Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Obtaining Mailing Lists For New Businesses

Posted by lauren on 1/21/2009 at 5:59 PM ET 75 Points
I was wondering if anyone could supply feedback in reference to obtaining valid mailing lists. I have found sites like usdatacorporate.com who compile these lists for you - for a fee.

How can I obtain the same information that they obtain? Is there a public list that I have not found? I am only interested in Louisiana businesses because those are the only clients we can actually serve.

This is what I *have* done:
1. I have used anywho.com to search businesses in our service area.
2. I have used a Book of Lists for 08-09, but the company has had it for about 8 months now - to me, it would seem a bit out dated.
3. I compiled a database of the companies, addresses and telephone numbers and individually called each one to verify the company information. THIS TAKES FOR FREAKIN' EVER! Is it supposed to? LOL!

Can anyone suggest something less time consuming that I can do without going through a list supplier? Are the list suppliers worth the cost?

Thanks, in advance - the last time I used this forum I got really awesome responses and suggestions! This site has been my saving grace!

Kindest regards,

Lauren
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 1/21/2009 at 6:02 PM Accepted
    infousa.com

    You can break it down by zip code if need be, and industry. You can review the list and cherry pick.

    For quick searches, try their directory site-- www.daplus.us. I use it daily and its free. When I am doing a big search, I can review the list-- cherry pick. Ascertain its worth buying-- and click.
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 1/21/2009 at 6:06 PM Accepted
    I only scanned your question. You can get a lot of free info on daplus.us-- but even that will take time. My opinion of free sites is you get what you pay for. The info is outdated. infousa has a disk you can buy with the info. I used to buy it and credit it to my success in starting my biz. Now they realize how good a tool it is and have raised the price that I don't see the value. They want you to update it 4x a year, but even they admit once a year is fine. Its also a factor to my biz. If I was starting and pioneering, I might have bought it at any price, but as an established business-- I don't see the value. Freebee sites will take a long time. That is why they are free.
  • Posted by michael on 1/21/2009 at 6:25 PM Accepted
    I seem to go thru stages when I give the same answer like 10 times.

    Manufactures Directory at your local public library. (Harris has a good one too). If you like it, you can subscribe for about $200 and it comes on a CD.

    Michael
  • Posted by Carrie Fricker on 1/22/2009 at 10:26 AM Accepted
    When it comes to lists you definitely get what you pay for. New business lists are compiled by a number of businesses…InfoUSA, Experian, D&B and countless other sources. Quality varies, as some compilers require that data must be sourced from 2+ public records, whereas others rely solely on self-reported data. Think about whether you want to select the recency of new businesses, last 6 months? Last 3 months? A one-month new business hotline is also available. Because you are only targeting Louisiana your list will likely be relatively small. I’ve been a list broker for 12 years and the answer I receive from mailers time and time again is yes, purchasing a quality list is worth it. If you’d like to discuss offline feel free to contact me. Good luck!

    Carrie
  • Posted on 1/22/2009 at 10:39 AM Accepted
    If you want new businesses, why not try the LA state department? They may have a list available. Or, check with the country clerk (or equivalent office for Louisiana).

    You could also contact major Chambers of Commerce in the state.
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