How to Build a Lead List of 50 Companies in One Afternoon

Block 1: pick the signal

Choose one public signal tied to your problem. One signal makes the list and the email consistent.

Block 2: collect

Use directories, job posts and community threads. Aim for more than you need, because some will drop out.

Block 3: check

Open each company site. Does it match your profile? Is there a decision maker you can name?

Block 4: write the why

One line per company: what you saw and why it matters. If you cannot write it, drop them.

Block 5: verify

Check each email address and remove duplicates and anyone who has opted out before.

A worked example

Signal: companies hiring a first customer success manager. The founder searches job boards for 60 minutes and collects 70 companies. She opens each site, drops 15 that are too big or in the wrong field, and ends with 55. For each she writes one line, such as "hiring a first customer success manager, so support is probably handled by the founders today". Then she verifies the addresses and drops 4 that fail.

Common mistakes

• Choosing several signals at once, so no email is specific.
• Keeping companies you cannot explain in a line.
• Skipping address checks and paying for it in bounces.
• Adding people who have opted out before.

Where Touchbase fits

Touchbase finds companies that fit what you sell, says why each one fits, writes a plain first email for each that you approve before anything is sent, and handles replies and follow-ups. You choose who to write to and what goes out.