What is a sales qualified lead?

A sales qualified lead (SQL) is a potential customer who has indicated a strong interest in a company’s product or service and has been deemed by the sales team as likely to make a purchase. An SQL has typically been through the early stages of the sales funnel and has been qualified as a serious prospect.

To be classified as an SQL, a lead usually has to meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating a clear need for the product or service, having the budget and authority to make the purchase, and indicating a willingness to move forward with the sales process. The sales team typically uses a combination of lead scoring, lead nurturing, and direct communication with the prospect to determine whether a lead is qualified as an SQL.

Once a lead has been identified as an SQL, the sales team will typically focus their efforts on converting the prospect into a paying customer, using more personalized and targeted messaging and providing additional information and resources to help the prospect make an informed purchase decision.