What is Sales Qualified Lead (SQL)?
A Sales Qualified Lead (SQL) is a prospect who has been vetted by the marketing team and meets specific criteria indicating they are ready for direct engagement by the sales team. This typically means the lead has shown intent to buy and fits the ideal customer profile.
Table of Contents
Full Definition
SQLs have demonstrated clear buying signals and have been deemed ready for personalized sales outreach.
Sales teams use qualification frameworks like BANT or MEDDIC to validate SQLs before proceeding.
Focusing on SQLs improves sales efficiency and deal velocity.
Examples
Ready for sales engagement
Meets qualification standards
Increases likelihood of closing
Benefits
Poor qualification wastes sales effort
Ignoring SQL criteria leads to lost opportunities
Misalignment with marketing impacts lead quality
Common Mistakes
Ensure continuous feedback between sales and marketing to refine SQL definitions.
Conclusion
Ensure continuous feedback between sales and marketing to refine SQL definitions.