Looking to skip the endless spreadsheets and random prospecting? Want a targeted list of companies that actually fit what you’re selling—not just a random dump from LinkedIn? This guide is for you. We’ll walk through, step by step, how to build a focused account list using Pickleai filters. No fluff, just practical moves that anyone on a sales or marketing team can use—whether you’re new to the tool or just tired of lists that go nowhere.
Why Targeted Account Lists Actually Matter
Let’s be blunt: blasting emails to 10,000 random companies is a waste of everyone’s time (yours included). A good account list means: - Better response rates: You’re reaching people who might actually care. - Less wasted effort: You’re not chasing leads that’ll never buy. - Less spammy reputation: You don’t annoy everyone in your industry.
Pickleai lets you slice and dice companies using filters, so you can zero in on just the right prospects. But honestly, these filters are only as smart as you are—so let’s use them wisely.
Step 1: Define What “Targeted” Means for You
Before you even open Pickleai, get specific about who you want on your list. Don’t just say “mid-size tech companies”—that’s lazy. Try questions like: - What industry or niche are you after? - How big should the company be (headcount, revenue)? - Where are they located? - What tech do they use? - What signals show they’re a good fit (recent funding, hiring, etc.)?
Pro tip: If your answer is “everyone,” you’ll end up with junk. Be ruthless about what you’ll exclude, not just what you’ll include.
Step 2: Get Into Pickleai and Find the Filtering Tools
Log into Pickleai and head to the Accounts or Companies section (depending on what they call it—this part changes sometimes). Look for the filters panel. This is where the magic happens.
- Most filters are on the left sidebar or top toolbar.
- There’s usually a “Saved Filters” or “Views” area—ignore it for now unless you already have saved criteria.
What works: Pickleai’s interface is pretty clear, but it’s easy to get lost in the options. Stick to your criteria from Step 1 to avoid going down rabbit holes.
Step 3: Start with the Basics—Industry, Company Size, and Location
Let’s not overcomplicate things. Start by narrowing your universe with the filters that matter most: - Industry/vertical: Use the NAICS/SIC codes if you know them, or just type the industry name. Don’t pick 10 industries—pick your best bet. - Company size: Set minimum and maximum thresholds for employee count or revenue. Example: “50–500 employees” or “$5M–$50M revenue.” - Location: Filter by country, state, or region. Especially useful if you only sell in certain markets.
What to ignore: Don’t get distracted by filters like “social media presence” or “company logo color.” Stick to the basics until you have a manageable list.
Step 4: Layer on Advanced Filters—Signals and Tech Stack
Once you’ve whittled down your list, get a little more sophisticated: - Funding rounds: Target companies that just raised money—they’re more likely to buy. - Hiring activity: If they’re hiring for certain roles, that could signal growth or a challenge you solve. - Tech stack: Filter by software or platforms they use (e.g., Salesforce, AWS). This is gold if your product integrates with or replaces a specific tool.
Caution: Some of these filters can be hit or miss. Pickleai’s tech stack and signals data are good, but not perfect. Double-check a few results before you trust the whole list.
Step 5: Use Exclusions to Sharpen the List
Most people forget this step, but it’s crucial. Use exclusion filters to cut out: - Current customers (so you don’t annoy them) - Competitors (no point prospecting them) - Companies that clearly aren’t a fit (wrong industry, size, or location)
Pro tip: If you’re exporting the list, add an “exclusion list” CSV to Pickleai so you don’t keep re-adding the same bad fits.
Step 6: Preview and Sanity-Check Your Results
Don’t just export the list blind. Preview a sample—say, the first 20–30 companies. Ask yourself: - Do these actually look like my ideal customers? - Are there oddballs or outliers? - Are there companies missing that should be here?
If the list feels off, go back and tweak your filters. Sometimes you need to loosen or tighten criteria, or rethink what signals really matter.
What works: Trust your gut and double-check. Automated filters are only as smart as the info you feed them.
Step 7: Export, Save, and Actually Use Your List
Once you’re happy, export the list in your preferred format—usually CSV. Pickleai lets you pick which columns to export (company name, website, contact info, etc.).
- Save your filter setup as a “View” or “Saved Filter” so you can re-run it later.
- Don’t forget to keep your list fresh—companies change fast.
What doesn’t work: Don’t just dump the list into your CRM and forget it. Use it as a living resource—update, refine, and clean it every few weeks.
Step 8: Rinse, Repeat, and Don’t Overthink It
No filter combo is perfect. Your first list will probably need tweaks, and that’s normal. The key is to: - Start with a narrow focus, then expand if needed. - Review and update your criteria regularly. - Don’t chase perfection—good enough is better than nothing.
Quick Recap & Real Talk
Building a targeted list isn’t rocket science, but it does take some upfront thinking. Don’t fall for the idea that software will magically find your dream customers with one click. Use Pickleai filters to do the heavy lifting, but keep your criteria simple, your list manageable, and your expectations realistic. Iterate as you go, and don’t be afraid to scrap a list that isn’t working.
Your next step? Fire up Pickleai, follow these steps, and get a list you can actually use. Keep it simple, stay focused, and remember—quality always beats quantity.