ZoomInfo vs Ocean.io: Choosing the Right Tool for Sales and Marketing Success

In the world of B2B sales and marketing, having access to accurate, comprehensive, and actionable data is crucial for driving revenue growth and conquering competition. Two prominent players in this space are ZoomInfo and Ocean.io, both designed to empower businesses with robust data, insights, and targeting capabilities. While both platforms share similar goals, they differ significantly in their approaches, features, and user experiences.

ZoomInfo: A Powerhouse of B2B Data and Insights

ZoomInfo is a leading B2B sales and marketing platform that boasts an extensive database of over 150 million business contacts, 100 million direct dial phone numbers, and 70 million email addresses. Founded in 2000 as DiscoverOrg, the company has undergone significant transformations, including a merger with ZoomInfo in 2019, to emerge as a dominant force in the industry.

Ocean.io: AI-Driven Account-Based Marketing Pioneer

Ocean.io, on the other hand, is an AI-powered account-based marketing platform that focuses on identifying and targeting high-value accounts with precision. Founded in 2017, Ocean.io has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to data collection, analysis, and recommendation.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the core features, strengths, and weaknesses of ZoomInfo and Ocean.io, providing you with the insights you need to make an informed decision about which platform best fits your sales and marketing strategy. Whether you're a large enterprise, a startup, or an SMB, this article will help you navigate the complexities of these two industry-leading solutions.

Company Backgrounds

Before we dive into the features and functionalities of ZoomInfo and Ocean.io, let's take a brief look at their company backgrounds.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo was founded in 2000 as DiscoverOrg, a B2B sales and marketing platform that has undergone significant transformations over the years. In 2019, the company merged with ZoomInfo, expanding its presence in the sales intelligence space. Since then, ZoomInfo has become a leading provider of B2B contact data and sales automation tools.

Key milestones in ZoomInfo's growth include:

• Acquiring Datanyze in 2017, expanding its customer base and technology stack

• Receiving a significant investment from TA Associates in 2018, fueling its growth and expansion plans

• Integrating with major CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics

Today, ZoomInfo is recognized as a market leader in the B2B sales intelligence space, with thousands of customers worldwide ranging from small startups to large enterprises. Its user base includes sales and marketing professionals, business developers, and entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate their sales pipelines and revenue growth.

Ocean.io

Ocean.io, on the other hand, is a relatively newer player in the B2B sales intelligence space, founded in 2017. The company focuses on AI-driven account-based marketing, helping businesses identify and target high-value accounts.

Ocean.io has achieved notable milestones in its short history, including:

• Raising significant funding from prominent investors like Scale Venture Partners and Work-Bench

• Forming strategic partnerships with leading marketing and sales automation platforms

• Developing its proprietary AI-powered account identification technology

Ocean.io has established itself as a strong contender in the account-based marketing space, catering to businesses seeking to refine their sales targeting and personalization strategies. Its user base consists of sales and marketing teams, account executives, and business leaders looking to tap into high-growth potential accounts.

Core Features Comparison

In this section, we'll dive deeper into the core features of ZoomInfo and Ocean.io, comparing their data quality, account identification, contact information, and integration capabilities.

Data Quality and Coverage

Data quality is essential for any B2B sales and marketing platform. Here's how ZoomInfo and Ocean.io stack up:

ZoomInfo

• 150+ million business contacts, including direct dial phone numbers and email addresses

• Data verification process: ZoomInfo continually updates and verifies its data through a combination of machine learning algorithms, manual research, and customer feedback

• Data frequency: ZoomInfo updates its data every 90 days to ensure accuracy and freshness

Ocean.io

• AI-driven data collection and analysis, focusing on account identification and firmographic data

• Data coverage: Ocean.io covers millions of companies and contacts, with a focus on delivering high-quality data for targeted sales and marketing efforts

• Data update frequency: Ocean.io updates its data in real-time, using AI-powered analysis to ensure accuracy and relevance

Account Identification and Targeting

Both platforms offer advanced account identification and targeting features to help you focus on the right customers:

ZoomInfo

• Advanced search filters, including industry, company size, technologies used, and more

• Intent data: ZoomInfo provides insights into in-market buyers, helping you target active decision-makers

• Technographic data: ZoomInfo offers data on companies' tech stacks, enabling targeted sales and marketing efforts

Ocean.io

• AI lookalike modeling, identifying similar accounts based on your ideal customer profile

