15 Best ABM Agencies: Ultimate Guide for 2024

What is an ABM agency?

An account-based marketing agency (ABM agency) is a specialized marketing firm that helps businesses implement account-based marketing (ABM) strategies.

Here’s a breakdown of what ABM is and how agencies can help:

Account-based marketing (ABM) is a B2B marketing strategy that targets and engages a specific set of high-value accounts with personalized campaigns and experiences. Instead of casting a wide net, ABM treats each target account like a mini-market, tailoring messaging and content to their unique needs and challenges.

Here’s what an ABM agency can do for you:

• Identify and prioritize target accounts: They help pinpoint the companies most likely to become your best customers.
• Develop personalized marketing campaigns: They create custom content, messaging, and outreach strategies tailored to each target account’s unique needs and pain points.
• Align sales and marketing teams: They break down silos between sales and marketing to ensure a coordinated effort in engaging and converting target accounts.
• Execute multi-channel campaigns: They leverage various channels like email, social media, display advertising, and events to reach target accounts across different touchpoints.
• Track and measure results: They monitor the performance of ABM campaigns and provide you with data-driven insights to optimize your strategy.

Benefits of using an ABM agency:

• Expertise: ABM agencies have the knowledge and experience to develop and execute effective ABM programs.
• Resources: They have access to the tools and technologies needed to run successful ABM campaigns.
• Alignment: ABM agencies can help marketing and sales teams work together more effectively to achieve common goals.
• Efficiency: By focusing on fewer high-value accounts, ABM agencies can help businesses get more return on their marketing investment.

If you’re considering using an ABM agency, it’s important to research and find one with experience in your industry and understands your target audience.

15 best ABM agencies

Agency Name	B2B Expertise	Services	Popularity	Website
Prophet	Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://prophet.com/
Flipside	Technology, Healthcare, Industrial	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://flipsidegroup.com/
360ºi	Technology, Financial Services, Consumer Goods	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	http://www.360i.com/
Pepperplate	Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.pepperplate.com/
MarketOne	Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.marketone.com/
TopRank Marketing	Technology, B2B SaaS, Healthcare	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	Medium	https://www.toprankmarketing.com/
CMG	Technology, Financial Services, Industrial	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.collemcvoy.com/
Speakeasy	Technology, B2B SaaS, Financial Services	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.speakeasyinc.com/
The Pedowitz Group	Technology, B2B SaaS, Healthcare	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.pedowitzgroup.com/
Ketchum	Technology, Healthcare, Consumer Goods	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.ketchum.com/
Walker Sands	Technology, B2B SaaS, Healthcare	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.walkersands.com/
WE Communications	Technology, Financial Services, Industrial	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.we-worldwide.com/
SHIFT Communications	Technology, B2B SaaS, Healthcare	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	Medium	https://www.shiftcomm.com/
Finn Partners	Technology, Healthcare, Consumer Goods	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.finnpartners.com/
PAN Communications	Technology, Financial Services, Industrial	Strategy, Creative, Execution, Measurement	High	https://www.pancommunications.com/

What does an ABM agency do?

An ABM agency acts as your partner in architecting and executing targeted marketing campaigns focused on high-value accounts. They go beyond standard marketing tactics to deliver a personalized and strategic approach that fosters meaningful relationships with key decision-makers at your chosen accounts. Here’s a breakdown of their core functions:

1. Strategy & Planning:

• Identify ideal accounts: They help you research and define the characteristics of your best-fit customers, considering industry, size, needs, and growth potential.
• Develop buyer personas: They create detailed profiles of key decision-makers within your target accounts, including their pain points, motivations, and preferred communication channels.
• Craft tailored messaging & content: They develop marketing materials (e.g., website copy, social media posts, targeted ads) that resonate with each account’s specific needs and challenges.
• Define campaign goals & metrics: They collaborate with you to set measurable objectives for your ABM program and establish key metrics to track success (e.g., engagement rates, website visits, conversion rates).

2. Campaign Execution:

• Multi-channel campaign management: They orchestrate personalized campaigns across various channels like digital advertising, social media, email marketing, direct mail, and events.
• Content creation & distribution: They create high-quality content like case studies, webinars, white papers, and blog posts tailored to each account’s interests.
• Account-based advertising: They use targeted advertising techniques to reach key decision-makers with relevant messages on platforms they frequent.
• Sales enablement: They provide sales teams with insights, resources, and tools to engage with target accounts more effectively.

3. Measurement & Optimization:

• Track campaign performance: They monitor key metrics to measure the effectiveness of your ABM efforts and identify areas for improvement.
• Report & analyze results: They provide regular reports and analysis to show the ROI of your ABM program and its impact on achieving your overall business goals.
• Optimize & refine tactics: They use data-driven insights to continuously refine your ABM strategy and tactics for better results.

In essence, an ABM agency becomes an extension of your marketing and sales team, offering specialized expertise and resources to achieve targeted growth through personalized account relationships.

How to choose an ABM agency?

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an ABM agency:

Experience and Expertise:

• ABM Track Record: Look for an agency with a proven track record of success in ABM campaigns. Ask for case studies that demonstrate their experience in your industry or with similar target accounts.
• Industry Knowledge: An agency with a strong understanding of your industry will be better equipped to tailor an ABM strategy that resonates with your target audience.
• ABM Methodology: Inquire about the agency’s specific ABM methodology (Strategic, Lite, Programmatic) and ensure it aligns with your campaign goals and resources.

Strategic Capabilities:

• Campaign Development: The agency should be able to develop a comprehensive ABM campaign that includes clear goals, target account identification, personalized messaging, and multi-channel outreach strategies.
• Data & Analytics: A strong ABM agency leverages data and analytics to identify target accounts, personalize messaging, and measure campaign performance.
• Content Creation: The ability to create high-quality, targeted content that resonates with your ideal customer profile (ICP) is crucial for ABM success.

Cultural Fit & Communication:

• Collaborative Approach: Choose an agency that values open communication and collaboration. You should feel comfortable working closely with the team throughout the campaign.
• Transparency & Reporting: The agency should be transparent about their fees, processes, and regularly provide clear reports on campaign performance.
• Alignment with Company Culture: It’s important to choose an agency whose culture aligns with your company’s values and work style.

Additional Considerations:

• Budget: ABM campaigns can be a significant investment. Ensure the agency’s pricing structure aligns with your budget and objectives.
• Scalability: Consider if the agency can scale their services as your ABM program grows.
• Technology & Tools: The agency should have access to the necessary marketing automation tools and technologies to execute your ABM strategy effectively.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose an ABM agency that is well-equipped to help you achieve your account-based marketing goals.