Instantly Lead Finder (SuperSearch): How to Build Better B2B Prospect Lists

Instantly’s lead finder, often called SuperSearch, is a B2B contact database built into the platform. You filter by attributes such as job title, seniority, industry, company size, location and other signals, then export verified contacts directly into campaigns. Used well, it saves time and keeps data and sending in one place. Used carelessly, it burns credits on poor-fit contacts and fills campaigns with people who will never reply.

Start with a precise ideal customer profile

Before searching, write down exactly who you want to reach:

• Industry or niche, as specifically as possible.
• Company size range, by headcount or revenue.
• Location and time zone.
• Job titles and seniority of the decision maker or influencer.
• A trigger or reason they might need you now.

A tight profile produces a smaller but far more responsive list. “Marketing agencies” is too broad. “Independent digital agencies with 10 to 50 staff in the UK, founders and managing directors” is workable.

Using filters well

Combine filters to narrow results to your profile. Use title keywords with care, because job titles vary widely. Include common variations and exclude irrelevant ones, such as excluding “assistant” or “intern” when targeting decision makers. Check a sample of results manually before exporting large numbers.

Where available, signals such as hiring activity, company growth, technology used or recent news help you choose who to contact first and give you a genuine reason to reach out.

Verification and enrichment

Always verify emails before sending. Even good databases contain outdated contacts, and bounces damage sending reputation. Use the verification options available in Instantly or a dedicated verification tool, and exclude invalid and risky addresses. Enrichment fields such as company details, LinkedIn URLs and industry help with personalisation and segmentation. See our guide on cold email deliverability for why list quality matters so much.

Segment before you send

Split exported leads into segments by industry, role or trigger, and send each segment a message written for it. A campaign to clinic owners and a campaign to logistics managers should not share the same email. Our guide to writing Instantly sequences explains how to tailor messages.

Managing credits

Lead data is priced through credits on a separate subscription, so spend them deliberately:

• Test messaging on a small export before buying large volumes.
• Avoid exporting contacts you are unlikely to email soon, because data goes stale.
• Remove duplicates with your existing CRM and previous campaigns.

See Instantly pricing explained for how lead credits fit into total cost.

Data quality checks

• Spot-check a sample against LinkedIn or company websites.
• Watch bounce rates on the first send to each list.
• Note which filters produce the best reply rates and refine them.

Compliance

Using B2B contact data for outreach is subject to data protection and anti-spam rules that vary by region. Only contact people where you have a reasonable basis to do so, keep messages relevant to their role, identify yourself and honour opt-outs quickly. Take local advice if you target regions with strict rules.

Other data sources

You do not have to use Instantly’s database. Some teams use other tools for data and Instantly for sending. Compare quality for your niche on a small test before committing. Our Instantly alternatives guide mentions database-first options like Apollo.

Build lists that actually reply

We define ideal customer profiles, build and verify lead lists, segment them and write campaigns for each segment, then run them through Instantly. See our AI Automation Systems service or get in touch.