The search bar is your fastest tool for finding specific leads in your Catchlight database. Instead of scrolling through lists or applying multiple filters, simply type what you're looking for and get instant results.
Where to Find the Search Bar
The search bar is located at the top of your dashboard, directly below the page title and above all other filters. It's always visible and ready to use.
Visual identifier: Look for the magnifying glass icon š on the left side of the search input field.
How to Use Search
Using the search feature is simple:
Basic Search Steps
Click in the search bar - The placeholder text reads "Search across all your leads to quickly find and view details"
Start typing - Results appear as you type (no need to press Enter)
View results - A dropdown list shows matching leads
Click a result - Opens the detailed profile for that lead
What You Can Search For
The search function looks across multiple fields:
Names - First name, last name, or full name
Email addresses - Complete or partial email
Company names - Current employer
Phone numbers - If available in the lead profile
Tip: You don't need to type the complete termāpartial matches work too!
Search Examples
Here are practical examples of how to use search:
Example 1: Find by Name
What to type: john smith or just smith
What you'll see: All leads with "Smith" in their name, with John Smith likely at the top
Example 2: Find by Email
What to type: [email protected] or even just @company.com
What you'll see: Leads associated with that email or domain
Example 3: Find by Company
What to type: microsoft or Google
What you'll see: All leads who work at Microsoft or Google
Understanding Search Results
When search results appear, each result typically shows:
Lead name - Full name of the contact
Key identifier - Email, company, or profile ID
Enrichment status - Whether data is complete, in progress, or has issues
Quick metrics - May include Catchlight Score or wealth segment
Results are ranked by relevance, with exact matches appearing first.
Search Tips and Best Practices
Tip 1: Start Simple
Begin with just a first or last name. If you get too many results, add more detail.
Less specific: john (may return many results)
More specific: john microsoft (narrows to Johns at Microsoft)
Tip 2: Use Partial Matches
Don't worry about spelling the entire name or email:
chriswill find Christopher, Christina, Christian, etc.@gmailwill find all Gmail addresses in your database
Tip 3: Search is Case-Insensitive
Type in lowercase, uppercase, or mixed caseāit doesn't matter:
JOHN SMITH=john smith=John Smith
Tip 4: Clear Search to See All Leads Again
After viewing search results, clear the search box to return to your full, filtered view.
Tip 5: Combine with Filters
Search works alongside your other filters. For example:
Set date range to "Last 30 Days"
Set enrichment status to "Completed"
Search for "john"
Results show only Johns enriched in the last 30 days
When Search Doesn't Find Results
If your search returns no results:
Possible Reasons
1. Spelling or typo
Double-check your spelling
Try searching with less of the name
2. Lead not in your database
The person may not have been imported yet
Verify they exist in your CRM
3. Data not enriched yet
If enrichment is in progress, some searchable data may not be available yet
Try searching by email or the original imported data
4. Different name format
Try searching by email instead of name
Look for the company name if you remember where they work
What to Try
Simplify your search - Use fewer characters or words
Try a different field - Switch from name to email or company
Check your filters - Make sure filters aren't excluding the lead you're looking for
Browse instead - Use filters and sort options to find the lead manually
Search vs. Filters: When to Use Each
Use Search When:
You know specific information about one lead (name, email, company)
You need to quickly jump to a particular person
You're following up on a specific inquiry or referral
Use Filters When:
You want to analyze groups of leads (e.g., all high-net-worth prospects)
You're looking for patterns or trends
You need to create a campaign segment
You want to compare time periods
Best practice: Use both together! Apply filters to narrow your focus, then use search to find specific individuals within that segment.
Search Shortcuts
To work even faster with search:
Keyboard shortcut: Click in the search bar or use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) to jump to search quickly
Clear search: Click the X that appears in the search bar, or delete all text and press Escape
Navigate results: Use arrow keys to move up and down through search results, then press Enter to select
Privacy and Security
Search functionality includes security measures:
User-specific results - You only see leads you have permission to access
Activity logging - Searches may be logged for compliance purposes
No external access - Search data never leaves your secure portal
Common Search Use Cases
Use Case 1: Quick Lookup Before a Call
You're about to call Sarah Johnson. Type "sarah johnson" to instantly pull up her Catchlight profile with talking points and data insights.
Use Case 2: Following Up on a Referral
A client referred their colleague "Mike from Amazon." Search "mike amazon" to see if he's in your database and check his enrichment status.
Use Case 3: Finding a Specific Email
You have an email from [email protected] but can't remember her details. Search the email to load her full profile.
Next Steps
Now that you know how to search for leads, explore other filtering options:
Date Range Selection - Filter your analytics by time period
Enrichment Status Filter - View leads by data completion status
Event Topic Filter - Find leads experiencing specific life events
Baseline Comparison - Compare current metrics to historical periods
Quick Tip: The search bar is your fastest friend. Whenever you need to find someone specific, type their name first before navigating through filters or menus!