Skip to content
The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryBrand & Performance MarketingIntent Data

Brand & Performance Marketing

Intent Data

Signals that show a person or company is researching a purchase.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Intent data is information showing that a person or company is researching a purchase. First-party intent comes from a company's own website and content, while third-party intent is gathered across publisher networks and review sites. B2B marketers use it to prioritize accounts, time outreach, and tailor messaging to active buying interest.