ZoomInfo Technologies: Definition, How It Works, Features and Alternatives

What is Zoominfo?

ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. is a company that helps businesses find information about other companies and professionals which makes it easier for them to connect with the right people.

ZoomInfo was founded in 2007 and has become a leading platform for business data. It provides a large database with contact details, company profiles, and important business information.

Sales and marketing teams use the multi platform operating system to find potential clients, partners, or job candidates. The company also connects with different tools and platforms which makes it easier to collect and use business information.

ZoomInfo stock follows important values such as helping customers succeed, creating new ideas, keeping data accurate, doing business honestly, and helping employees grow. The company provides accurate and reliable information to its clients while encouraging teamwork, growth, and fairness among its employees.

ZoomInfo Technologies is a public company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol "ZI" and follows industry rules and standards. It has faced data privacy issues like many companies that handle a lot of data. ZoomInfo paid $29 million in 2024 to settle claims that it used people's personal information in ads without permission.

The technology behind ZoomInfo includes advanced data collection methods, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms. These technologies allow the company to gather, process, and update huge amounts of business information which makes sure that clients have access to the most current data available.

Sales teams, marketers, recruiters, and business analysts use ZoomInfo to help their work. Businesses of all sizes and industries depend on it to find customers, run better marketing campaigns, and hire the right people.

How does ZoomInfo work?

ZoomInfo helps businesses find and connect with potential customers by giving them detailed information about companies and professionals. It collects data from different places, such as company websites, news articles, job postings, and social media profiles.

The platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to organize and check the data. The process makes sure businesses get correct and updated contact details, company profiles, and other useful information.

ZoomInfo provides a large database that helps sales and marketing teams find and connect with important decision-makers which helps in making their work more accurate.

The platform’s advanced search tools allow users to find potential customers based on industry, location, company size, and job title which make sure their marketing and sales efforts reach the right people.

It helps businesses find the best target accounts by studying Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP) and gives access to millions of direct phone numbers and verified emails which helps businesses contact potential clients.

ZoomInfo works with popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems including Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Oracle Eloqua, and Marketo which makes it easy to sync data and keep workflows running without disruption.

The integration process allows sales and marketing teams to access ZoomInfo’s data within the tools they already use. ZoomInfo’s large database and advanced tools help businesses improve sales and marketing which helps in bringing more customers.

What are the products of ZoomInfo?

The products of ZoomInfo includes SalesOS, MarketingOS, OperationsOS, TalentOS, Chorus, ZoomInfo Engage, ZoomInfo Chat and ZoomInfo FormComplete.

The 8 major products of ZoomInfo are listed below.

• SalesOS. SalesOS helps sales teams find and connect with the right people by providing a large database of contact and company details. It includes features such as lead scoring and intent data which help focus on leads more likely to become customers.

For example, a sales representative uses the sales intelligence platform to find important decision-makers in a specific industry which makes the sales process fast.

• MarketingOS. A project management platform helps marketing teams create personalized campaigns using real-time data. It combines buyer data with advertising tools to make sure messages reach the right audience.

For example, a marketing team uses MarketingOS to target companies that are showing interest in their products which results in better engagement and more sales.

• OperationsOS. A marketing operations platform helps businesses keep their data accurate and up to date. It cleans, improves, and organizes business information which makes sure all departments work with correct data.

For example, an operations manager uses OperationsOS to update customer records by keeping everything consistent across the company.

• TalentOS. TalentOS helps hiring teams find and connect with the right job candidates. It provides a large database of professionals which makes the hiring process easier. For example, a recruiter looking for software engineers with specific skills use a talent intelligence platform to quickly find and reach out to qualified candidates.
• Chorus by ZoomInfo. A tool that records and examines sales calls and meetings. It helps businesses understand customer feedback and find ways to improve. For example, a sales manager listens to Chorus recordings to help team members improve their communication skills.
• ZoomInfo Engage. A platform that helps sales teams automate outreach by scheduling and tracking emails and calls. It works with existing CRM systems to keep communication organized.

