Customer-Based Marketing (CBM) is a marketing approach that consistently places the customer at the center of all strategies and actions. Unlike product- or brand-oriented approaches, CBM fully aligns with the needs, expectations, and behavior of existing and potential customers. The goal is to build long-term, value-creating customer relationships and to maximize the Customer Lifetime Value (CLV).
At the core of CBM is the analysis of customer data. Companies no longer segment their target groups solely based on demographic criteria, but rather on behavioral data, preferences, purchase history, and interactions. This allows for the creation of more precise customer profiles, which serve as the basis for personalized marketing measures – whether through targeted email campaigns, individualized offers, or dynamic website content.
CBM is particularly supported by modern technologies such as CRM systems, marketing automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. These enable the collection, evaluation, and derivation of concrete action strategies from large amounts of customer data. Platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, or Adobe Experience Cloud provide comprehensive solutions for implementing customer-based marketing.
A major advantage of CBM is the higher relevance of marketing communication: customers receive content that is truly tailored to their interests and needs. This increases the likelihood of conversions, strengthens customer loyalty, and reduces wastage in outreach. Additionally, CBM supports the transition from one-time sales to continuous customer relationships.
Ultimately, CBM is not just a marketing concept but a holistic mindset that encompasses all areas of the company – from sales to customer service to product development. In contrast, there is Account Based Marketing (ABM).