Introduction: A Lead Generation Case Study That Started from Home
Working from home isn’t limited to writing or admin work. One of my most rewarding projects was a lead generation case study focused on marketing research for tequila, mezcal, and bourbon, whiskey, and vodka brands. My client needed help identifying the right people, marketing directors, PR leads, and brand managers, who handled partnerships and product campaigns.
My job was to manage the entire research process, from finding official brand websites to verifying contacts and organizing the data into structured files. What began as a small project turned into a full research system that helped my client’s marketing team reach the right people efficiently.
This post shares how I handled the research, the tools I used, and what I learned that can help other freelancers build reliable lead-generation skills from home.
Project Background
Client Goals and Industry Context
The client worked with liquor and spirits brands across the U.S. and Mexico. He needed verified marketing and PR contacts from companies in the spirits industry—especially tequila, mezcal, and bourbon brands.
Many of these companies only had generic contact forms like info@brandname.com. My job was to find real people behind the scenes, those responsible for brand partnerships, media, or marketing strategy, and provide accurate, ready-to-use data for the client’s outreach team.
Scope of Work
My responsibility focused on research and verification only, including:
- Searching official websites and social profiles
- Identifying marketing and PR decision-makers
- Verifying business emails using reliable tools
- Maintaining accuracy and organization in each file
- Delivering updated research reports for the client’s internal use
Goals and Research Objectives
Main Objectives
- Find real employees managing marketing or brand communication
- Verify that each contact used an official business domain email
- Keep all research organized and formatted for easy review
- Maintain data accuracy and consistency over time
Expected Results
The goal was not to send messages or handle outreach, but to deliver clean, verified information that supported my client’s campaigns. Accuracy, structure, and reliability were the key metrics of success.
Research and Verification Process
1. Starting from Instagram
Many spirits brands linked their official websites in their Instagram bios. I used this as the starting point to confirm each brand’s domain and check their “About,” “Team,” or “Press” pages.
2. Searching on LinkedIn
I then used LinkedIn’s filters to find roles like Marketing Manager, Brand Director, and Partnerships Lead. I verified employment by reviewing company pages, profile updates, and public posts to ensure each contact was active.
3. Email Verification
After identifying a relevant contact, I verified their email through Apollo.io and Hunter.io to confirm it matched the company’s domain. When no direct email was available, I used the brand’s press or marketing inbox instead.
4. Quality Assurance
Before finalizing any research file, I reviewed all records for duplicates, outdated titles, or inactive staff. Every name and email was double-checked to keep the list clean and dependable for marketing use.
Tools and Platforms Used
- LinkedIn – for identifying and verifying employees
- Apollo.io – for accurate email lookup
- Hunter.io – for cross-checking domains and formats
- Google Sheets – for organizing and formatting contact lists
- Google Search – for confirming brand websites and company details
- Instagram – for locating official brand links
These tools made it possible to build high-quality, verified data from home—an essential part of professional lead-generation work.
Challenges and How I Solved Them
1. Limited Staff Information
Some smaller brands didn’t list their teams publicly. I used press releases, distribution partners, and import records to find active contacts.
2. Domain Variations
Brands often used different domain endings, like .mx or .co.uk. I verified each pattern before including it in the data.
3. Outdated LinkedIn Information
When a profile looked inactive, I cross-checked other social or press mentions to confirm current employment.
4. Evolving Research Priorities
At times, the client shifted focus—from brand leads to agencies or PR firms. I adjusted my process accordingly while maintaining the same standards of accuracy.
Results of the Lead Generation Case Study
Verified Contact Database
The project produced a large, organized database of verified marketing and PR contacts across multiple spirits brands. These records were later used by the client’s team for outreach and collaboration planning.
Improved Research Accuracy
Through repetition and refinement, I built a consistent system that allowed me to verify leads faster without compromising accuracy. Organizing contacts by category and region helped the client’s team save time and streamline their workflow.
Data That Supports Teams
Even though I wasn’t involved in outreach, my research became an essential part of the client’s process. It proved that behind every successful campaign is reliable, human-checked data.
What I Learned from This Project
Accuracy Builds Trust
A single verified contact is more valuable than hundreds of random names. Delivering accurate research built long-term confidence in my work.
Organization Makes Research Usable
A clear, well-structured file can turn hours of searching into something practical. Consistent formatting helped my client’s team find what they needed right away.
Adaptability Matters
Projects can change focus quickly. Being flexible while maintaining quality kept the collaboration professional and steady.
Research Fuels Marketing
This project reminded me that data research is the foundation of many marketing and sales activities. Every accurate record supports someone else’s success.
Key Skills Strengthened
- Lead generation and marketing contact research
- Email and data verification
- Google Sheets organization and formatting
- Understanding of marketing and PR structures
- Attention to detail and remote collaboration
These skills form a solid base for anyone pursuing a remote career in research, marketing support, or data-driven freelancing.
Why Lead Research Is a Great Remote Job
A Strong Starting Point
Lead research is one of the most practical entry-level remote jobs. It teaches attention to detail, data verification, and business awareness, skills that are useful in almost any online career.
Room for Growth
With experience, you can expand into email marketing, CRM management, or business development assistance. Many digital marketers begin their careers with research-based roles like this one.
Takeaway
This lead generation case study shows how structured research can bring value to real marketing projects. Even without managing outreach, providing verified, organized contacts is a vital part of successful campaigns.
If you’re exploring remote work, research-based roles are a reliable and professional starting point. With the right tools, focus, and consistency, you can build a long-term online career that supports real-world results.
Read Next
👉 25 Online Jobs for Beginners (No Experience, 2025)
👉 Top Tools Every Beginner Freelancer Should Know (2025)