How to Get Phone Numbers At Scale for Cold Calling

Finding phone numbers at scale can make or break your outreach strategy.

Automated tools are mandatory to build an accurate database of potential contacts. Then, there are other ways, like online resources, manual social snooping and asking around.

However, balancing efficiency with ethical considerations and legal compliance is crucial.

As you explore these various approaches, you’ll discover that some methods are more effective than others.

The goal is to find which strategy fits you like a glove🥊.

So, how do you build your cold call list?

1. Use Prospecting Tools

Leverage prospecting tools to build your cold calling list like the Barry Allen, AKA the Flash⚡.

These powerful automation tools are game-changers for sales reps looking to streamline their cold-calling process.

The waterfall enrichment software BetterContact’s extensive database of 3 billion+ contacts ensures you’ll have a maximum phone number find rate.

With real-time, double-verified data, you can start 📞 dialing as soon as you download the lead list.

Suppose you have the budget and want instant results—no need to waste time learning tons of outdated, non-salcable methods.

Use these prospecting tools to get accurate, up-to-date phone numbers so you can kick-start your cold-calling journey!

Here’s how you can get phone numbers in a scalable way:

🎯Workflow:

1. Build your ideal customer profile on Clay
2. Integrate BetterContact with Clay
3. Find the Numbers using BetterContact on Clay
4. If you miss any contact, then utilize Clay.

Now…now…you might think this article is designed to manipulate users to use BetterContact. You might think we can just use Clay to get the numbers at scale.

⭕ The downside is that Clay is awesome for lead enrichment, prospecting, or finding phone numbers, but collecting phone numbers can get super expensive, costing you huge credits.

Combining Clay and BetterContact just nullifies the use of any Clay Credits.

📃How to Integrate BetterContact with Clay?

https://bettercontact.helpjuice.com/clay/clay-how-the-integration-works

2. Use a Bulk Phone Finder

Building a comprehensive list of phone numbers for cold calling can be time-consuming if you search for each contact individually.

That’s where bulk phone finders come in handy! These tools can reduce list-building time by generating high-quality leads from online databases.

✅When choosing a bulk phone finder, prioritize accuracy over quantity.

✅Look for services that offer verified, up-to-date information to ensure you actually reach them.

BetterContact, for example, connects to 20+ data providers, amounting to 3 Billion+ contact info, and has multi-layer verification working in real-time.

🎯Workflow #1

1. Build ICP on basic LinkedIn or Sales Navigator
2. Use a LinkedIn scraper like ScrapeLi or Scrupp
3. Upload Profiles CSV on BetterContact
4. Begin Calling Right away

🎯Workflow #2

1. Build ICP on Free Apollo
2. Use export apollo
3. Upload CSV with LinkedIn Profiles on BeterContact

3. Check Manually on LinkedIn

After reading Strategy 2, this one might feel like the free 🥗 side salad.

Although it is time-consuming, manually checking LinkedIn profiles can still be a goldmine for phone numbers. It’s a beginner-friendly strategy for building your cold-calling list that many overlook!

Start by searching for company profiles of your potential buyers. Then, dive into individual profiles of decision-makers.

You’ll be surprised how often they share their contact info right there!

✅ Look for the “Contact Information” sections
✅ Check their “About” or “Summary” areas
✅ Scan through their posts for any mentions of phone numbers

Don’t limit yourself to LinkedIn, though! Many professionals use other platforms like Discord or Slack, where they might share relevant phone numbers.

4. Send an Email or LinkedIn Outreach

While online directories can be valuable, sometimes you must take a more direct approach. Enter email outreach and LinkedIn!

These methods can be game-changers for your cold call lists. Here’s how to make them work:

• Use tools like HeyReach or Expandi for LinkedIn outreach
• Leverage mutual contacts to reach ICP
• Craft personalized messages highlighting your value proposition
• Ask for phone numbers when prospects initiate conversations

Don’t be shy! Reach out to decision-makers through LinkedIn requests or emails.

Here’s a copy to help you get by –

Hey there {first_name}!

We meet up on the GITEX Conference, dubai. Couldn't help but notice your site has significant CRO issues.

I'd be in {location} tomorrow maybe we can grab a coffee & help you fix it?

Explain how you can solve their problems and request a call or a meet. Notice how the copy didn’t directly ask for the phone number. Focusing on their pain points and company insights will increase your chances of success.

