Use a custom sales territory almost always—ZIP code targeting is too blunt for neighborhood prospecting, while drawn map boundaries let you include only the streets you intend to work.
Geographic targeting with polygon targeting beats ZIP code marketing when you care about exact streets, HOA edges, or storm paths. ZIPs are useful to center the map; the pull should be a custom boundary. That precision is why teams prefer map-based prospecting over whole-ZIP exports.
Why custom territories win
- Precision — include the exact streets or subdivision, exclude the rest.
- Fit to reality — match a storm swath, an HOA boundary, or a rep’s route.
- Right-sized — a ZIP can be thousands of homes; a drawn area is what you can actually work.
- No wasted credits — you only pull the homes you want.
When a ZIP is fine
A ZIP-level search is a reasonable starting point to center the map or size a market. But before you pull, draw the specific area you’ll work rather than taking the whole ZIP.
See it in action
FAQ
Can I still search by ZIP?
Yes — type a ZIP to jump the map there, then draw the precise area you want to pull.
Isn’t a ZIP faster?
Marginally, but it grabs homes you’ll never work and can burn credits. Drawing takes seconds and keeps the list clean.
What about very rural areas?
Polygon still helps — trace along the roads you can actually service rather than a sprawling ZIP.
