"Lead" is one of those words everyone uses and few define the same way. Clarifying it is the first step to building a sales process that works. Let us get to it, jargon-free.
What a lead is
A lead is a contact who has shown some interest in what you offer or who fits your market. It is the start of a commercial relationship, not the end.
Lead vs contact vs subscriber
- Contact: any data about someone, with no proven interest.
- Subscriber: someone who wants your content, not necessarily your product.
- Lead: shows interest in or fit with what you sell.
Types of lead by maturity
By how far it has advanced towards purchase, a lead can be:
- Cold lead: fits but does not yet show intent.
- MQL: marketing-qualified, with interest.
- SQL: sales-qualified, with need and timing.
- Opportunity: ready for a proposal.
Why the distinction matters
Because each lead type needs different handling. Treating a cold lead like a buy-ready opportunity is the fastest way to burn it. Lead scoring helps you know which stage each is in.
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Funneld — Data mining & business intelligence
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Visit funneld.net →Key takeaways
- A lead shows interest in or fit with what you sell.
- It is not the same as a contact or a subscriber.
- By maturity: cold, MQL, SQL or opportunity.
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