Martech Modernization
Martech Modernization: The Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities A Snapshot of Martech Strategies and CDP Adoption According to research by Acxiom, 65% of companies with a defined martech strategy utilize a Customer Data Platform (CDP), compared to just 43% without one. This significant gap underscores the strategic role of CDPs in martech adoption. Additionally, nearly all businesses surveyed plan to revise their martech stack within the next 12 months, with 29% adding new tools and 15% consolidating existing ones. The Transformative Marketing Landscape Rapid technological advancements, changing customer expectations, and evolving identity ecosystems are fundamentally reshaping how brands engage their audiences. In this environment, modernizing martech has become essential for delivering the personalized experiences customers demand. However, modernization presents challenges such as siloed data, fragmented technologies, and gaps in expertise, complicating efforts to adapt. To gain insights into these dynamics, Acxiom surveyed 200 martech decision-makers from the US and UK about their modernization plans, motivations, and obstacles. The findings reveal a widespread push for martech updates, with brands seeking support to navigate this complex journey. SECTION ONE: A Martech Reset is Underway Martech Strategy Rises to the Top When asked to prioritize their marketing objectives, 34% of respondents listed developing a martech strategy among their top three goals. This places it alongside traditional objectives like increasing brand awareness and customer acquisition, reflecting its growing importance in achieving broader marketing goals. Even considering that survey respondents may prioritize martech more than the average business leader, the results highlight the industry’s dynamism and the pressing need for a martech reset. Widespread Stack Adjustments Nearly all surveyed businesses (99%) plan to adjust their martech stack in the next year. Key trends include: This widespread activity emphasizes the high priority placed on martech optimization. Streamlining and Experimentation Some organizations focus on refining their existing stacks, while others are piloting new platforms: C-Suite Engagement Martech modernization has also captured the attention of executive leadership. 60% of respondents noted that martech has become a higher priority for their C-suite in recent years, particularly in smaller companies leveraging technology to maximize resources and compete with larger rivals. Budget Increases Despite Economic Pressures In a challenging economic climate, 65% of respondents expect their martech budgets to grow over the next year, while only 10% foresee cuts. This trend reflects the recognition of martech as a strategic investment critical for maintaining competitiveness. SECTION TWO: Drivers of Martech Modernization Why Modernize? Modernization efforts are driven by a mix of goal-oriented and technical motivations. Key drivers include: Secondary motivations include streamlining integration, ensuring regulatory compliance, and reducing operational complexity. Key Takeaways As martech modernization accelerates, businesses must balance innovation with strategic planning to navigate this transformative era successfully. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more