How to find prospects with AI Search

This guide explains how to get the best results from your database searches when using AI.

With more than a dozen search filters available in Database Search, it’s easy to skip important parameters and miss out on the leads who fit you.

Snov.io's AI can make your lead generation more intuitive and help with filter selection. Provide your ICP prospect description and get ready filters to start your search.

How to use AI Prospect Search

To get started, go to Database Search or open it from the Finder menu at the top.

In the AI Search field, describe the prospects you want to find. AI will automatically set the search filters based on your criteria.

How to search with AI for best results

To get the best results from your searches, learn how our AI interprets your prospect descriptions.

1. Use ICP keywords

AI Search performs best when your requests include ICP keywords. Conversational language works too, but remember to double-check the suggested filters.

Long ICP

Each keyword you mention converts into a search filter.

Short ICP

AI Search also works with simpler requests. Start with one filter, then add more details to narrow down your results.

2. Fine-tune your description

To find the exact prospects you need, consider how AI works with different search filters.

[Position]:

When searching for exact positions, describe them as if you’re writing about one person.

Use the singular form when you need a specific job title. Job titles in prospect profiles are written this way, and AI looks for them the same way.

Use the plural form when you want several related positions with similar seniority or within the same department.

If your description is broader, AI may include multiple related positions that contain your keyword. This helps you find more relevant results.

[Management Level]:

When you want prospects of a certain seniority, specify the level you want instead of multiple positions.

Search Managers and AI will understand it as their seniority in the company and include all manager-level positions.

Search C-Levels → your search will include top execs such as CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CTOs.

Searching some positions in plural makes AI see it as a management level (multiple positions inlcuded).

 

Director → position filter; Directors → all director-level positions

[Department]:

When you need all prospects from a certain department, search like this: Marketers from Canada, Sales from USA, Developers from Spain.

Your results will include prospects with any related job titles.

Ask Marketers → get Marketing manager, content creator, SEO specialist, PR and communications manager.

Searching some positions in plural makes AI see it as a department.

Developer → position filter; Developers → department filter.

[Industry]:

This filter helps you specify the main industry your prospects’ companies belong to.

For best results, use standard industry names instead of casual ones like “tech.”

If your input isn’t an exact match, the AI will suggest several related industries.

For example, if you use a broad term like “tech companies” or “software companies,” your results will include multiple filters. You can always adjust these filters manually to get more precise results.

For very specific niches (like Cybersecurity, SaaS, or AI), add a Specialty filter manually, since AI might not always detect these from your description.

[Location]:

The location can apply to both prospects and companies.

A prospect’s location (as per their profile) may differ from the company’s headquarters or primary office location.

Search by city →  Find prospects from Berlin.

Search by company's HQ office location → Find prospects from companies in Canada.

Search by broader regions → Find prospects from Europe/ North America.

[Company size]: 

This filter helps you find prospects based on the number of employees in their company.

You can specify an approximate number or a range of employees.

If you use a general size term, AI will automatically apply the default size range that best matches your request.

[Revenue]:

Use this filter to find prospects from companies with a specific monthly or annual income.

For example, if you need growing startups or big market players.

• Set an income range → your search will include companies with the income within that range.

• Use “starting from” or “up to” → we’ll automatically apply the lowest or highest available revenue for the missing side of the range.