Industrial (B2b) Marketing of Glass Companies: Mobile Applications as a Sales Promotion Tool

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is a qualitative analysis of mobile applications as a sales promotion tool in industrial (B2B) marketing of glass companies. Industrial marketing of the glass industry is poorly studied in terms of digital technology development and integration as well as mobile applications as tools for digital marketing communications. B2B companies’ digitalization is at the initial stage. Methodology. This research builds on the concepts of digital B2B marketing, the digitization capability of B2B companies, customer relationship building, and customer focus. The research methodology is based on the case study of ABC company and the content analysis of information available on the ABC’s website in the public domain. A content analysis was conducted of the patent for a method for determining the coated glass coating type using an application and a light source. Results demonstrate problems related to digital marketing concepts integration, customer focus, and customer relations formation. The results show an active digital strategy use for the company’s business growth through software development and integration of end product interactive visualization tools. As a result, additional business value is formed: 1) end customer company focus; 2) product knowledge development and B2B services personalization; 3) manufacturers transfer some sales and communication functions to their customers, which solves the problem of staff rotation in the sales subsystem; 4) the application becomes a tool for customer behaviour analysis. Mobile applications complement any traditional product promotion channels. The main domestic industrial market challenge is the poor rate of readiness for digital changes: applications become an effective marketing communication tool only when customers use them. Practical implications. Companies in different industries can use the results to understand real issues of applications integration in marketing strategy and communication. These problems include the digital unpreparedness of the Russian domestic market to accept new technological solutions. Value/originality. This research proves that mobile applications increase sales and is effective if company personnel, end users and B2B customers actively use them. Applications complement traditional B2B marketing channels.