I’ve two surveys for you that I feel you’ll love.
The primary is one which I’m asking you to take: a cut-through-the-BS survey on the true methods wherein you’re seeing gen AI utilized in your group — or not. This knowledge will contribute to the “Martech for 2025” report and digital occasion Frans Riemersma and I shall be sharing on December 3. Extra particulars to comply with. Each of us and hundreds of your friends who will learn this shall be immensely grateful on your contribution. Take the survey right here. Thanks!
(As just a little bonus for taking the survey, you’ll obtain a particular version of our advertising know-how panorama graphic that focuses solely on the hundreds of AI martech startups we’ve cataloged over the previous yr.)
The second survey — the 2024 Martech Substitute Survey run by my good pals at MarTech.org — is one you’ll be able to obtain the complete report, free and ungated, now. They’ve been working this survey for five years, and it’s one among my favourite for insights into how and why martech stacks are evolving.
Out of 496 respondents, a full 65% reported that they changed a number of martech options of their stack over the previous yr. These are the purposes most often changed:
What instantly leaps out is the numerous uptick in replacements throughout the board in comparison with the previous two years. 31% changed their core advertising automation platform. 22% changed their CRM. 21% changed their CDP. That’s loads of upheaval!
(Word: 58% of the respondents have been in B2B, 42% in B2C.)
There are three completely different theories as to what’s driving this.
- Concept #1: the trade is consolidating and individuals are switching off of the also-ran merchandise in a class to go together with one of many high 3-5 leaders.
- Concept #2: individuals are switching from one chief in a class to a different, higher optimizing for components that we’ll focus on in a second.
- Concept #3: individuals are switching to model new challenger merchandise within the class.
My guess — and that is purely a guess — is that every one three theories are at play in right this moment’s market, however principally within the order wherein I’ve listed them. I imagine the vast majority of shifts in these major martech classes are coalescing forces round their respective leaders. (Disclosure: I’m additionally the VP of platform ecosystem at HubSpot, which is seen as a kind of leaders, so assume I’m biased.)
“So martech is lastly consolidating!” you is perhaps rejoicing.
To which I’d reply, “Sure, however…”
Sure, however the historical past of martech over the previous 16 years has been one among simultaneous consolidation on one finish and new enlargement via disruptive innovation on the opposite finish. And one of many knowledge factors from this Martech Substitute Survey means that paradox continues to be alive and nicely:
The bulk — 60% — of the respondents who stated they changed a matech software prior to now yr, additionally stated their whole martech stack grew by 1-2 apps, 3-5 apps, or 6+ apps. One other 18% stated their stack remained the identical measurement.
Solely 22% stated their martech stack shrank.
If I have been to take yet one more guess, I believe that is each consolidation and enlargement taking place concurrently. Their substitute of 1 martech app with one other could have eradicated different apps from their stack. However on the identical time, new disruptive improvements and evolving advertising necessities led them so as to add internet new apps to the combination.
This results in the discovering that’s most fascinating to me, highlighted on the high of this put up:
When folks substitute one martech answer with one other, what components are most vital to them within the new answer they select?
You possibly can see the handprint of the CFO and fiscally-minded advertising ops leaders on “price” being the #1 issue this yr, with 61% citing it as an vital issue. Good.
Nevertheless, the #2 most vital issue is “integration capabilities/open API” with 51% citing it. This shouldn’t come as a shock — integration has remained on the high of entrepreneurs’ calls for for higher martech for years. Our personal State of Martech 2024 report again in Might confirmed that APIs are crucial to martech patrons, not just for right this moment’s use instances, however in help of the new knowledge layer rising in lots of firms and preparation for the following wave of AI-powered automation.
Improved buyer/digital expertise is #2. Information centralization/knowledge capabilities and skill to actively measure ROI are tied for #4. (As I’ve famous earlier than, APIs, knowledge centralization, and measuring ROI are type of all bundled collectively to unify advertising oeprations.)
I do know, I do know, safety and compliance ought to be a lot greater than 26%. My third and ultimate guess is that these are literally seen as “givens” — the acquisition merely gained’t go the approval course of if these necessities aren’t satisified — and so it’s not standards that entrepreneurs spend loads of time consciously debating within the choice course of.
Overarching takeaway: martech is certainly not standing nonetheless.
P.S. Please tackle our gen AI survey for Martech for 2025 and get that bonus AI martech panorama. Thanks!