For example, a salesperson sets up follow-up emails for potential customers and makes sure regular contact without sending each email manually.

• ZoomInfo Chat. A live chat tool that allows businesses to talk to website visitors in real time. It answers questions quickly and helps guide potential customers through the buying process. For example, a business uses the chat tool to help visitors find the right products or services which helps in increasing sales and customer satisfaction.
• ZoomInfo FormComplete. A lead generation tool that collects leads by automatically filling in form fields with existing data. This helps users complete forms faster and makes sure accurate information. For example, a visitor downloading a whitepaper sees their details already filled in which improves their experience.

What are the features of ZoomInfo?

The features of ZoomInfo include a comprehensive b2b database, real-time data updates, AI-powered insights, integration with CRM systems, lead builder, data cleaning, news alerts, reporting, lead scoring and intent data.

The 10 main features of ZoomInfo are listed below.

• Comprehensive B2B database. ZoomInfo has a large collection of business information, including contact details, company profiles, and industry data. This helps sales teams find potential leads and learn about them.
• Real-time data updates. The platform keeps its information up to date by constantly refreshing its database. This real-time accuracy helps users avoid following old or incorrect leads and makes sure marketing campaigns reach the right people at the right time.
• AI-powered insights. ZoomInfo uses artificial intelligence to study large amounts of data and provide useful insights. These insights help businesses identify market challenges and opportunities by allowing them to adjust their strategies.
• Integration with CRM systems. ZoomInfo connects with different Customer Relationship Management platforms to transfer data. This helps sales and marketing teams keep information accurate and consistent across all tools which helps in improving efficiency and teamwork.
• Lead builder. The lead feature allows users to create contact lists based on industry, company size, or job title. This helps sales teams reach the right prospects which makes their outreach more successful and increases sales.
• Data cleaning. ZoomInfo provides tools to update and improve existing data which keep information accurate and current. This helps prevent errors in communication and makes successful marketing campaigns .
• News alerts. ZoomInfo sends notifications about important updates related to industries, companies, or people that users follow. This helps sales teams reach out at the right time with relevant information.
• Reporting. The platform provides detailed reports on sales activities and results. Businesses find what works best and improve their strategies for better decision-making by reviewing these reports.
• Lead scoring. ZoomInfo ranks potential customers based on their chances of making a purchase. This helps sales teams focus on the most promising leads which helps in using their time and resources correctly.
• Intent data. ZoomInfo tracks online behavior to find people who are actively looking for similar products or services. This helps sales teams connect with interested buyers.

What are the benefits of ZoomInfo?

The benefits of ZoomInfo includes reliable and accurate data, intent data for better leads, direct contact with decision-makers, better teamwork between sales and marketing, save time with automation, help recruiters find the right talent, adjust easily for any business, provide clear reports and insights, integrate easily with other tools and stay ahead of competitors.

The 10 major benefits of ZoomInfo are listed below.

