Clay is a productivity and relationship management tool built for individuals and teams to help them organize contacts, automatically enrich data, and streamline workflows. Unlike traditional CRMs that can be complicated and slow, Clay focuses on simplicity and automation. You can easily manage details about people and companies. Features such as these help customers modify workflows, use AI to save time, and improve their work relationships.

In this guide, we’ll cover Clay’s key features, how to get started, what we like and don’t like about the platform, and some frequently asked questions to help you decide whether Clay is the right fit for your needs.

Features Of Clay

Clay has a wide range of features that make it practical for both professionals and teams:

Automatic Data Enrichment

Clay can automatically pull in details like job titles, company info, and even social profiles. Rather than manually updating contacts, this method is more time-saving. 

Integrations

The platform integrates with Slack, Notion, CRM systems, and project management tools. This way, you can connect Clay to the tools you already use.

Collaboration Tools

Clay is built for teams too. You can share contacts, assign roles, and work together on the same database.

Custom Workflows

Without any coding, you can design workflows that automate repetitive tasks, such as updating leads or tracking potential clients.

Contact Management

At its core, Clay helps you keep all people and company details in one place. It organizes your data in a clean, easy-to-search format.

Smart Search and Filters

With advanced filters and search, finding the right contact becomes quick and efficient.

Use Cases Of Clay

Sales

Sales teams can use Clay to manage leads, track conversations, and automatically update account details.

Recruiting

Recruiters can manage a pipeline of candidates and enrich profiles with additional data.

Networking

Clay helps professionals remember small but important details about people, which can strengthen personal and business relationships.

Marketing

Marketers can build targeted lists, run campaigns more effectively, and understand audiences better.

Startups and Teams

For startups, Clay can be a central hub for managing partnerships, investors, and collaborators.

How To Use Clay

• Go to clay.com and create an account. 

• You can personalize your messaging. 

• Click on company search and customize your search. You can look for different industries, company sizes, or salaries. 

What We Like About Clay

Save Time

Automatically updates contact info, so you don’t spend hours doing it yourself.

Easy to Use

Features a modern, clean design without unnecessary clutter.

Works with Your Tools

Connects easily with CRMs, calendars, and communication apps you already use.

Flexible for Different Users 

Works equally well for solo professionals and larger teams.

Builds Better Connections

Helps you remember personal details to strengthen relationships.

What We Don't Like About Clay

Hard to Start With

New users may feel confused when setting it up for the first time.

Too Many Features 

The advanced options can be overwhelming for those who just want simple tools.

Can Be Costly 

Freelancers or small teams might find the higher plans too expensive.

Clay Pricing Plans

Free 

• 1,200 credits per year
• Unlimited users
• Up to 100 people/company searches per query
• Exporting enabled
• Access to AI/Claygent
• Rollover credits included
• 100+ integration providers

Starter – $134/month 

• 24,000 credits per year
• Unlimited users
• Up to 5,000 people/company searches per query
• Everything in the Free plan.
• Scheduling features
• Phone number enrichments
• Use your own API keys

Explorer – $314/month 

• 120,000 credits per year
• Unlimited users
• Up to 10,000 people/company searches per query
• Everything in the Starter plan plus
• Signals (real-time insights)
• Integration with any HTTP API

Pro – $720/month 

• 600,000 credits per year
• Unlimited users
• Up to 25,000 people/company searches per query
• Everything in the Explorer plan plus
• Email sequencing integrations
• Exclude people/company filters
• CRM integrations

Enterprise – Custom Pricing

• Custom credits plan (higher or unlimited)
• Unlimited users
• Up to 50,000 people/company searches per query
• Everything in Pro plan plus:
• Team workspace with more seats
• API access
• Glossaries for translation & advanced customization
• Security, compliance, and privacy features
• Dedicated account manager
• Priority support and business invoices

FAQs About Clay

Is Clay beginner-friendly?

Somewhat. The basics are easy, but learning the advanced side can take some time.

Does Clay integrate with CRMs and other tools?

Yes, it integrates with multiple CRMs, communication, and productivity apps.

Does Clay provide a free trial?

Yes, there is a free plan and trial options before upgrading.

Can freelancers or individuals use Clay?

Definitely. Clay is designed for both solo professionals and teams.

Is my data secure on Clay?

Yes, Clay uses encryption and other protocols to keep your data safe.

Conclusion

There are many features that make Clay more than just a CRM tool. It combines automation, data enrichment, and intelligent organization into a single platform. The sales teams, recruiters, marketers, and freelancers are allowed to save a big part of their time, which would otherwise be consumed with manual work, and nurture better relationships.

Clay has some drawbacks, like a learning curve and cost. But Clay has great potential to be a daily people and data management tool that makes it much easier to do so. So, if you're willing to put some time into setting up the Clay, you will see a significant increase in your output.