Checklist for Choosing Intent Data Tools

• Higher Conversions: Companies using intent data see 2-3× better conversion rates.

• Lower Costs: Reduce customer acquisition costs by 30-45%.

• Precise Targeting: Identify buyers actively researching your product.

What to Look For:

• Real-Time Data: Updates every 6 hours for accurate insights.

• Lead Scoring: Focus on high-potential prospects for better results.

• Cross-Channel Signals: Track behavior across websites, social media, email, and ads.

• Easy Integration: Sync with CRMs and ad platforms like Google, Meta, and LinkedIn.

• User-Friendly Interface: Customizable dashboards and advanced filtering tools.

• Scalability: Handles growing data needs with flexible pricing.

• Support: Personalized setup and ongoing help.

Why It Matters:

• Real-time intent data gives you an edge to act before competitors.

• Effective tools reduce wasted ad spend and improve ROI.

Pro Tip: Test platforms with a free trial to see results firsthand.

How To Select Intent Data & Signals To Build Trigger-Based ...

Core Features to Check

Pay attention to these three features to effectively connect with high-potential buyers.

Real-Time Data Updates

Staying updated with the latest data is crucial in today’s fast-moving market. The best platforms refresh their data often - ideally every six hours or less - so you always have access to the most current buyer signals.

"Our data refreshes every 6 hours for maximum relevance - far more frequently than other platforms that update weekly, monthly, or even less often." – 24/7 Intent

Make sure the platform works seamlessly with your existing marketing tools, particularly ad platforms. This allows you to act quickly on new intent signals. Key capabilities to look for include:

• Analysis of over 100 billion buying signals daily

• Updates to more than 270 million consumer profiles each day

• Integration with major ad platforms like Meta, LinkedIn, and Google

Once you’ve checked for real-time updates, look into how the platform scores and predicts leads.

Lead Scoring and Prediction

Good lead scoring helps you focus on prospects most likely to convert. Modern intent data platforms should use advanced scoring systems that analyze behavioral trends and buying signals. Strong lead scoring can lead to:

• 2–3× higher conversion rates

• 30–45% lower customer acquisition costs

After evaluating lead scoring, examine how the platform gathers data from different channels.

Cross-Channel Data Collection

A solid intent data platform collects signals from various channels to give you a full view of buyer behavior. Key sources include:

• Website activity to track research habits and content engagement

• Social media interactions to understand brand perception

• Email engagement to measure interest and responses

• Ad platform data to assess campaign effectiveness

Setup and Interface Options

Dashboard Settings

An intent data platform should let you tailor the dashboard to fit your workflow. With access to over 24,000 pre-made audience segments, having intuitive controls is key to organizing and displaying the metrics that matter most to your team.

Key features to look for include:

• Custom data model implementation

• Fully adjustable targeting options

These settings make it easier for teams to switch between data views, ensuring smooth navigation and quick access to insights.

Simple Navigation

The platform’s interface should simplify complex tasks, providing a user-friendly experience for your marketing and sales teams. A clean design helps reduce the learning curve and keeps technical complexities in the background.

"After a 30-minute intake call, we handle everything - building and syncing your data model to your ad platform. Need more models? Just tell us, and we'll take care of it. No extra work for you or your team." - 24/7 Intent

Team members should be able to quickly access pre-built segments and tweak targeting parameters as needed. A well-organized interface supports precise data filtering and smooth operation.

Data Filtering Tools

Advanced filtering options are essential for narrowing down audience segments and improving targeting accuracy.

"We created a lookalike based on the data. We got 27 sales of approx $10k over the weekend. CPA drop by 40%." - Peter L, Agency Owner

Effective filtering tools should help you:

• Zero in on specific buyer personas

• Focus on niche keywords and industries

• Build highly targeted audience segments

System Connections

CRM and Marketing Tools

Integrating smoothly with your CRM and marketing tools is essential for keeping workflows efficient. A good platform should sync data automatically between systems, cutting down on manual tasks and avoiding data silos. For instance, a well-designed intent data platform connects with your existing tools, making it easy for teams to access and use intent signals without interruptions. This kind of integration helps your team focus on targeting buyers who are ready to act. Similarly, strong ad platform connections are key for adjusting campaigns on the fly.

Ad Platform Links

The platform should connect with major advertising channels to allow real-time campaign updates. This capability is crucial for quickly reaching prospects who show high intent.

"We work with all major ad platforms - Meta, Google, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Snapchat, etc. We also connect with programmatic ad networks, making it easy to work with existing campaigns."

Some of the most important features include:

• Real-time data syncing for immediate campaign updates

• Support for multiple advertising platforms

• Automatic updates to data models

"Our real-time intent data plugs directly into your ad platforms - so your ads reach qualified buyers before your competitors even know they exist."

Look for a platform that integrates custom data models directly into ad tools. This allows you to act on intent signals without interrupting your current campaigns.

Data Analysis Tools

Once system integrations are running smoothly, the next step is making sense of the data through effective analysis.