5. Check Online Directories

Online directories are a goldmine for business phone numbers if you know where to look. Tap into these data-driven insights to find potential clients for cold-calling success.

Start with Whitepages, a trusted contact data provider with 25 years of experience. They offer a business directory with 25 million listings, perfect for outbound lead generation!

Can’t find what you need? Try these alternatives:

✅ BeenVerified (some data behind the paywall)
✅ TruePeopleSearch (mostly free)
✅ PeopleFinders (partial paywall)
✅ Pipl (business-focused, paid access)

But wait! ⚠️ Be cautious when using online directories. Ensure they use public data or have consent from the listed individuals.

Hackers sometimes plant stolen numbers, so double-check your sources. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to gather phone numbers for your cold-calling campaigns!

6. Call the Company Switchboard

When other methods fall short, pay attention to the power of the company switchboard.

It’s a fantastic resource for your cold-calling campaign!

Here’s how to make it work for you:

✅ Search for the company’s corporate number, not just customer service
✅ Look up local office numbers if you know your prospect’s location
✅ Ask the switchboard to connect you with specific departments or individuals

For example, if you’re targeting Citibank’s business accounts in Jacksonville, FL, search “Citibank Jacksonville, FL” and call that office.

The switchboard can be your gateway to reaching cold prospects and expanding your target market.

7. Ask Your Network

After exhausting other methods, it’s time to tap into your most valuable resource: your network.

Asking your network can be effective for collecting numbers, and you’ll actually have a good chance to connect with your leads.

Reach out to colleagues, friends, or industry connections who might’ve valuable insights or a list of contacts.

To expand your reach, leverage social platforms like

• LinkedIn
• Stack Overflow
• Discord
• Slack

When crafting your message, consider your buyer personas and explain how you can help potential customers. It’s not just about taking – focus on giving, too!

✅ Compliment them on recent relevant achievements
✅ Be politer to them than your gramma
✅ Offer relevant value in return

However, be cautious when using your network sparingly.

By balancing give-and-take, you’ll build stronger relationships and improve your networking chances.

8. Look for Personal Sites & Resumes

Many business professionals maintain personal websites or online portfolios, which can be goldmines for contact information. When you’re building a comprehensive list of phone numbers for cold calls, take notice of these personal sites!

Start by searching for your leads’ names online. You’ll often find their personal websites, blogs, or online portfolios popping up. These sites can be treasure troves of relevant phone numbers and contact details.

Here’s what to look for:

• About Me pages
• Contact sections
• Professional bios
• LinkedIn profiles linked on the site

9. Check Official Social Media

Beyond traditional methods, social media platforms offer a treasure trove of contact information for cold-calling prospects. Tap into these goldmines to boost your sales process efficiency!

Start with LinkedIn, where decision-makers often share their phone numbers. Don’t stop there – explore Discord and Slack profiles for hidden gems. Remember, your ideal customer profile might hang out on different platforms!

✅ Check Facebook business accounts
✅ Utilize Twitter’s advanced search features

Incorporating social media into your cold calling strategy will enhance your industry relevance and expand your mobile number databases.

It’s like a treasure hunt—the more you search, the luckier you’ll get!

10. Utilize Google Search Operators

When traditional methods fail, Google search operators become your secret weapon for uncovering elusive phone numbers. Don’t let empty phone directories dampen your cold-calling efforts!

Here’s how to level up your search game:

☑️Start with the name, location, and “phone number.”
☑️Use “-keyword” to remove irrelevant results
☑️Add company name for common names
☑️Narrow timeframes with “after:” and “before:” dates

Mix and match these operators to uncover hidden gems. For instance, searching name + location + company name might reveal the last four digits of a phone number. Add those to your query, and voila! You might strike gold with a complete, reliable phone number.

To Wrap It All Up

Here’s what I was thinking. You’re reading this article to get an answer fast, right?

You have no time to dilly-dally.

Strategy One & Two are the only ways to build accurate phone number lead lists FAST⚡. 

So, focus on the first two tactics, which are most impactful; the remaining eight suit absolute beginners. 

💪 Leverage advanced prospecting tools and traditional directory scraping to build your list. 

Respect privacy and follow ethical guidelines to transform your phone into a tool for turning cold calls into warm connections.

So go forth, brave caller, and conquer those numbers! ☎️