• Reliable and accurate data. ZoomInfo has a big database with details about millions of companies and professionals. The information is updated regularly which makes sure users get the most recent data. Sales teams find and contact potential customers easily. The platform provides important details such as company size, industry, and revenue. This helps businesses reach the right audience and make sales and marketing efforts more successful.
• ‍Intent data for better leads. ZoomInfo provides intent data that shows which companies are searching for products or services like yours. This helps businesses focus on leads that are more likely to buy which helps in saving time and improving sales. Knowing which companies are interested helps teams direct their efforts in the right place and achieve better results.‍
• Direct contact with decision-makers. The platform gives direct contact details for important decision-makers in companies. Sales teams do not have to talk to receptionists or assistants and reach the right person faster. This makes the sales process quicker and increases the chance of closing deals. Marketers reach people who have the power to make buying decisions.‍
• Better teamwork between sales and marketing. The tool helps sales and marketing teams work better together. It provides shared data and insights which make sure both teams have the same information. This helps them focus on the same goals and reach the right audience. Aligned sales and marketing teams achieve better results for businesses.‍
• Saves time with automation. ZoomInfo automates time-consuming tasks such as data entry and lead updates. Sales and marketing professionals spend less time on repetitive work and more time building relationships and closing deals. Automation speeds up processes and improves efficiency.‍
• Helps recruiters find the right talent. Recruiters use ZoomInfo to search for skilled candidates without difficulty. Its large collection of professional profiles and easy-to-use search tools allow filtering by job title, industry, or location. This makes hiring faster and helps recruiters find the most suitable people for the job.‍
• Easy to adjust for any business. ZoomInfo adjusts to fit different business needs. Users choose filters, make lists, and connect it with other tools they already use. These features help businesses use ZoomInfo in a way that works best for them.‍
• Clear reports and insights. The platform offers tools to track sales and marketing results. These tools show important details such as how many leads turn into customers and how well campaigns perform. This information helps businesses make better choices and improve their strategies.‍
• Easy to use with other tools. ZoomInfo connects with popular CRM and marketing platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Marketo. This connection helps data move easily between systems which helps in reducing mistakes and saving time. Businesses use ZoomInfo’s data within their existing tools which makes their tasks easy and makes sure they complete work on time.‍
• Stay ahead of competitors. ZoomInfo gives useful information about competitor activities. This helps businesses understand market trends, compare their performance, and plan better strategies. Knowing what competitors are doing allows businesses to make smart decisions and stay ahead in the market.

What are the drawbacks of ZoomInfo?

The drawbacks of ZoomInfo include complex integration workflows, suboptimal filtering options, expensive paid plans, data accuracy issues, steep learning curve, limited international coverage, customer support challenges, limited customization in lower-tier plans and data privacy concerns.

The 9 major drawbacks of ZoomInfo are listed below.

• Complex integration workflows. Integrating ZoomInfo with tools such as Salesforce or HubSpot is tricky. It requires technical help to set up, which is difficult for teams without IT support. Maintaining data flow takes extra effort which slows down how quickly teams start using the platform.
• Suboptimal filtering options. The filtering options of the platform are not precise. Searching for specific job titles or industries returns irrelevant or outdated results. Users spend extra time sorting through data which decreases efficiency.
• Expensive paid plans. The paid plans are expensive for small businesses or startups. The pricing is not always clear, and the higher-tier plans with advanced features come at a high cost. This makes it harder for smaller organizations to afford which limits access to larger companies with bigger budgets.
• Data accuracy issues. ZoomInfo's database is large and updated regularly, but it’s not always completely accurate. Users report outdated or incorrect contact information, such as wrong email addresses or phone numbers which results in wasted time and effort.
• Steep learning curve. The platform has a steep learning curve due to its features. New users find it difficult and it takes time to learn how to use all the tools. This delays adoption and reduces its immediate value for businesses needing quick results.
• Limited international coverage. ZoomInfo performs well in North American markets but has limited coverage in international markets. Businesses looking to reach global audiences find gaps in the data for some regions or countries. This limitation makes it less successful for companies that need international information for their outreach.
• Customer support challenges. Users have reported slow responses from ZoomInfo's customer support, with issue resolution taking longer than expected. The delay in support is frustrating and disrupts workflows for businesses that depend on the platform.
• Limited customization in lower-tier plans. ZoomInfo’s advanced features, such as custom filters, detailed analytics, and integration options, are available only in higher-tier plans. Users on basic or lower-tier plans find the platform less flexible and unable to meet their specific needs without upgrading which increases the overall cost.
• Data privacy concerns. ZoomInfo collects and shares data which raises privacy concerns. Businesses follow data protection laws such as GDPR in Europe when using the platform. This adds complexity especially for companies operating in regions with different privacy regulations.

What are the best alternatives of ZoomInfo?

The best alternatives of ZoomInfo include BookYourData, Apollo.io, Cognism, Lusha and UpLead.

The 5 best competitors of ZoomInfo are listed below.

BookYourData

‍BookYourData is a major B2B data provider with a large and accurate database. It offers access to over 500 million profiles, 250 million B2B contacts, and 30 million global companies which help businesses find leads and build detailed lead profiles.

