Finding Companies in Clay

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find and import ICP-fit companies into a workbook or table.

How it works

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Step 1: Create a new workbook

Start by creating a new workbook (a collection of related tables that keeps your data organized and accessible). Then select "Find Companies" from the import options to open the company search modal.

Step 2: Define your search filters

Apply filters based on your ideal customer profile (ICP). Narrow your list to specific subsets for hyper-personalized outreach. 

Example filters include:

• Industry
• Company size (headcount)
• Location
• And more

Continuously adjust your filters to match your target parameters. 

Tip: we recommend limiting results so you can verify relevance before scaling credit spend. 

Step 3: Preview companies 

The preview feature shows how many companies match your criteria, helping you refine your search. 

Example targeting scenario:

• Industry: Software Development
• Headcount: 500+ employees
• Location: New York
• Result: 162 targeted companies

Scroll down to see a list of all companies; scroll right to find company details like descriptions and LinkedIn company profile URLs. 

Step 4: Import your data

Last, import companies when ready: 

1. Review the import options screen
2. Click import to new table
3. Verify enrichment options
4. Hit “Continue for free”

Tip: For new users, skip default enrichments initially to conserve trial credits. Add enrichments later once you understand how they work in Clay.

Best practices

1. Start specific: Begin with narrow parameters to create highly targeted lists
2. Test different combinations: Experiment by adding or removing filters to find the right balance
3. Consider geography: Geographic targeting enables unique outreach strategies (like in-person meetings)
4. Monitor list size: Adjust filters to maintain manageable list sizes for your campaigns
5. Save credits: Avoid automatic enrichments until you're familiar with Clay's enrichment system