Sales signals
Buying signals: reach people when they are ready to buy
A buying signal is a public event suggesting someone may be ready to buy, such as a published tender, a contract nearing its end, a grant award, a job advert or a planning application. Acting on the signal lets you get in touch when your message is relevant, not at random.
Last updated 22 October 2026
What are examples of buying signals?
- A public tender or early notice: a buyer has said what it wants to purchase.
- A contract about to end: a renewal or replacement is coming.
- A contract just awarded: the winner may need suppliers and partners.
- A job advert: a hiring push often shows a problem to solve.
- A grant or funding award: an organisation has money to spend.
- A planning application: development creates demand for trades and services.
- A website problem: a slow, insecure or broken site is a reason to talk to an agency.
What is the difference between a signal and a list?
A list tells you who exists. A signal tells you who has something happening now. A list of every facilities manager in a county gives you names. A signal tells you which of them has a contract ending this year.
Messages built on a signal can say why you are getting in touch, which is the difference between a message that is read and one that is deleted.
How do you rank signals?
- Fit: does this person or organisation buy what you sell?
- Timing: how soon might they act?
- Reach: can you find the right person to contact?
- Strength: is the event a clear need or only a hint?
How do you act on a signal?
Find the right person, write a short message that names the signal, say plainly how you could help, and make it easy to say no. Then follow up once or twice, politely, and stop if they are not interested.
What are common mistakes?
- Treating every signal as equal. Many are weak.
- Messaging too many people from one signal.
- Writing a template that ignores the signal.
- Forgetting the rules on email and opt-outs.
How Opptix helps
Opptix watches the signals for you, screens them against what you sell, finds who should hear from you, and writes a message you approve. See the full list of signal types, or learn about screening and messaging.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a buying signal?
A public event that suggests someone may be ready to buy, such as a published tender, a contract nearing its end, a grant award, a job advert or a planning application.
Are buying signals the same as intent data?
They overlap. Intent data often means online behaviour. The signals Opptix uses are public events about real organisations.
How many signals should I act on at once?
As many as you can follow up properly. A short list of strong signals beats a long list of weak ones.
Does Opptix use job adverts as signals?
Yes. A hiring push can show a problem a supplier could solve. See the job adverts guide.
Can I choose which signals to follow?
Yes. You decide the kinds of signal that matter for your business.
See it on your own market
Create a free account, describe what you sell, and use your £20 of free credit.