48 Qualified Local Leads from 7,000 Emails in 2 Weeks - Clay-powered AI outbound systems
An outbound agency needed to generate leads for local businesses but struggled with targeting and personalization at scale. They required a simple, repeatable system that could deliver consistent results for restaurant owners and local service providers.
The Challenge:
- Generate qualified leads for local businesses quickly
- Create a scalable system for ongoing campaigns
- Achieve high conversion rates with minimal follow-ups
- Build a repeatable workflow for different locations
The Solution:
I designed a streamlined Cold email system + Clay workflow focusing on local relevance and personalization. Instead of complex sequences, I used just 2 emails with deep personalization to generate exceptional results.
Results Achieved:
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5,000 emails sent across local markets
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43 positive leads generated in 2 weeks
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36 leads from main sequence (primary campaign)
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7 additional leads from follow-ups
Simple 2-email sequence (no complex funnels needed) -
High engagement with location-based messaging
Campaign Strategy:
- Target: Local restaurants and service businesses
- Approach: Location-based personalization with social proof
- Sequence: 1 main email + 1 strategic follow-up
- Focus: Clean, structured personalization at scale
Why It Worked:
The success came from combining precise local targeting with authentic personalization – referencing specific Google reviews, local context, and relevant case studies that resonated with each business owner.
Deliverables:
✅ Google Maps Scraping System – Automated lead extraction from local business listings
✅ Clay Workflow Setup – Complete data processing and enrichment pipeline
✅ Dual Email Discovery – Both personal (owner) and company-level contact finding
✅ Email Verification System – Cleaned lists removing spam traps and invalid addresses
✅ Local Personalization Engine – First name, city, business name, and Google review integration
✅ Smartlead Campaign Configuration – 2-email sequence with local messaging
✅ Lead Qualification Process – Filtered qualified prospects based on business type and intent
✅ Performance Documentation – Complete workflow video and result screenshots
✅ Repeatable System – Template for scaling to other local markets
Process Breakdown:
Step 1: Data Sourcing
- Extracted leads from Google Maps using location templates
- Removed duplicates and qualified by business type
- Focused on high-intent local businesses
Step 2: Contact Discovery
- Found both personal (owner) and company emails
- Used LeadMagic for comprehensive email discovery
- Separated personal vs. generic business contacts
Step 3: Verification & Cleaning
- Validated all emails through verification tools
- Removed non-deliverable addresses and spam traps
- Filtered out “no contact” domains
Step 4: Local Personalization
- Added first name, city, and business name
- Integrated Google reviews for authentic references
- Included location-specific case studies
Step 5: Campaign Execution
- Deployed via Smartlead automation
- Simple 2-email sequence with high-conversion copy
- Local tone with relevant social proof
Key Success Factors:
✅ Hyper-Local Targeting – Google Maps precision for location relevance
✅ Authentic Personalization – Real Google reviews, not generic templates
✅ Simple Sequence – Just 2 emails, maximum impact
✅ Quality Over Quantity – Focused on qualified businesses only
✅ Repeatable Process – Scalable system for any local market
