Forrester iconForresterAug 5, 2026

Preference Matters More Than In-Market Intent Alone In Modern B2B Buying

The traditional performance marketing model assumes that marketers can influence buyers once they enter the market, but today's B2B buyers often begin their search with strong preferences already in place. Intent signals frequently reveal existing demand rather than create it, making many late-stage marketing efforts a pursuit of opportunities that are already leaning toward a competitor.

Preference Matters More Than In-Market Intent Alone In Modern B2B Buying

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The traditional performance marketing model assumes that marketers can influence buyers once they enter the market, but today's B2B buyers often begin their search with strong preferences already in place.

Intent signals frequently reveal existing demand rather than create it, making many late-stage marketing efforts a pursuit of opportunities that are already leaning toward a competitor.

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The traditional performance marketing model assumes that marketers can influence buyers once they enter the market, but today's B2B buyers often begin their search with strong preferences already in place. Intent signals frequently reveal existing demand rather than create it, making many late-stage marketing efforts a pursuit of opportunities that are already leaning toward a competitor.

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