How directory data is framed

방법론

Our methodology focuses on normalization and clarity. Directory profiles are a starting point for outbound research, not a guarantee of accuracy.

ProspectB2B: outbound banner

Last updated: 2025-01-01

Overview

Overview

How public data is collected, normalized, and published for directory profiles.

This methodology outlines how publicly available data is handled for transparency. Examples of open data catalogs include Data.gov and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Collection

Collection and ingestion

Our ingestion approach varies by dataset and source availability.

Data is gathered from publicly available sources and ingested in batches where applicable. Authoritative public registries include SEC EDGAR, SAM.gov, and the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.

We focus on public references that support directory context and encourage validation against the source of record.

Normalization

Normalization

We aim for consistent naming so outbound teams can compare similar profiles.

  • Company names and categories are standardized for readability.
  • When applicable, industry groupings may align with NAICS classifications.
  • Location fields are structured and may reference USPS address guidance or ISO 3166 country codes.
Signals

Contact signals

Public contact signals indicate presence, not confirmed reachability.

Website presence

A public website suggests an organization is active, but details can change quickly.

Phone listings

Phone numbers indicate a way to reach a business, not a guarantee of the right contact.

Category signals

Categories are meant to guide targeting and should be validated before outreach.

Consistency

Deduplication and consistency

We aim to reduce duplicate listings while preserving source attribution.

  • Potential duplicates are reviewed using available identifiers and source context.
  • Consolidation happens when the match is clear, but errors can occur.
  • Source links are retained so users can verify the official record.
Freshness

Updates and freshness

Updates depend on source availability and change frequency.

Data is refreshed when new public signals appear or when corrections are submitted. We do not publish a fixed update cadence because it varies by dataset.

Boundaries

What we do NOT do

Clear limits help prevent overreliance on directory data.

  • We do not guarantee completeness for every geography or industry.
  • We do not claim affiliation with listed companies or platforms.
  • We do not infer private contact details.
  • We do not publish sensitive personal data.
Privacy

Privacy and compliance

We use public information and respect requests for corrections.

We rely on publicly available data and follow our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for handling requests.

If a listing needs correction, submit an update request with supporting sources.

Definitions

Definitions

Short, plain-language terms used in the methodology.

  • Listing: A public-facing business record in the directory.
  • Company profile: The consolidated view of a business based on public references.
  • Signals: Public indicators such as websites or phone listings.
  • Normalization: Standardizing names, categories, and locations for consistency.
  • Primary source: The official organization or registry responsible for the data.
  • Last updated: The most recent known change reported by a source, when available.
Last reviewed

Last reviewed

Timestamp for the most recent content review of this page.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-04

FAQ

Methodology FAQ

Answers to common questions about directory methodology.

How are directory profiles assembled?

Profiles combine publicly available signals and normalization steps so outbound teams can start with a consistent record.

What does “contact signals” mean?

Contact signals indicate a business has a public website, phone number, or similar presence. They are indicators, not guarantees of reachability.

How fresh is the data?

Data freshness varies by source and company updates. We refresh when new signals appear and welcome update requests.

Do you verify every listing?

No. We encourage teams to validate key details with official sources before outreach.

How should I validate a profile?

Check the company’s official site, recent filings, or direct confirmation channels.

Can I request a correction?

Yes. Use the update request page or email contact@prospectb2b.com with the URL and supporting evidence.