Performance Reports

Performance reports are essential for measuring campaign success and ROI. When choosing an intent data platform, look for tools that provide clear insights into metrics like conversion rates, cost per acquisition, and lead quality. For instance, 24/7 Intent offers detailed reports that show exactly how intent data impacts your marketing efforts. One Financial Advisor shared impressive results: a 42% drop in cost per lead, a 71% increase in leads, and a 133% rise in show-up rates compared to previous Facebook targeting methods.

Key features to look for in performance reporting include:

• Conversion tracking across multiple channels

• Cost-per-lead analysis

• Lead quality scoring

• Detailed campaign performance metrics

• Tools to measure ROI

"Before we were getting $6-$9 per click, with a 20% avg conversion… with this, CPC at $1.03 and 50% conversion, 3x the number of total clicks" – Rob T, Digital Marketing Specialist

A platform that combines detailed metrics with clear visuals can help transform raw data into actionable insights.

Visual Data Display

Visualizing data is crucial for quick, informed decision-making. The right platform should convert raw numbers into easy-to-read charts, making trend analysis simple. For example, in an automotive campaign, Bill Luke generated 1,608 leads in just three days. The platform provided insights into credit score distributions, vehicle preferences, mileage trends, and in-market affinities.

This visual clarity allowed users to quickly identify trends and fine-tune their campaigns for even better results.

When evaluating visual data tools, look for platforms that can:

• Turn complex datasets into intuitive charts

• Offer real-time data visualization

• Highlight trends over time

• Compare performance metrics effectively

Platforms that analyze massive amounts of data - like over 100 billion buying signals daily - and update millions of consumer profiles can deliver insights in a clear, actionable format, helping you make smarter decisions.

Growth and Help Options

After setting up solid data integration and analysis, your platform should also be ready to handle future growth and provide dependable support.

Room to Grow

When choosing an intent data platform, it's important to ensure it can handle your business's expansion. The platform should be able to manage increasing data volumes as your needs grow. This builds on the foundation of integration and analysis capabilities already discussed.

Key factors to consider for scalability include:

• Data processing capacity to handle larger datasets

• Flexible pricing to match your budget as you grow

• Ability to accommodate new data models for evolving needs

• Integration options for future tools and systems

Look for flexible subscription plans - monthly, semi-annual, or annual - that allow you to cancel anytime if needed.

"After 14 days, you can continue with a flexible paid plan (monthly, semi-annual, or annual) or cancel anytime - no commitments. Most customers see ROI before the trial even ends."

Support Services

Reliable support is critical to getting the most out of your intent data platform. The right platform should offer help during the initial setup and continue to provide assistance as your requirements change.

For example, platforms like 24/7 Intent stand out by offering personalized consultations with a founder during the trial period. This helps refine data models and strategies while minimizing the workload for your team. They also handle technical model implementation and sync with ad platforms, so your team can stay focused on strategy.

When reviewing support options, keep an eye out for platforms that provide:

Strong support ensures the platform evolves alongside your marketing strategies, helping you stay efficient and effective.

Price Factors

Understand the complete cost structure to ensure it aligns with your budget and objectives.

Clear Price Structure

A well-defined pricing model helps you avoid surprises and manage your budget efficiently. Look for platforms that outline their pricing terms clearly and steer clear of hidden fees.

Here are some key pricing details to review:

"Full, transparent access to every contact and data point daily."

Make sure you can try the platform without risks before making a commitment.

Test Options

24/7 Intent offers a 14-day free trial, including a consultation with the founder to help fine-tune your data models.

This trial gives you the chance to:

• Test the platform using your own data

• Explore the user interface and overall usability

• Gauge early performance and potential return on investment

• Evaluate the quality of customer support

"After 14 days, you can continue with a flexible paid plan (monthly, semi-annual, or annual) or cancel anytime - no commitments. Most customers see ROI before the trial even ends."

A free trial with an easy cancellation policy ensures you can determine the platform's value without long-term obligations.

Final Steps

After exploring the features, integrations, and support options, it's time to wrap up your evaluation with a hands-on trial and performance review.

Take advantage of a free 2-week trial to test the tool's effectiveness and see measurable outcomes for yourself.

Key performance metrics to monitor:

"Before we were getting $6–$9 per click, with a 20% avg conversion… with this, CPC at $1.03 and 50% conversion, 3× the number of total clicks."
– Rob T, Digital Marketing Specialist

This feedback highlights the importance of testing tools in real-world scenarios to find the best fit.

During your trial, focus on running an A/B test with a top-performing campaign, checking daily profile updates, verifying GDPR/CCPA compliance, and ensuring quick integration with ad platforms.

Hands-on testing reveals how well the platform supports intent data use. Make sure it provides strong assistance for setting up data models, optimizing campaigns, and tracking performance to ensure a solid return on investment.

Related posts

• How Intent Data Improves Marketing ROI

• How CRM Tracks Intent Leads with Analytics

• How to Use Intent Data for Precise Segmentation

• How Intent Data Improves Dashboard Insights