• Custom audience creation: Ocean.io allows you to define your target audience based on specific firmographic and technographic criteria

• Firmographic and technographic data analysis: Ocean.io provides in-depth insights into your target accounts, enabling data-driven sales and marketing strategies

Contact Information and Enrichment

Accurate contact information is crucial for sales and marketing success. Here's what each platform offers:

ZoomInfo

• Direct dial phone numbers and verified email addresses for millions of business contacts

• Job titles, responsibilities, and org charts: ZoomInfo provides detailed contact information and organizational insights

• Social media profiles and professional background: ZoomInfo enhances contact data with social media information and professional background insights

Ocean.io

• Contact details within target accounts, including job function and seniority level identification

• Data enrichment capabilities: Ocean.io enriches customer data with firmographic, technographic, and contact information

Integration Capabilities

Seamless integrations with other sales and marketing tools are essential for streamlining your workflow. Here's how ZoomInfo and Ocean.io compare:

ZoomInfo

• CRM integrations: ZoomInfo integrates with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics

• Marketing automation integrations: ZoomInfo connects with Marketo, Pardot, and other marketing automation platforms

• Sales engagement tool integrations: ZoomInfo integrates with Outreach, SalesLoft, and other sales engagement tools

Ocean.io

• Specific CRM integrations, including Salesforce and HubSpot

• Marketing platform integrations: Ocean.io connects with popular marketing platforms

• Other third-party tool integrations: Ocean.io offers custom integrations with other sales and marketing tools

By understanding the core features of each platform, you can make an informed decision about which tool best suits your business needs. In the next section, we'll explore the user experience and interface of ZoomInfo and Ocean.io.

User Experience and Interface

When it comes to user experience, both ZoomInfo and Ocean.io prioritize ease of use and intuitive design. However, there are some key differences in their approaches.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo's interface is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean and organized dashboard that provides quick access to key features. The search functionality is robust, with advanced filters that allow users to narrow down their search results by company, industry, job title, and more.

One of the standout features of ZoomInfo's interface is its data visualization capabilities. The platform provides a range of reporting and analytics tools that help users gain insights from their data, including charts, graphs, and heat maps.

ZoomInfo also offers a mobile app, which allows users to access key features on-the-go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides a seamless experience across platforms.

Ocean.io

Ocean.io's interface takes a more AI-driven approach, with a focus on personalized recommendations and account identification. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and provide tailored suggestions for new accounts and contacts.

The account list building and management features are particularly strong, allowing users to easily segment and prioritize their target accounts. Ocean.io also provides robust data visualization and insights presentation, making it easy to identify trends and patterns in the data.

While Ocean.io doesn't currently offer a mobile app, the platform is fully accessible on mobile devices, with a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.

Overall, both platforms prioritize user experience, but ZoomInfo's interface is more geared towards data analysis and visualization, while Ocean.io's is more focused on AI-driven account identification and recommendations.

Pricing and Plans

When it comes to choosing a sales intelligence platform, pricing is a crucial consideration. Both ZoomInfo and Ocean.io offer different pricing models and plans to cater to various business needs and sizes. Here's a breakdown of their pricing structures:

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo's pricing is tiered, with three main plans: Professional, Advanced, and Elite. Each tier offers a range of features and support levels.

• Professional Plan: This plan is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It includes access to ZoomInfo's database, advanced search filters, and basic integrations. Pricing starts at $790 per user per year.

• Advanced Plan: This plan is suitable for larger teams and enterprises. It adds features like technographic data, intent data, and advanced integrations. Pricing starts at $1,490 per user per year.

• Elite Plan: This plan is designed for large enterprises with complex sales processes. It includes all Advanced Plan features, plus a dedicated customer success manager and custom onboarding. Pricing starts at $2,490 per user per year.

Additionally, ZoomInfo offers a la carte pricing for specific features, such as additional data storage or custom data imports. Contracts are typically annual, with discounts available for multi-year commitments.

Ocean.io

Ocean.io's pricing model is based on the number of users, companies, or usage. They offer a more flexible pricing structure, with three main plans:

• Starter Plan: This plan is geared towards small teams and startups. It includes access to Ocean.io's database, basic integrations, and limited data exports. Pricing starts at $295 per month (billed annually).

• Growth Plan: This plan is suitable for growing businesses. It adds features like advanced integrations, data enrichment, and more extensive data exports. Pricing starts at $995 per month (billed annually).