The platform guarantees 97% data accuracy which makes outreach campaigns more reliable. It uses a pay-as-you-go model, so businesses only pay for the data they need without long-term contracts. This makes it a budget-friendly option for companies looking for high-quality data.

BookYourData also includes real-time email verification which makes sure businesses only pay for valid emails and achieve high deliverability rates in their campaigns.

Apollo.io

‍Apollo.io helps businesses find and connect with potential customers. It has a large database of over 275 million business contacts with details such as job roles, company size, and industry. Sales teams use built-in AI tools to send emails, make phone calls, and reach out on LinkedIn.

The platform provides reports to improve sales efforts. Apollo.io offers both contact data and messaging tools in one place which makes it a useful option for businesses that need an all-in-one solution.

Cognism

‍Cognism is a sales intelligence platform that helps businesses find and connect with potential customers by following data privacy rules. It has a global database with many international contacts which makes it useful for companies that work in different regions.

The platform follows laws such as GDPR which makes sure businesses use contact data correctly. Cognism provides intent data which shows when potential customers are interested in specific products or services.

This helps sales teams focus on the right leads at the right time. Its strong focus on compliance and smart lead insights makes it a good choice for businesses that need both accurate data and legal protection.

UpLead

‍A lead generation platform that offers real-time verified data to make sure accuracy. It gives access to millions of business contacts and allows users to filter leads based on industry, location and company size.

The filtering options help businesses find the right leads for their marketing and sales efforts. Businesses looking for reliable and targeted leads take advantage of UpLead’s strong focus on data accuracy.

Lusha

‍Lusha is a B2B data platform that provides accurate contact and company information. Its simple and easy-to-use platform allows sales and marketing teams to connect with key decision-makers.

Lusha works with CRM systems which make it easy to add and manage data. Its affordability makes it a great option for small and medium-sized businesses that need reliable B2B data without difficult features.

What are the pricing plans of ZoomInfo?

The pricing plans of ZoomInfo includes Lite plan, Professional plan, Advanced plan and Elite plan.

The ZoomInfo pricings are listed below.

Zoominfo Lite Plan

‍The Lite Plan is made for individuals or small businesses that need basic B2B contact information at no cost. Users share their email contact book and signature blocks in return for free access which helps ZoomInfo keep its database updated.

This plan includes important features such as email addresses, direct phone numbers, quick search, company profiles, and a chrome extension for easy access. The limitations of Lite Plan include basic search filters, a maximum of 10 contact exports per month, and no advanced options such as integrations or customized views.

Zoominfo Professional Plan

‍The Professional Plan is for growing businesses that need more leads but don’t have large marketing needs. It costs $14,995 per year and includes 5,000 bulk credits. Extra users can be added for $1,500 each, with discounts for teams of more than 20.

This plan includes everything in the Lite Plan, plus better search filters, CRM connections to make work easier, tools to create targeted contact lists, and updated contact details to improve sales and reduce email bounces. Each contact costs about $2.99 per credit.

Zoominfo Advanced Plan

‍The Advanced Plan is for businesses that need detailed insights into potential customers. It costs $24,995 per year and includes 10,000 bulk credits plus 1,000 extra credits per user each month. Extra users cost $2,500 each, with discounts for teams larger than 30.

This plan includes everything in the Professional Plan and adds intent data to show which leads are interested in products or services, company organizational charts to find key decision-makers, technographic details about the tools companies use, more data credits for contact downloads, advanced reports to track lead generation, and a Sales Navigator for better prospecting. Each contact costs about $2.50 per credit.

Zoominfo Elite Plan

‍The Elite Plan is made for large businesses that need detailed data and advanced tools. It costs $39,995 per year and includes 10,000 bulk credits per year and 1,000 extra credits per user each month. Additional users cost $2,500 each.

This plan has all the features of the Advanced Plan with real-time intent data to reach prospects at the right time, advanced CRM integration and API access for smooth data syncing, company department and headcount details for precise targeting, data with financial and industry insights, and full customization to match business needs. Each contact costs about $3.90 per credit due to the extra features.

How should you use ZoomInfo for effective prospecting?

