How to create and manage targeted outreach campaigns using Akountify filters

If you’re tired of blasting the same tired email to every lead and hoping something sticks, you’re not alone. Most outreach campaigns suck because they’re not targeted, and nobody likes being on the wrong end of generic spam. This guide is for folks who want to use Akountify to actually reach the right people, save time, and avoid embarrassing themselves with bad targeting.

Let’s cut through the noise and get into the nuts and bolts of using Akountify filters to create and manage outreach campaigns that people might actually care about.

Step 1: Get Clear on Who You Actually Want to Reach

Before you even log into Akountify, spend a few minutes thinking. This sounds obvious, but most campaigns fail because the targeting is fuzzy or wishful. Ask yourself:

  • Who is your ideal customer or contact for this campaign?
  • What industry, company size, or geography actually matters?
  • What job titles or roles are you really after?
  • What does a “bad fit” look like so you can avoid them?

Pro tip: Don’t pretend your product is for everyone. You can always run multiple, smaller campaigns for different segments. It’s less risky, and you’ll probably get better data.

Step 2: Set Up Your Akountify Filters

Akountify’s filters are powerful but easy to overcomplicate. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Log in to Akountify.
  2. Navigate to your contact or account list.
    This is usually under a sidebar menu like “Leads” or “Accounts.”
  3. Open the Filters Panel.
    Look for a funnel icon or a button labeled “Filters.” Don’t get distracted by all the options—start simple.

The Filters That Actually Matter

Depending on your outreach goals, focus on:

  • Industry: Narrow down to sectors that make sense for your offer.
  • Company Size: Decide if you’re after startups, mid-market, or enterprises.
  • Location: Only target regions you can actually serve.
  • Job Title/Role: Get specific—“Marketing Manager” is better than “Marketing.”
  • Engagement or Activity: Some versions of Akountify let you filter by last activity, email opens, etc. Use this to avoid dead leads.

What to ignore:
Don’t over-engineer with every possible filter. If you don’t know why you’re adding something, skip it. More filters usually mean fewer, but better, matches. That’s good.

Step 3: Build and Save Your Target Lists

Once you’ve dialed in your filters, it’s time to save your work:

  1. Apply the filters and review the results.
    If the list is too short or long, tweak your filters. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
  2. Save your filtered list as a segment or smart list.
    Name it something obvious—future you will thank you. (“US SaaS CEOs Q3,” not “List 12.”)
  3. Spot-check your list.
    Scroll through and make sure the people or companies make sense. If not, adjust.

Pro tip:
Save different lists for different campaigns (e.g., one for new prospects, one for upsell opportunities). This keeps things clean and helps with tracking later.

Step 4: Craft Outreach That Doesn’t Suck

Filters are only half the battle. If your message is bad, you’re back to square one. Here’s what works:

  • Personalize, but don’t overdo it.
    Use first names and company names, but skip creepy details. Akountify’s mail merge fields can help.
  • Be clear about why you’re reaching out.
    “Saw you’re a CTO at a growing FinTech company—thought this might be relevant…” beats a generic sales pitch.
  • Keep it short.
    Nobody is reading your novel. 3-5 sentences max.
  • Have a real call to action.
    Ask for a quick call, a reply, or whatever makes sense. Don’t just “circle back.”

What doesn’t work:
- Mass mail merges with zero context.
- Vague “checking in” emails.
- Burying the ask at the bottom of a wall of text.

Step 5: Launch Your Campaign—But Start Small

With your targeted list and messaging ready, it’s time to send. But don’t blast everyone at once.

  1. Send a test batch.
    Pick 10-20 contacts and send your outreach. Check for formatting errors or bounce-backs.
  2. Monitor opens, replies, and unsubscribes.
    Akountify usually gives you basic analytics. Don’t obsess, but watch for red flags.
  3. Refine your list and message.
    If nobody opens or replies, something’s off—tweak your filters or your email.
  4. Scale up when you’re happy with results.
    Once you’ve got a response rate that doesn’t make you cringe, send to the rest.

Pro tip:
Keep notes on what you changed between batches. Future campaigns will be easier to tweak.

Step 6: Manage and Refresh Your Target Lists

Outreach isn’t “set it and forget it.” Lists decay. People change jobs. Here’s how to keep things fresh:

  • Review your saved filters monthly.
    See if your segments still make sense.
  • Remove unsubscribes and bounced emails.
    Don’t be that person who keeps spamming folks who already opted out.
  • Update filters as your targeting shifts.
    New product or new market? Adjust your segments, don’t just recycle old ones.

What to ignore:
Don’t get hung up on building a “perfect” list. Good enough and up-to-date beats perfect but stale.

Step 7: Track What’s Working (and What Isn’t)

It’s easy to forget what you actually sent and to whom. Akountify helps here, but you need to check in:

  • Look at open and reply rates by segment.
  • Compare performance between lists.
  • Document winning subject lines or templates.

If something bombs, don’t keep doing it. Outreach is about learning, not just sending more emails.

Real Talk: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Overhyped

What works: - Simple filters with clear intent - Short, targeted messages - Testing and iterating in small batches

What doesn’t: - Overly broad lists (“everyone in tech”) - Spray-and-pray campaigns - Chasing “AI-powered” features if you don’t have the basics down

Ignore the hype:
Akountify’s filters are useful, but they won’t magically make people want what you’re selling. The tool helps you avoid rookie mistakes, but good campaigns are about relevance and respect for people’s time.

Keep It Simple and Iterate

Don’t overthink it. The best outreach campaigns come from knowing who you want to talk to, sending them something worth their time, and tuning your approach as you go. Akountify filters make the targeting part a lot easier—but you still have to do the work.

Stay focused, keep your lists clean, and don’t be afraid to try new angles. Outreach is a process, not a one-off. Keep it simple, iterate, and you’ll get better with every campaign.