Ariba Discovery is an excellent tool to help you find new leads and close sales, and we want to make sure you get everything out of it that you possibly can. The following best practices will help you achieve success:
Pay extra attention to your product and service categories
Choose categories rather than exact products or services by name (e.g., “beverages” rather than “bottled water”), and select all possible commodity categories they fall into, rather than just one or two. You can use the Search option to find categories via keywords, or the Browse option to scroll through a list of category choices.
Add all of your locations
Many buyers—especially those seeking services—require local sources of supply, so if your business has multiple locations, be sure to enter all of them under Additional Company Addresses. This tells prospective customers where you have an actual physical presence.
Use social tools to promote your profile
Sharing buttons, vanity URLs, “Find us on Ariba” profile badges, and links to your social media accounts can help you connect with buyers and build your brand. For tips on using them, check out “Attract More Buyers Faster with New Social Media Tools” on Ariba Exchange.
Keep at it
Successful sellers know that not every response in Ariba Discovery leads to new business. You never know if it will be your first or fourth response that will result in a deal. Be diligent in responding to the leads you receive and you too can join the ranks of our most successful sellers.