A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Unpacking account-based marketing: Conceptualization, key activities, and performance outcomes
Authors: Severini, Simone; Terho, Harri; Mero, Joel; Cardinali, Silvio
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Industrial Marketing Management
Volume: 133
First page : 148
Last page: 161
ISSN: 0019-8501
eISSN: 1873-2062
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2026.02.006
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2026.02.006
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515819032
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY NC ND
Self-archived copy's version: Final draft
Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is gaining momentum in business-to-business (B2B) markets, but academic research on the topic remains embryonic. Most existing knowledge on ABM originates from practitioner sources, which often lack theoretical grounding and fail to clearly distinguish ABM from other marketing approaches. Consequently, ambiguity persists regarding the defining characteristics of ABM, the specific activities it entails across the sales process, and the outcomes it is expected to deliver. To address these gaps, this study aims to conceptualize ABM processes by leveraging existing literature and a qualitative Theories-in-Use (TIU) approach across diverse B2B industries. The empirical findings offer three novel contributions: (1) a clear conceptualization of the ABM process and its core activities, (2) structured insights into how these activities vary across different stages of the sales cycle, and (3) ABM framework that explains how ABM can create value for KAM sales process and improve organizational performance. These insights also provide actionable guidance for practitioners seeking to develop and improve ABM within their organizations.
Funding information in the publication:
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.