Choose the right list source

Ask two questions first: What input do you already have, and do you need a fixed one-time list or an ongoing stream of new matches?

Before you start

• Define the outcome you want from the list, such as importing known contacts, discovering matching companies, or monitoring a recurring signal.
• Identify the input you already have: a file, a LinkedIn URL, criteria, data from another system, or an existing tracker.
• Check that the source is supported in your workspace. Availability can depend on your plan, role, permissions, and connected accounts.
• Confirm who owns the list and who is allowed to use the resulting customer or prospect data.
• Start with a small limit so you can review data quality before processing a larger volume.

Choose from your starting point

Use the following guide to select a source family. Names and availability can vary by workspace, so use the current create-list flow as the final reference.

Decide between one-time and recurring sources

Choose a one-time source when the input is fixed and you want to process it once. Typical examples include a prepared upload or a defined set of LinkedIn activity. Use this approach when you need a controlled dataset that will not automatically add new matches.

Choose a recurring source when Signalist should continue looking for new matches or changes. Recurring sources can be useful for monitoring jobs, funding, M&A, re-engagement opportunities, custom signals, or tracker activity where those options are available.

Recurring does not mean unrestricted. Define relevance criteria, limits, exclusions, ownership, and a review routine before using new matches in downstream workflows.

Steps

1. **Write the goal in one sentence. **Describe the result you need, for example: “Import the approved event attendee list once” or “Find new companies that match our criteria every week.”
2. **Identify your starting input. **Confirm whether you have a file, URL, criteria, external-system payload, or an existing tracker. Do not upload or connect data until you know which fields and permissions are required.
3. **Open the current create-list flow. **Use the list creation option available in your workspace and review the displayed source families. UI labels can change, so rely on the labels visible in your workspace.
4. **Choose the smallest source that matches your goal. **Prefer the source that directly accepts your input. Avoid combining several discovery methods before you have validated the first result set.
5. **Check prerequisites before you continue. **Confirm connected accounts, permissions, supported file structure or URL type, and any workspace-specific feature availability.
6. **Set a small initial limit. **Use a conservative test size that allows you to inspect the results without consuming unnecessary credits or creating a large cleanup task.
7. **Add exclusions and assign an owner. **Exclude records that should not be processed and identify who will review the list, especially when the source refreshes automatically.
8. **Review a sample before using the list for outreach. **Check relevance, duplicates, contact quality, and whether the source produced the expected people or companies. Correct the configuration before increasing the limit.

Safety checks before you continue

• The sample matches the audience and outcome you defined.
• The source is configured as one-time or recurring as intended.
• Required connected accounts and permissions belong to the correct workspace and user.
• Limits and exclusions prevent unnecessary processing or outreach.
• A named owner will review new records, especially for recurring sources.
• You have inspected a small sample for relevance, duplicates, and data quality.

A short sample review is usually faster and safer than cleaning up a large, unsuitable list after it has entered another workflow.

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions

Should I use a discovery source if I already have a file?

Usually not. If your file already contains the people, companies, or job titles you want to process, start with the appropriate upload source. Use discovery only when you need Signalist to find additional matches from criteria.

What is the difference between a one-time and recurring source?

A one-time source processes a defined input once. A recurring source continues checking for new matches or changes according to its configuration. Availability and refresh behaviour can vary by source and workspace.

Why can’t I see a source in my workspace?

The source may depend on your plan, role, permissions, connected accounts, or workspace configuration. Check the current create-list view and ask a workspace administrator if the option is missing.

Do LinkedIn activity sources require a connected account?

Some LinkedIn-based workflows can require a connected account and appropriate permissions. Follow the prerequisite shown in your workspace and do not use another person’s credentials.

What limit should I use for a new source?

Use a small test limit that is large enough to judge relevance but small enough to review manually. Increase it only after the sample meets your quality and safety checks.

What should I check before using a new list?

Review relevance, duplicates, contact quality, ownership, exclusions, permissions, and whether the source is one-time or recurring as intended. Complete this check before sending messages or passing the data to another system.