Manual vs Automatic Lead Sourcing: Pros and Cons

When it comes to lead sourcing, there are two main methods to consider: manual and automatic. Automatic lead sourcing, which involves using tools like ZoomInfo, can be quick and easy, but it may not always be accurate. Manual lead sourcing, on the other hand, involves manually searching for and gathering leads, which can be time-consuming but more accurate. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both methods to help you decide which one is best for your business.

Automatic Lead Sourcing

Automatic lead sourcing tools like ZoomInfo can be a convenient way to generate a large number of leads quickly. Here are some of the benefits of this method:

  1. Quick and Easy: With automatic lead sourcing, you can generate a large number of leads quickly and with minimal effort.
  2. Low Cost: Some automatic lead sourcing tools can be affordable, making them a good choice if you’re on a tight budget.
  3. High Volume: If you’re looking for a high volume of leads, automatic lead sourcing may be the way to go.

However, there are also some downsides to automatic lead sourcing:

  1. Inaccurate Data: Automatic lead sourcing can result in inaccurate or outdated data, which can lead to wasted time and resources.
  2. Limited Targeting: With automatic lead sourcing, it can be difficult to target your ideal customer profile (ICP) accurately.
  3. Poor Response Rates: Because the leads generated through automatic lead sourcing may not be accurate or targeted, you may experience poor response rates.

Manual Lead Sourcing

Manual lead sourcing, also known as list building, involves manually searching for and gathering leads based on your ICP. Here are some of the benefits of this method:

  1. More Accurate: By manually searching for leads, you can ensure that the information you gather is accurate and up-to-date.
  2. More Targeted: Manual lead sourcing allows you to be more targeted in your search. You can focus on specific industries, job titles, or even individual companies to find leads that are more likely to be a good fit for your product or service.
  3. Better Results: Manual lead sourcing tends to lead to better results by allowing you to be more accurate and targeted in your search.

However, there are also some downsides to manual lead sourcing:

  1. Time-Consuming: Manual lead sourcing can be time-consuming, especially if you’re doing it in-house.
  2. Higher Cost: Outsourcing manual lead sourcing to an expert team can be more expensive than using automatic lead sourcing tools.
  3. Lower Volume: If you’re looking for a high volume of leads, manual lead sourcing may not be the best choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both manual and automatic lead sourcing have their pros and cons. Automatic lead sourcing can be quick, low cost, and high volume, but it can also result in inaccurate data, limited targeting, and poor response rates. Manual lead sourcing, on the other hand, is more accurate, more targeted, and tends to lead to better results, but it can be time-consuming and more expensive. Ultimately, the best method for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. 

If you’re looking for accurate data on demand or delivered to your inbox each month, get in touch with the team at ListBuilders.