---
title: "Start a Lead Discovery search"
description: "Learn how to start an AI-powered prospect search with Interlinked AI Lead Discovery — use Magic Mode for automatic prospect matching or Direct Search for targeted queries."
section: "Lead Discovery"
url: https://interlinked-ai.com/en/resources/docs/start-a-lead-discovery-search
lang: en
lastUpdated: 2026-04-25
---

# Start a Lead Discovery search

## How to start a search

Lead Discovery uses a ChatGPT-style prompt bar where you describe what you are looking for. You can access it from two places:

1. **From the public landing site** — Visit the Lead Discovery feature page at [interlinked-ai.com/en/features/lead-discovery](https://interlinked-ai.com/en/features/lead-discovery). The prompt bar is available immediately — no account required for your first search.

2. **From the dashboard** — Sign in at [panel.interlinked-ai.com](https://panel.interlinked-ai.com) and select **Lead Discovery** from the left sidebar. The dashboard provides the same prompt bar plus your search history and usage counter.

In both cases, you type or paste your input into the text area and click **Generate Search** to start.

## Search modes

Below the prompt bar, you will see two tabs that change how the AI interprets your input. Choose the one that fits your situation.

### Magic Mode (recommended)

Magic Mode is the default and recommended way to search. It is designed for users who want the AI to do the heavy lifting.

**How it works:**

- Paste your **website URL** (for example, `https://www.yourbusiness.com`) and the AI will analyze your site to understand your business, your offer, and the kind of clients that could benefit from it.
- Or write a **description of your business** — for example, *"We are a digital marketing agency specializing in e-commerce brands."*

The AI processes your input, identifies your value proposition, and constructs a search that matches you with relevant prospects — without requiring you to specify exact industries, roles, or locations.

<div class="docs-callout docs-callout-tip">
  <p><strong>Tip</strong></p>
  <p>The more specific your input, the better your results. Instead of "I sell software," try "We sell inventory management software for independent restaurants with 1–3 locations." Specificity about your industry, offer, and ideal customer profile leads to higher-quality prospects.</p>
</div>

<div class="docs-media-placeholder">
  <p class="mono-label">Screenshot: Magic Mode tab selected with example business description in the prompt bar</p>
</div>

### Direct Search

Direct Search is for users who already know exactly what they are looking for and prefer to control the query.

**How it works:**

- Type a **specific search term** — such as an industry, a role, a business category, or a combination. For example: *"fitness coaches in Miami"*, *"real estate agencies"*, *"SaaS founders"*.

The AI follows your query directly instead of interpreting a broader business description. This mode is useful when you have a clear target audience and do not need the AI to infer your ideal customer.

<div class="docs-media-placeholder">
  <p class="mono-label">Screenshot: Direct Search tab selected with a specific query in the prompt bar</p>
</div>

## Prompt examples and best practices

Good prompts produce better results. Here are examples for each mode:

### Magic Mode examples

| Prompt | Why it works |
|--------|-------------|
| `https://www.yourbusiness.com` | The AI analyzes your site and automatically identifies your ideal prospects |
| *"We sell CRM software for small law firms"* | Specific industry + product + customer size gives the AI clear context |
| *"Digital marketing agency focused on helping DTC beauty brands scale on Instagram"* | Channel, niche, and service type all help narrow results |
| *"I'm a freelance web designer for restaurants and cafés"* | Clear role + target industry produces relevant local business prospects |

### Direct Search examples

| Prompt | Why it works |
|--------|-------------|
| *"Bakeries in Austin, Texas"* | Concrete industry + location for targeted local prospecting |
| *"E-commerce store owners"* | Broad but specific category for scalable outreach |
| *"Personal trainers"* | Simple role-based search when you know your audience |
| *"B2B SaaS companies Series A"* | Industry + stage for targeted business prospecting |

### Tips for better results

1. **Be specific about your niche** — "Software for restaurants" outperforms "software company."
2. **Include your ideal customer profile** — Mention the size, industry, or role of the people you want to reach.
3. **Use Magic Mode when unsure** — If you are not certain what search terms to use, paste your website URL or describe your business and let the AI figure out the best prospects.
4. **Use Direct Search when certain** — If you already know you want "accountants in Chicago," go straight to Direct Search.
5. **Iterate** — If your first search does not return the results you expected, refine your prompt and try again. Each search counts toward your [monthly quota](/en/resources/docs/lead-discovery-limits-and-plans).

## What happens after you click Generate Search

Once you submit your search, Lead Discovery begins working through several stages. You will see real-time progress indicators:

1. **Scanning sources** — The AI is searching across publicly available web and social profiles relevant to your query.
2. **Analyzing profiles** — Each potential prospect is being evaluated and scored based on how well they match your search criteria.
3. **Generating icebreakers** — The AI is writing personalized first-contact messages for each qualified prospect based on their public profile and identified needs.

<div class="docs-callout docs-callout-warning">
  <p><strong>Important</strong></p>
  <p>Keep the browser tab open while the search is in progress. Closing the tab during a search may interrupt the process and results could be lost.</p>
</div>

When all three stages complete, your results appear as individual prospect cards in the main area. See [Understand Lead Discovery results](/en/resources/docs/understand-lead-discovery-results) for a detailed breakdown of what each card contains.

## Starting a new search from the dashboard

In the dashboard, you can start a new search at any time:

1. Click the **New search** option or return to the empty prompt state
2. Choose your search mode (Magic Mode or Direct Search)
3. Enter your prompt and click **Generate Search**

Your previous searches remain saved in the left sidebar and can be reopened at any time. See [Lead Discovery history and usage](/en/resources/docs/lead-discovery-history-and-usage) for details on managing your search history.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I search without creating an account?**
Yes. You can try one Lead Discovery search without registering. After that, you will need to [create an account](/en/resources/docs/create-your-account) to continue. Registration is free and takes less than a minute.

**Which mode should I use — Magic Mode or Direct Search?**
If you are not sure, start with Magic Mode. Paste your website URL or describe your business, and let the AI identify your ideal prospects. Use Direct Search only when you already know the exact industry, role, or location you want to target.

**How long does a search take?**
Search times vary depending on the complexity of your query and the number of prospects analyzed. Most searches complete within one to two minutes.

**Does each search count toward my quota?**
Yes. Every search you run — regardless of mode — counts as one search against your [monthly allowance](/en/resources/docs/lead-discovery-limits-and-plans). Review your prompt carefully before submitting to make each search count.