If you’re running account-based marketing (ABM) and sick of generic lead lists that go nowhere, this guide’s for you. We’re getting specific: how to build intent-based prospect lists in Trigify.io that actually help you run targeted, smarter campaigns. No fluff, just a step-by-step approach and honest advice on what’s worth your time.
Why Intent-Based Lists Matter (Skip if You’re Already Convinced)
Let’s get something straight: sending generic outreach to a giant list of companies doesn’t work. You want to find people and companies showing real buying signals—folks who might actually care.
That’s what intent data is all about. It’s not magic, but if you use it right, you'll stop wasting time on bad fits and start seeing replies from the right people.
Step 1: Get Clear on Who You Actually Want
Before clicking around in Trigify.io, get specific about your ICP (ideal customer profile). This is the part most people skip, and it’s why their lists are full of duds.
- Industry: Be ruthless. “Tech” isn’t enough—pick verticals.
- Company size: 10-person SaaS startup? 5000-person enterprise?
- Region: Don’t ignore time zones or language.
- Seniority/roles: Who really signs the check? Who influences the deal?
- Triggers: What signals matter? Searching for competitors, hiring, funding, tech installs?
Pro tip: If you can’t write down your ICP in 2–3 sentences, you’re not ready. Otherwise, you’ll just make yourself a fancy version of a phone book.
Step 2: Know What Intent Data Trigify.io Actually Has
Here’s where you need to be a little skeptical. Not all “intent data” is created equal. Trigify.io offers a mix—some proprietary, some blended from third parties. The main types:
- Web activity: What companies are reading, searching, or researching (usually aggregated, not 1-to-1).
- Technographic signals: Who’s using or looking to buy certain tech.
- Hiring signals: Who’s hiring for roles that might signal a need.
- Funding/news triggers: Recent funding, leadership changes, new launches.
What to watch out for:
- “Intent” doesn’t mean someone’s waving money in your face. It just means possible interest.
- The more niche your ICP, the less likely you’ll find tons of intent matches. That’s good—better a small, high-quality list than a giant, useless one.
Step 3: Build Your Filters (Don’t Get Lost in the UI)
Log in and head to the prospecting/list builder tool. Here’s what to focus on:
a. Set the Basics
- Industry/vertical: Start narrow. You can always widen later.
- Company size: Use employee or revenue filters if available.
- Location: Target regions you can actually sell to.
b. Layer On Intent Signals
This is where Trigify.io shines—or flops, if you’re not careful.
- Pick intent triggers that actually tie to buying:
Examples: “Researched [your product category],” “Hired a new head of IT,” “Installed competitor tech.” - Set recency:
Don’t go back six months. Fresh signals = more relevant. - Combine signals:
The gold is in overlap. Companies that both researched your space and just got funding are better bets than those with only one signal.
c. Role/Contact Filters
- Seniority: Get to decision-makers if possible.
- Department: Filter by sales, IT, marketing, whatever fits your buyer.
Don’t:
- Pull every contact under the sun. More names ≠ better list.
- Trust that every “intent” flag means a hot lead. Sometimes it means “mild curiosity.”
Step 4: Review, Refine, and Actually Look at the List
This isn’t set-and-forget. Before exporting, sanity-check your results.
- Spot check a handful of accounts.
Are they dream prospects, or randoms? - Look for weird outliers.
If your list has a bunch of companies outside your target region or industry, your filters are off. - Check for “empty” contacts.
Some tools give you company-level intent but no real contact info. Not helpful.
Pro tip:
If your list is huge, it’s probably too broad. Tighten your filters. If it’s tiny but dead-on, you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Export and Clean Your List
Trigify.io makes it easy to export, but don’t just dump it into your CRM.
- Trim duplicates and obvious junk.
- Check for missing emails or bounces.
Trigify.io’s data is decent, but not perfect. Always expect some gaps. - Enrich as needed with LinkedIn or an email verifier if accuracy is critical.
What to skip:
- Don’t obsess over 100% coverage. If a few good-fit accounts are missing emails, you can find them manually or move on.
Step 6: Map Out Your Outreach Plays
Intent lists are only useful if you actually use the intel. Here’s how to get more out of them:
- Reference the specific intent signal in your outreach.
(“Saw you’re hiring for a DevOps lead—can we help?” beats generic pitches.) - Keep it short and relevant.
These folks may not know you, but they’re more likely to care if you show you did your homework. - Prioritize by recency and strength of signal.
Hit the hottest prospects first.
Don’t:
- Send the same email to everyone.
- Wait forever for “perfect” data before reaching out.
Step 7: Measure, Adjust, Repeat
Most people build a list, blast it, and forget it. That’s a waste.
- Track reply rates and meetings booked by list segment.
- Tweak your filters if you’re not getting engagement.
- Update your lists regularly.
Intent changes fast. What’s hot today is cold next week.
Pro tip:
Document what worked. Next time you build a list, you’ll waste less time fiddling.
What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ignore
- Works:
Combining company data and intent signals. Using specific, recent triggers. - Doesn’t:
Relying solely on “intent” without checking fit. Exporting every contact with a pulse. - Ignore:
Overhyped “AI” recommendations that don’t match your ICP. Volume for volume’s sake.
Keep It Simple, Iterate Often
You don’t need a 10-step automation sequence or 50 filters to get started. Build a small, focused intent list that actually matches your ICP. Test, see what works, and adjust. ABM is a long game. The point isn’t fancy tools—it’s doing the basics, better.
If you’re ever stuck, ask yourself: Would I reply to this outreach, given what I know? If not, go back and tweak your list. Good luck!