In the fast-paced world of Software as a Service (SaaS), the ability to build relevant outreach lists is a crucial skill that can set a company apart. While tools like Apollo.io provide valuable assistance, there are instances where a more hands-on approach is necessary. Targeting companies with specific attributes such as mobile apps, particular pricing models, or compliance requirements demands creative solutions that go beyond the capabilities of conventional tools. In this blog, we unveil proven methods and hacks our team has employed to build relevant lists that are tailored to specific criteria.

1. Manual Scraping for Precision
Targeting Specific Communities
One effective method involves manual scraping of Slack communities, review sites, and app stores. For example, for a deep tech company, our team targeted users within specific developer and engineering communities. By meticulously extracting public emails from Slack communities and enriching them through tools like HubSpot, we successfully built a highly relevant database of around 15k accounts.

Mobile App Companies
Manual scraping also extended to mobile app companies found on the Play Store and users of competitors through review sites like G2. Thorough examination of company decks, websites, and social media pages allowed us to curate a database that directly addressed our targeting criteria.

2. Web Scraping for Amplification
Custom Scripts
Our team leverages custom scripts to scrape blogs and websites, significantly amplifying our list-building efforts. For instance, we compiled a list of SaaS companies in Southeast Asia by scraping multiple blogs, creating a database ten times larger than what typical tools could provide. Today, an autopilot web scraper powered by ChatGPT adds efficiency to our web scraping endeavors.

3. LinkedIn Scraping for Precision Outreach
Utilizing LinkedIn Filters
LinkedIn serves as a robust platform for list building with its array of search filters. Phantom Buster can be an alternative if Sales Navigator proves costly. However, it's crucial to use these tools judiciously and to employ a less valuable LinkedIn profile for scraping purposes.

4. Leveraging Builtwith for Tool-Specific Prospecting
Identifying Tool Users
Builtwith emerges as a valuable tool for prospecting accounts based on the tools they use. It excels in pinpointing accounts utilizing specific tools through its script detection mechanism. For example, we employed Builtwith to create a database of Klavio users, facilitating targeted competitor outreach campaigns.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While these methods deliver results, they are not foolproof and demand dedicated effort from our research and database team. Autopilots powered by ChatGPT play a pivotal role in supporting and streamlining manual work. An example includes a framework for segmenting B2B and B2C websites, addressing a common challenge encountered during database building through tools like Apollo. 

Connect and Share Your Insights                                                                       If you have questions about these approaches or seek further clarification, feel free to reach out via DM. Share your hacks and strategies for building relevant lists in the comments below. Collective wisdom fuels innovation, and your insights could be the missing piece for someone facing similar challenges.

Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of SaaS outreach, mastering the art of list building requires a combination of creativity, persistence, and a willingness to explore unconventional avenues. These methods offer a glimpse into the dynamic strategies employed by our team, showcasing that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the most valuable destinations. As you embark on your list-building journey, remember that relevance is the key, and a personalized approach can make all the difference in connecting with your target audience.