Lead generation ponderings - how to find out how many SME's exist in my area?

[EliteAM]

I'm trying to understand my target market - small businesses in my area of the South-East. I need help with how to approach this bit of research:

• Firstly, understand the scope - how many SME's are there in my area of TW, KT, GU, UB, SM and RG (post codes). Maybe also group them by industry. Where do I find this out? I used to have access to D&B / Experian etc. when I worked for big corporates, but they sell licences for thousands of pounds, which of course I cannot afford now as a one-woman business owner.
• Once I get the scope, how do I get the names of the businesses without paying an arm and a leg?

Once I have the names of these companies, I think I'll be able to get leads quite easily.


I'm looking for businesses that have 10-50 employees and £500,000-£5,000,000 turnover, so not micro businesses (like myself!)


Any ideas from fellow forum members would be greatly appreciated!


Elite, Digital Heart

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

There are lost of data companies who can supply local business details, however, based on employee numbers may be difficult.

Google will be a great friend in your search for a data company!

 

[Alan]

There are data companies out there that can provide the data, get some quotes but I don't think it will cost too much.

 

[lifeandeasy]

Try riskdisc.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Deudil.com (it's free) lets you filter searches on postcode, turnover etc.

However as most small companies won't be submitting full accounts the turnover is a best guess based on what is filed, like assets etc. The same would be true of Experian although they do use 3rd party data sources so their results are slightly more accurate.

You could try the chamber of commerece for the areas as they sometimes have lots of information regarding companies in their postcode.

Good luck!!

 

[EliteAM]

Thanks guys, all good advice! I'm going to have a chat with Thomsons and Experian, hope it's not too expensive!

 

[Alan]

You will find cheaper if you shop around - much cheaper.

 

[GingerNut]

I wouldn't go too cheap though!

Keep in mind that Thomson do not release their email data. They will just broadcast to it for you. It is quite well managed. There is a guy called Chris Green there who is quite helpful.

If you are looking to run an email campaign then I might be able to help out a bit! Let me know if you need anything.

 

[EliteAM]

Thanks GN... Selectabase appear to have good deals, cheaper and they seem to leave me with more control over my selection which is great.

I'm not sure about email campaigns just yet, no point in cold-emailing businesses right now - maybe later, once I get some genuine opt-ins!

 

[GingerNut]

What kind of data are you getting then? Phone/Postal? Would you mind letting me know what you are looking at paying for what volume with them? I might be able to find you a better deal.

Looking at Selectabase, I think you need to be careful. I'm not saying they are dodgy or anything, as I am sure they are fine, but they do sell B2C data lists. I am always wary of companies that sell B2C data. If they are selling it to you, then what stops them from selling it to other people?! These consumers could end up getting so many marketing emails a day and that just ruins the data. No more conversions for that email address ever.

Anyway, keep us informed on how you get on! May I ask what it is that you are trying to advertise?

 

[dmdatasolutions]

Hi Elite,

Please find below the information requested, happy to help give me a call and I can provide some samples for you to review.

Database Criteria:

Single sites and head offices only (no branches)
Location: TW, KT, GU, UB, SM and RG
Company Size: Employees 10-50, Turnover (modelled) 500k-5M
Industry: All, breakdown below
Most Senior Decision Maker Contact
Available for Telemarketing (TPS and cTPS screened)
One contact per business

Number of businesses available: 7,097

Major Sector A: 1 to 20 Employees B: 21 to 49 Employees C: 50 to 99 Employees Total
Construction 415 42 1 458
Agriculture 91 9 2 102
Finance 229 41 5 275
Mining 11 3 14
Wholesale 263 28 1 292
Transportation & Communications 383 89 3 475
Services 2332 1331 222 3885
Retail 945 167 11 1123
Manufacturing 397 64 12 473
Total: 5066 1774 257 7097


Postcode Area Total
GU - Guildford 1875
KT - Kingston upon Thames 1173
RG - Reading 1948
SM - Sutton 343
TW - Twickenham 1095
UB - Southall 663
Total: 7097

Please give me a call and I can provide the breakdowns in more detail.

Have a nice weekend.

Thanks

kind regards

Lee