• Enterprise Plan: This plan is designed for large enterprises with complex sales processes. It includes all Growth Plan features, plus a dedicated customer success manager and custom onboarding. Pricing is custom-quoted based on the organization's specific needs.

Ocean.io offers discounts for annual commitments and has a 14-day free trial for new customers.

When evaluating pricing, consider the specific features and support levels your business needs. While ZoomInfo's tiered pricing may be more suitable for larger enterprises, Ocean.io's flexible pricing structure might be more appealing to smaller teams or startups.

Customer Support and Training

When it comes to choosing the right sales and marketing platform, customer support and training are crucial factors to consider. You want to ensure that you have access to the resources you need to get the most out of your investment. Let's take a closer look at what ZoomInfo and Ocean.io offer in terms of customer support and training.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo offers a robust customer support system that includes:

• Phone support: With phone support available, you can quickly get in touch with a representative who can help resolve any issues you're experiencing.

• Email support: If you prefer to communicate via email, ZoomInfo's support team is responsive and helpful.

• Live chat: ZoomInfo's live chat feature allows you to get immediate assistance from a support representative.

In terms of training, ZoomInfo provides:

• Onboarding process: ZoomInfo offers a guided onboarding process to help you get started with the platform quickly.

• Training resources: ZoomInfo has a comprehensive library of training resources, including videos, webinars, and guides.

• Customer success team: ZoomInfo assigns a dedicated customer success team to each account, providing personalized support and guidance.

Ocean.io

Ocean.io's customer support includes:

• Email support: Ocean.io offers email support, with a typical response time of under an hour.

• Knowledge base: Ocean.io has a comprehensive knowledge base that provides answers to frequently asked questions and offers guidance on using the platform.

• Onboarding assistance: Ocean.io provides personalized onboarding assistance to ensure a smooth transition to the platform.

In terms of training, Ocean.io offers:

• Training materials: Ocean.io provides a range of training materials, including guides, videos, and webinars.

• Ongoing customer success support: Ocean.io's customer success team is available to provide ongoing support and guidance.

Both ZoomInfo and Ocean.io offer robust customer support and training resources. While ZoomInfo's support is more comprehensive, Ocean.io's support is still impressive, especially given its smaller size. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Use Cases and Ideal Customers

ZoomInfo and Ocean.io cater to different sales and marketing teams, and understanding their ideal customers can help you decide which tool is best for your organization.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo is an excellent fit for:

• Large enterprises with complex sales processes: ZoomInfo's extensive database and advanced search filters make it an ideal choice for large enterprises with complex sales processes. The platform's ability to handle large volumes of data and provide in-depth insights into customer behavior makes it a natural fit for these organizations.

• Companies requiring extensive contact data: ZoomInfo's vast database of contacts, direct dial phone numbers, and email addresses makes it an excellent choice for companies that require a large pool of contacts to target.

• Sales teams focused on outbound prospecting: ZoomInfo's intent data and technographic information provide sales teams with valuable insights to identify potential customers and tailor their outreach efforts.

• Marketing teams needing accurate segmentation: ZoomInfo's data and analytics capabilities enable marketing teams to create highly targeted campaigns and segment their audience with precision.

Ocean.io

Ocean.io is an excellent fit for:

• Companies targeting niche markets or industries: Ocean.io's AI-powered account identification capabilities make it an ideal choice for companies targeting specific niches or industries. The platform's ability to identify lookalike accounts and provide personalized recommendations makes it well-suited for these organizations.

• Sales teams prioritizing account-based selling: Ocean.io's focus on account-based marketing and sales enables sales teams to target specific accounts and tailor their outreach efforts to those accounts.

• Startups and SMBs with specific ideal customer profiles: Ocean.io's affordable pricing and user-friendly interface make it an attractive option for startups and SMBs with limited resources. The platform's ability to provide personalized recommendations and identify ideal customers makes it an excellent choice for these organizations.

• Marketing teams focusing on personalized campaigns: Ocean.io's data enrichment capabilities and personalized recommendations enable marketing teams to create highly targeted and personalized campaigns that resonate with their target audience.

By understanding the ideal customer profiles for each platform, you can make an informed decision about which tool is best suited for your sales and marketing needs.

Pros and Cons

When considering ZoomInfo and Ocean.io, it's essential to weigh their strengths and weaknesses to determine which platform best fits your business needs.

