Lead Generation · Glossary

Intent Data

Also known as: buyer intent data, buying signals

Intent data is information that suggests a prospect may be in the market for what you sell — signals like recent hiring for a relevant role, opening a new location, taking on funding, or adopting (or struggling with) a particular tool. Used well, intent data lets you reach prospects at the moment they're most likely to need you, rather than contacting them at random. It turns 'who fits' into 'who fits and is probably ready now.'

Types of buying signals

Signals come in many forms. Hiring for a role tied to your problem suggests a team that's growing into the need; a new location or recent funding suggests budget and change; a job posting, a press release, or a publicly visible tool change can all indicate timing. The common thread is that something about the prospect's situation changed, giving your outreach a real reason to exist today rather than in the abstract.

How to use intent data

Intent data is most powerful as a layer on top of fit. First narrow to companies that match your ideal customer, then prioritize the ones showing a buying signal — and reference that signal in your outreach so it reads as relevant rather than random. 'Saw you're hiring three account managers' is intent-driven outreach; a generic blast is not. Combining fit and intent is what produces the highest reply rates.

Timing is often the difference between a reply and silence. Intent data lets you spend your outreach on the prospects most likely to be receptive right now, which raises reply rates and shortens the path to a meeting.

Intent Data: FAQ

What is an example of intent data?

Signals like a company hiring for a role related to your product, opening a new location, raising funding, or adopting a tool you complement or replace. Each suggests the prospect's situation changed in a way that makes now a good time to reach out.

How do you use intent data in outreach?

Layer it on top of fit: narrow to companies matching your ideal customer, prioritize the ones showing a buying signal, and reference that signal in your message so it reads as relevant. Combining fit and intent produces the highest reply rates.

See Intent Data in action

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