{"id":1481,"date":"2024-02-25T16:08:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-25T07:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nirik-global.com\/?p=1481"},"modified":"2025-06-14T16:11:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T07:11:36","slug":"effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/en\/effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Referral Marketing Effective for B2B Businesses Even in Japan?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1920x1080_v-frms_webp_24346404-64d2-4080-b8c6-f52a83f0e468_middle-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1920x1080_v-frms_webp_24346404-64d2-4080-b8c6-f52a83f0e468_middle-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1920x1080_v-frms_webp_24346404-64d2-4080-b8c6-f52a83f0e468_middle-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1920x1080_v-frms_webp_24346404-64d2-4080-b8c6-f52a83f0e468_middle-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1920x1080_v-frms_webp_24346404-64d2-4080-b8c6-f52a83f0e468_middle.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Referral marketing: a term often associated with B2C strategies, yet its impact in the B2B sector, particularly in Japan, cannot be understated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">many of you may have this question: Are referrals in B2B effective?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The simple answer is &#8220;YES&#8221;. Referral marketing can be a powerful tool for B2B businesses in Japan, and here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/en\/news-insights\/effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan#index_KNVFMyPp\">The Rising Power of Information in Buyer-Side Companies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/en\/news-insights\/effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan#index_HLinr1gc\">Challenges in B2B marketing are lead generation and lead nurturing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/en\/news-insights\/effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan#index_YP44_NoN\">Both sellers and buyers consider word-of-mouth to be important information.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/en\/news-insights\/effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan#index_iH3aUfa4\">Why B2B Referral Marketing is strongly valued<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/en\/news-insights\/effective-b2b-referral-marketing-japan#index_UwU6LVZd\">Concluding Thoughts and What\u2019s Next<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_KNVFMyPp\"><strong>The Rising Power of Information in Buyer-Side Companies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_2aa0af48-faa6-4e4e-ac93-8b8085cc174b_middle-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1483\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_2aa0af48-faa6-4e4e-ac93-8b8085cc174b_middle-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_2aa0af48-faa6-4e4e-ac93-8b8085cc174b_middle-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_2aa0af48-faa6-4e4e-ac93-8b8085cc174b_middle-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_2aa0af48-faa6-4e4e-ac93-8b8085cc174b_middle.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the B2B sector, the buyer&#8217;s ability to gather information has significantly increased. This means that the decision-maker at the buyer&#8217;s company often leans towards a &#8220;buy&#8221; or &#8220;don&#8217;t buy&#8221; decision before even meeting with a salesperson. The key to influencing this decision? Early contact and relationship-building with the buyer.&nbsp;<strong>This early-stage engagement is crucial in the Japanese market, where trust and relationships are foundational to business dealings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_HLinr1gc\">Challenges in B2B marketing are lead generation and lead nurturing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warning: 48% of B2B Buyers Bored by Most Marketing They See Right Now<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-wp-oembed-blog-card wp-block-embed-wp-oembed-blog-card\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/smallbiztrends.com\/2019\/03\/b2b-marketing-statistics.html\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lead generation and nurturing remain paramount challenges in B2B marketing. A staggering 48% of B2B buyers find most marketing efforts unengaging, highlighting the need for strategies that resonate more effectively with the target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you have no leads that might be your customers, you may be think of engage cold calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, a recent survey found that connecting with a prospect&nbsp;now takes 18 or more phone calls, callback rates are below 1%, and only 24% of outbound sales emails are ever opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-wp-oembed-blog-card wp-block-embed-wp-oembed-blog-card\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/hbr.org\/2016\/11\/84-of-b2b-sales-start-with-a-referral-not-a-salesperson\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s being said that only 2% of cold calls lead to MTG appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_YP44_NoN\">Both sellers and buyers consider word-of-mouth to be important information.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_4efbe231-3833-456f-b08c-712c2828a651_middle-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_4efbe231-3833-456f-b08c-712c2828a651_middle-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_4efbe231-3833-456f-b08c-712c2828a651_middle-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_4efbe231-3833-456f-b08c-712c2828a651_middle-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1680x945_v-fms_webp_4efbe231-3833-456f-b08c-712c2828a651_middle.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s look at survey data on word-of-mouth communication in B2B business. The results of all the surveys naturally emphasize the importance of word-of-mouth communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-wp-oembed-blog-card wp-block-embed-wp-oembed-blog-card\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.thesocialmediahat.com\/blog\/the-science-behind-the-effectiveness-of-word-of-mouth\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The top industries where consumers see business reviews as most important are: Healthcare, Automotive Services, and Service Businesses\/Tradespeople.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">76% of consumers \u201cregularly\u201d read online reviews when browsing for local businesses, compared to 77% in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">72% say reading a positive customer reviews increase their trust in a business; it takes, on average, 2-6 reviews to get 56% of them to this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-wp-oembed-blog-card wp-block-embed-wp-oembed-blog-card\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/research\/local-consumer-review-survey\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_iH3aUfa4\">Why B2B Referral Marketing is strongly valued<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"693\" src=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1523x1031_v-fms_webp_3fea3878-cf2c-40e6-8f44-0d1e5c173928_middle-1024x693.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1523x1031_v-fms_webp_3fea3878-cf2c-40e6-8f44-0d1e5c173928_middle-1024x693.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1523x1031_v-fms_webp_3fea3878-cf2c-40e6-8f44-0d1e5c173928_middle-300x203.webp 300w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1523x1031_v-fms_webp_3fea3878-cf2c-40e6-8f44-0d1e5c173928_middle-768x520.webp 768w, https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/s-1523x1031_v-fms_webp_3fea3878-cf2c-40e6-8f44-0d1e5c173928_middle.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3% of B2B buyers prefer to work with sales professionals who have been referred to them by someone they know<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">76% of B2B buyers prefer to work with vendors that have been recommended to them by someone they know<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-wp-oembed-blog-card wp-block-embed-wp-oembed-blog-card\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/business.linkedin.com\/content\/dam\/business\/sales-solutions\/global\/en_US\/c\/pdfs\/idc-wp-247829.pdf\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Buyers place great trust in their professional networks.<\/strong><br>A recommendation from a trusted source vastly outweighs any direct marketing effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These surveys show B2B buyers tend to be very interested in meeting people via referrals and naturally emphasize the importance of word-of-mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"index_UwU6LVZd\"><strong>Concluding Thoughts and What\u2019s Next<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Referral marketing holds a significant place in the B2B marketing toolbox, especially in Japan. Its ability to build trust, generate high-quality leads, and overcome the challenges of traditional marketing methods makes it an indispensable strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we explained the importance of referral marketing in B2B businesses. In our next article, we will dive deeper into implementing a successful B2B referral marketing strategy, specifically tailored for the unique landscape of the Japanese market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Referral marketing: a term often associated with B2C strategies, yet its impact in the B2B sector, particularl [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"http:\/\/nirik-global.com\/?p=1481","footnotes":"","wp-seo-meta-description":"","wp-seo-meta-robots":[]},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-insights","en-US","c-entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1491,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481\/revisions\/1491"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nirik-global.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}