ZoomInfo

#### Pros

• Extensive database with verified contacts: ZoomInfo boasts an impressive database of over 150 million business contacts, ensuring you have access to a vast network of potential customers.

• Robust integrations with popular tools: ZoomInfo seamlessly integrates with a wide range of popular CRM, marketing automation, and sales engagement tools, making it easy to incorporate into your existing workflow.

• Comprehensive intent and technographic data: ZoomInfo provides valuable insights into your target accounts, including intent data and technographic information, to help you tailor your sales and marketing strategies.

#### Cons

• Higher price point: ZoomInfo's extensive features and vast database come at a cost, making it a more expensive option for businesses on a budget.

• Potential for data decay: With such a large database, there's a risk of outdated or inaccurate contact information, which can negatively impact your sales and marketing efforts.

• Learning curve for advanced features: While ZoomInfo's interface is generally user-friendly, some users may find it challenging to master its more advanced features, which can hinder adoption and ROI.

Ocean.io

#### Pros

• AI-powered account identification: Ocean.io's AI-driven approach to account identification and targeting helps you focus on high-value targets and streamline your sales and marketing efforts.

• More affordable for smaller teams: Ocean.io offers a more accessible pricing model, making it a more feasible option for smaller businesses or startups.

• User-friendly interface: Ocean.io's intuitive interface makes it easy for users to navigate and exploit its features, reducing the need for extensive training or onboarding.

#### Cons

• Smaller database compared to ZoomInfo: Ocean.io's database, while still substantial, is smaller than ZoomInfo's, which may limit its usefulness for larger enterprises or those requiring extensive contact data.

• Fewer integrations available: Ocean.io currently offers fewer integrations with popular tools and platforms, which may hinder its adoption in certain organizations.

• Limited historical data on companies: Ocean.io's focus on AI-driven account identification means it may not provide the same level of historical data on companies as ZoomInfo.

User Reviews and Testimonials

Both ZoomInfo and Ocean.io have received generally positive reviews from their users. Here's a summary of what customers are saying about each platform:

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on popular review sites like G2 and Capterra. Users praise the platform for its extensive database of verified contacts and robust integrations with popular tools like Salesforce and HubSpot. Many reviewers appreciate the platform's ability to provide accurate intent data, allowing them to target in-market buyers more effectively.

Some common praises from users include:

• Accurate and up-to-date contact data

• Robust search functionality and advanced filters

• Strong integrations with CRM and marketing automation tools

Of course, not all reviews are glowing. Some users have criticized the platform's higher price point and the potential for data decay over time. A few users have also reported a learning curve for advanced features.

Ocean.io

Ocean.io has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on review sites. Users appreciate the platform's AI-powered account identification and more affordable pricing structure compared to ZoomInfo. Many reviewers praise the user-friendly interface and the ability to create custom audiences based on ideal customer profiles.

Some common praises from users include:

• User-friendly interface and easy onboarding process

• AI-powered account identification and lookalike modeling

• Affordable pricing structure for smaller teams

Some users have criticized the platform's smaller database compared to ZoomInfo and the limited number of integrations available. A few users have also reported limitations in historical data on companies.

Overall, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and user reviews can be a helpful resource when deciding which tool is right for your business needs.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, both ZoomInfo and Ocean.io are powerful tools designed to help sales and marketing teams streamline their workflows and target their ideal customers. However, they cater to different needs and goals, making it essential to choose the right tool for your business.

Summary of Key Differences

ZoomInfo excels in providing an extensive database of verified contacts, robust integrations, and comprehensive intent and technographic data. On the other hand, Ocean.io shines with its AI-powered account identification, affordability, and user-friendly interface. While ZoomInfo is ideal for large enterprises and companies requiring extensive contact data, Ocean.io is better suited for startups, SMBs, and teams prioritizing account-based selling.

Recommendations for Specific Use Cases

When to choose ZoomInfo:

• Large enterprises with complex sales processes

• Companies requiring extensive contact data for outbound prospecting

• Marketing teams needing accurate segmentation and technographic insights

When Ocean.io might be the better option:

• Startups and SMBs with specific ideal customer profiles

• Teams prioritizing account-based selling and personalized campaigns

• Companies targeting niche markets or industries

In the end, it's crucial to evaluate your business goals, sales strategy, and marketing needs before making a decision. Take the time to explore both ZoomInfo and Ocean.io, and choose the tool that aligns with your unique requirements.