In this episode of Fireside Chats, Sopro co-founders Rob Harlow and Ryan Welmans discuss the critical topic of building audiences for B2B outreach and share insights on how data-driven targeting can make or break your campaign. They explore how audience building has evolved, the role of AI in list creation, and the balance between technology and human oversight in crafting accurate prospect lists.

They reveal that some companies used to rely on broad, often outdated lists and why, today, businesses need to be much more specific, targeting people in buying cycles and using advanced data points. Rob and Ryan also touch on the growing role of AI in audience building and why it’s essential to combine AI with human expertise.

What you’ll learn:

• Why accurate audience targeting is crucial for B2B outreach success
• How to use data to refine your ideal client profile (ICP)
• The importance of continuously refreshing and updating prospect lists
• How AI is reshaping list building, and why human oversight remains key
• How Sopro’s approach to audience building combines the best of both worlds: tech and human insight

Key takeaways:

• Audience accuracy matters more than ever: Inaccurate targeting leads to low engagement, higher spam rates, and decreased deliverability. In 2024, it’s vital to build lists that are not only accurate but also frequently updated to stay relevant.
• AI and human collaboration: While AI can help process and gather data faster, human expertise is still essential for reviewing and validating the audience to ensure it fits your campaign objectives.
• Campaign prioritisation: Even with large prospect lists, not every contact is a priority. Learn how to prioritise and segment your audience for better campaign performance.

Long-term optimisation: Audience building doesn’t stop at list creation. Rob and Ryan discuss how ongoing optimisation is critical to adapting to market changes and maintaining campaign effectiveness over time.