ABM Account Tier Framework
A scoring framework for segmenting target accounts into tiers based on fit, intent, and strategic value.
Use this framework to segment your target accounts into tiers that determine the level of investment, personalization, and resources each account receives.
Account Scoring Criteria
Score each account across these five dimensions. Use a 1-5 scale for each.
| Dimension | 1 (Low) | 3 (Medium) | 5 (High) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICP Fit | Partial match on 1-2 criteria | Matches 3-4 ICP criteria | Perfect ICP match (industry, size, tech, geo) | 30% |
| Intent Signal | No detected intent | Researching category on review sites | Active buying signals (pricing page, demo request, G2 comparison) | 25% |
| Strategic Value | Standard deal size potential | Above-average deal potential or logo value | Flagship logo, large deal, or expansion potential | 20% |
| Relationship | No existing contacts or history | Some prior engagement or warm connections | Champion identified, prior customer, or executive relationship | 15% |
| Timing | No known timeline or budget cycle | Fiscal year aligns within 6 months | Active evaluation, budget approved, or contract expiring | 10% |
Tier Definitions
Calculate the weighted score and assign tiers using these thresholds.
| Tier | Weighted Score | Account Count | Campaign Type | Resource Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 4.0 - 5.0 | 10-25 accounts | 1:1 personalized campaigns | Dedicated AE + SDR + marketing support |
| Tier 2 | 3.0 - 3.9 | 25-75 accounts | 1:few industry-based campaigns | Shared SDR coverage + targeted marketing |
| Tier 3 | 2.0 - 2.9 | 75-200 accounts | 1:many programmatic campaigns | Automated sequences + digital ads |
| Below threshold | < 2.0 | Excluded | Not targeted | No dedicated resources |
Tier-Specific Treatment Matrix
| Activity | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account research depth | Full company + buying committee mapping | Key contacts + company overview | Automated firmographic enrichment |
| Email personalization | Custom per contact | Industry-specific templates | Persona-based templates |
| LinkedIn outreach | Personal connection + content engagement | Connection request + 1 follow-up | No LinkedIn outreach |
| Direct mail | Custom gift ($50-150) | Branded swag ($15-30) | None |
| Digital ads | Account-specific ad creative | Industry-specific ad creative | Broad ICP-targeted ads |
| Content | Custom landing page per account | Industry landing pages | Standard product pages |
| Executive involvement | VP/C-level outreach for Tier 1 accounts | Director-level outreach if engaged | None |
| QBR/check-in frequency | Monthly pipeline review | Quarterly review | No scheduled review |
Scoring Worksheet
Copy this table and score your target accounts.
| Account Name | ICP Fit (1-5) | Intent (1-5) | Strategic Value (1-5) | Relationship (1-5) | Timing (1-5) | Weighted Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example Corp | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4.35 | Tier 1 |
Weighted score formula: (ICP Fit x 0.30) + (Intent x 0.25) + (Strategic Value x 0.20) + (Relationship x 0.15) + (Timing x 0.10)
Review Cadence
- Weekly: Review Tier 1 accounts for engagement changes and pipeline movement.
- Bi-weekly: Review Tier 2 accounts for promotion to Tier 1 or demotion to Tier 3.
- Monthly: Re-score all accounts and adjust tiers. Add new accounts that meet the minimum threshold. Remove accounts that have been disqualified.
- Quarterly: Review the framework criteria and weights with sales and marketing leadership. Adjust based on what is actually predicting closed-won deals.
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