Understanding Buying Signals: How to Identify and Utilize Them in B2B Sales

Written By Alla Levin
April 07, 2023

Understanding B2B buyer behavior can be challenging regardless of whether your consumer is offline or online. It is tough to ensure that your efforts are well-spent while examining the qualifying leads for the product, putting up a leads funnel, or prospecting for future sales. Lonescale’s platform is an all-in-one solution since it handles all your data needs, from marketing to sales regarding buying signals. Every experienced salesperson realizes that converting every pitch into a purchase order is impossible, but are you even targeting the appropriate individuals?

While it would be ideal if your target audience had a magic sign to assist you in identifying them more efficiently, it may be an unproductive endeavor. But here’s the thing: there are indications out there, known as buying signals.

To determine if you are on the correct road, keep your eyes open and be vigilant for these signs. Before you can read the delicate activities of your potential target market, you must first understand what buying signals are.

What Are Buying Signals?

A buying signal is an activity that indicates an opportunity for a salesperson to contact a prospect. It aids in determining a person’s level of need for the product or service, allowing a sales representative to focus on those most likely to purchase. You may determine when a lead needs your product or service using buying signals.

Buying signals are essential for B2B sales and marketing organizations, as they enable to monitor of the most promising leads, therefore saving time and increasing the number of deals closed. They can be found at numerous points during the buyer’s journey. When prospects view a company’s website, certain purchasing signals may arise. Others may occur during interactions between leads and sales representatives.

You can pitch the products or services of your B2B firm as a solution. However, it would be best if you targeted prospects at the optimal time. Prospects may only be persuaded that your B2B organization is ideal if you make your sales presentation later. Conversely, prospects may choose to join with a competitor if your sales presentation is too late. You have limited time to target prospects with your sales presentation, but purchasing signals can expose these windows.

How to Spot Buying Signals?What Are Buying Signals

When B2B buyers want a solution to an issue, they search online. They browse websites to read blog articles, see product videos, and download guides.

Since approximately 90 percent of pre-purchase research is conducted online, content consumption is an essential indicator of consumer intent.

For each step a prospect performs, they leave a digital footprint of intent data. These purchase indications based on behavior are a goldmine for your sales and marketing teams.

Examples of Buying SignalsExamples of Buying Signals

Differentiating between verbal and nonverbal purchase signals is another method of categorizing them.

  • Verbal Buying Signals

Recognizing and acting upon verbal purchase signals seen by a salesman is quite simple. From your initial pitch to closing words, your communication abilities impact your likelihood of making a sale. Developing your questioning, speaking, and conversational abilities can enable you to create a positive first impression by building your credibility and tracking job leads to gaining the trust of others.

  • Price and Payment Method Inquiries

During a sales call, if the subject of pricing comes up, there is a significant probability that the prospect is considering a purchase. At the absolute least, they evaluate your price and compare you to the competitors.

  • Terms and Conditions

Customers inquiring about the T&C are often curious about the warranty and refund policies, which may also be used to evaluate the competition.

  • Upcoming Steps

This includes inquiries regarding contract turnaround timeframes, installation requirements, and onboarding timelines, among other things. The objective here is to determine how quickly they can begin utilizing the product, which indicates that they are contemplating buying.

  • Non-Verbal Buying Signals

This is the type of behavior that is typically recorded as a marketing signal. There are as many options as touchpoints for anybody who contacts your business online. Because there is no live contact between you and the prospect, it is more difficult to interpret nonverbal cues; thus, cross-referencing this information with a categorization process might increase the amount of “hot” leads.

  • Request for Case Studies

These give genuine proof of your product’s effectiveness and frequently clarify a value proposition. If the prospect’s market is limited, there is a possibility that they may be familiar with the firm in the research.

  • Request for Product Trial

This is often completed online. It is favorable if the prospect immediately sets a date. However, if they delay the trial, it might hint that they are hesitating or unaware of how to utilize the product.

  • Completing a Form

This might be to get emails, participate in a webinar, be alerted of new material, or acquire marketing/product collateral. In this instance, prospects often understand that the action will result in salesperson contact, although this is not always true.

  • Social Media Involvement

At the very least, those discussing your brand or sharing your material are interested in what you offer. The marketing team may simultaneously monitor brand mentions and analyze platform data. 

What To Do After Buying Signal Is Identified?What To Do After Buying Signal Is Identified

Identifying purchasing signals is only effective once you engage with your prospect and make a proposal. Within 24 hours of receiving a lead, you should have a clear strategy for turning purchasing signals into sales actions.

When you connect with a prospect for a real purpose, you have all the information necessary to make a customized offer. Don’t pass up this chance. Adapt your sales pitch to the prospect’s interests and the circumstances.

People you contact should not question why you are communicating with them now. They should also recognize that your offering is what they require.

If you already have a lengthy list of prospects, you may utilize purchasing signals to determine which prospects you should prioritize first.

Responding to Buying Signals

You must quickly act when reacting to purchasing signs. Most likely, they are comparing your products and services to those of your competitors.

You may be their top contender but lose the transaction if you do not respond quickly to their purchasing signals. Do not provide them the opportunity to develop buyer’s regret. Respond promptly to their inquiries and concerns to make them feel more comfortable with the deal.

The Bottom Line

If you operate a B2B company, recognizing when you need to change might positively impact your financial statement. Ensure that your sales staff is thoroughly aware of your company’s target demographic, purchasing signals, and the best way to respond so that your firm never loses a solid lead.

This procedure will give your sales team and organization a competitive advantage, allowing you to complete more transactions more quickly, saving time and money. Using Lonescale’s platform, businesses may find hot leads, maintain a marketable database, and customize their outreach activities. In turn, this may assist organizations in boosting sales growth and fulfilling revenue goals.

I Need More

Enter your Email Address to Join the
Gang of Curious and Life Loving
People!

Related Articles