To use ZoomInfo for prospecting, start by setting up your account and learning how to use its features. Use the advanced search option to filter companies by industry, location, size, and revenue to find businesses that match your ideal customer.

Use the contact search feature to find key people in those companies by focusing on decision-makers based on job title or department. Check the interest level of your leads using Intent Data that shows which companies are researching topics related to your product.

Connect ZoomInfo with your CRM to manage your list and keep everyone updated. Use ZoomInfo's engagement tools to reach out with personalized emails or calls to increase your chances of making connections and turning leads into customers.

How do you export emails from ZoomInfo?

Exporting emails from ZoomInfo is started by logging in to your account and going to the Advanced Search feature. Use filters such as industry, location, company size, and job title to narrow down your search and find the most relevant contacts.

Review your list to make sure it fits your needs. Select the contacts you want to export by checking the boxes next to their names. Click the Export button at the top of the list. A dropdown menu will show options to either send the data to your email or download it as an Excel file. Choose your preferred method and give your export file a name.

Confirm the export, and ZoomInfo will process your request and deliver the contact details in the format you selected.

Can you buy email contacts from ZoomInfo?

Yes, you can buy email contacts from ZoomInfo by accessing a large database of business contacts which includes email addresses, which are used for prospecting. ZoomInfo uses a credit-based system where you need to use credits to obtain contact details.

The cost per contact ranges from $0.60 to $1.00 which depends on the number of credits purchased and the plan you choose. Buying an email list from ZoomInfo comes with costs and it is important to make sure compliance with data protection regulations when using this information.

What is the operating margin for ZoomInfo?

The operating margin of a company shows how much profit it makes from its sales after covering operating expenses. ZoomInfo had a GAAP operating income of $30.9 million on revenues of $309.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 which resulted in a 10% operating margin.

The company’s GAAP operating income was $97.4 million on revenues of $1,214.3 million in the full year 2024 which gave an operating margin of 8%. The adjusted operating income margin was 37% for Q4 2024 and 35% for the full year.

Does ZoomInfo create a go to market strategy?

Yes, ZoomInfo creates a successful go-to-market strategy for its own business. The company builds a strong sales team and uses data-driven lead generation to maintain its position as an industry leader. ZoomInfo does not create go-to-market strategies for other companies but it provides tools and data that businesses use to develop their own strategies.

What CRM does ZoomInfo integrate with?

ZoomInfo integrates with important CRM systems including Pipedrive, HubSpot CRM, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. These integrations help businesses sync contact and company data between ZoomInfo and their CRM which makes sure that sales and marketing teams always have the most current information.

The CRM integrations make workflows easier which allows teams to manage leads, track communications, and analyze customer interactions in one place which helps improve prospecting and increase revenue.

Does ZoomInfo integrate with Salesforce?

Yes, ZoomInfo integrates with Salesforce which allows users to access ZoomInfo’s contact and company data within Salesforce. It helps sales and marketing teams update their CRM with the latest information which makes lead generation easy and improves sales efficiency. The integration reduces manual data entry and makes sure accurate data.

Is ZoomInfo legit?

Yes, ZoomInfo is a legitimate company. It was founded in 2007 as DiscoverOrg and later rebranded to ZoomInfo after acquiring Zoom Information, Inc. in 2019. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "ZI" since June 2020.

ZoomInfo provides business data and software services to help companies access information about businesses and professionals. The company has faced criticism regarding its data collection methods and has been involved in lawsuits related to privacy concerns. ZoomInfo is legit but users should be aware of how it handles data.

What makes BookYourData better than ZoomInfo?

The major feature of BookYourData over ZoomInfo is a 97% data accuracy guarantee which makes sure reliable and up-to-date information.

BookYourData uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model, so businesses buy data as needed which makes it more flexible and cost-effective, especially for smaller businesses. ZoomInfo requires a subscription which might not work for everyone.

The platform is easier to use with higher ratings and customer support. It updates data in real-time and integrates with CRM systems which helps in improving workflow efficiency. BookYourData provides access to over 500 million profiles worldwide which helps businesses connect with prospects in various regions.

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