5 Checks Before Choosing a New Marketing Data Partner
When it comes to B2B marketing, data is your fuel. But not all fuel burns the same — and choosing the wrong supplier can mean wasted budget, wasted time, and missed opportunities.
If you’re currently sourcing marketing data, or thinking about switching from an existing provider, this article walks you through the five essential checks every business should make before partnering with a data supplier.
1. Is the Data Fully Compliant and Responsibly Sourced?
Let’s start with what matters most — compliance.
With ever-tightening regulations around privacy and data use, especially under UK GDPR, it’s critical that your provider is doing more than just offering a ‘tick-box’ compliance promise. They should have:
- Clear documentation around GDPR adherence
- ICO registration
- Regular data audits and suppression processes
- Easy-to-access information on opt-out lists like the TPS and CTPS
Cutting corners on compliance doesn’t just risk fines — it could seriously damage your brand reputation. Before you engage any supplier, ask to see their data protection policies and processes. If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.
✅ At Selectabase, all data is screened against TPS, CTPS, and goneaway files before being released — and we do this before download, not just at the point of purchase.
2. Can You Target Based on the Criteria That Matters to You?
A reliable data partner should give you total control over targeting — not just hand you a generic spreadsheet.
Ask yourself:
- Can you filter by postcode or town?
- Can you narrow down by industry code, turnover, number of employees?
- Can you choose the channels you want (postal, phone, email)?
The more granular the control, the better the ROI on your campaigns. Tools like our Online B2B List Builder let you instantly segment UK businesses and see real-time counts before you buy — with no minimum download size.
3. Is the Data Regularly Updated?
One of the biggest causes of poor campaign results? Outdated data.
Old contacts waste postage and time. Inaccurate phone numbers lead to dead ends. Stale email lists risk deliverability issues — or worse, blacklisting.
When choosing a supplier, ask:
- How often is the data refreshed?
- Where is it sourced from?
- What’s the average age of the contacts?
Selectabase’s B2B data is powered by Experian’s BusinessView file and updated monthly — giving you some of the most accurate, clean and verified UK business data available.
4. What Do Other Customers Say?
Testimonials, case studies, and online reviews can reveal a lot about how a company treats its customers once the invoice is paid.
Look out for:
- Businesses similar to yours in the reviews
- Mentions of service quality and support
- Response times and flexibility
You can read what real Selectabase customers have to say by reading our Google reviews!
5. Is the Pricing Flexible and Fair?
You shouldn’t be locked into long contracts or forced into buying more data than you need.
Ask potential suppliers:
- Do they offer pay-as-you-go?
- Are there discounts for volume?
- Can you test with a small sample first?
At Selectabase, we keep pricing simple and transparent. You can run the counts you need, and see view our pricing options here — or just tell us your target audience and budget, and we’ll run the count for you. Plus, we offer free data samples to help you try before you buy.
Bonus Check: Can You Speak to a Human?
Support makes a difference — especially if you’re new to buying business lists or are working on a campaign with tight deadlines. Can you call someone? Can they advise on sectors, filters, or timing?
We pride ourselves on being approachable, honest, and easy to work with — just ask.
Try a Free Sample – No Obligation
If you’re currently using another supplier, or are just exploring your options, let us show you how we compare.
👉 Request a free sample of targeted data based on your industry, location, or customer profile.
We’ll run a count, send you a sample file, and explain how we can help — no pressure, and no commitment.
Ready to Make the Switch?
We’ve helped hundreds of UK businesses move away from unreliable or overpriced suppliers. If you’re ready to upgrade your marketing data, we’re ready to help — and we’ll make onboarding fast and painless.
- No contracts
- No jargon
- Just fresh, targeted, GDPR-compliant UK data — ready when you are.
Let’s talk. Call 01304 383838 or email [email protected] and we’ll get straight to helping you!
