right data. This analysis will help you better understand the value of each of your customers and their behaviour which is essential to generate leads.
Two data remain essential in both B2B and B2C: the email address and name of your contact. For the rest, the information to be gathered varies according to your final target: companies or individuals.
In a B2B database, the essential information concerns the company, but also your contact person :
Beyond this information, you can fill in your B2B database with everything related to sales: products purchased, or services subscribed to by this company, order amounts, etc. B2B database marketing: Use your database to keep everything necessary to ensure smooth marketing actions.
A B2C database includes the contact details of your customers (name, email address, postal address, phone numbers, date of birth). This is basic information. Your database should also include everything related to purchases: number of orders, average basket size, frequency of purchase, recurrent orders, etc. For further segmentation, you could add information about consumer data like income, family situation, profession, interests, etc.
In all cases, only collect the relevant data for your marketing strategy. If you store too much data, you risk being drowned in information.
In both B2B and B2C sectors, compliance with laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and similar data protection legislations is crucial. These regulations set the framework for how businesses should handle personal data, emphasizing the need for consent, data security, and the protection of individual privacy rights. While GDPR is a key focus in the European Union, globally, businesses must also be aware of and comply with local data protection laws, which may have their own unique requirements.
Adhering to these regulations is not just about avoiding significant fines and legal challenges; it's also about building trust with customers and partners. Compliance ensures that data is collected, processed, and stored responsibly, reflecting a business’s commitment to ethical practices. Whether dealing with individual consumers or business contacts, maintaining rigorous standards in data management is essential in today's data-driven world. Failure to comply can lead to not only legal repercussions but also damage to a company's reputation.
Collecting data for B2B and B2C databases can be a challenging task, often requiring the gathering of information from multiple sources. While businesses can collect data independently, working with a professional Data Provider is often the most efficient and reliable method. These providers specialize in sourcing, centralizing, and standardizing data from various channels, ensuring quality and compliance with data protection laws.
If you still prefer to find data by yourself, here are some common data sources you can explore for building your B2B and B2C databases: