Sales-qualified lead (SQL)

A sales-qualified lead is a lead that a salesperson has checked and judged ready for a real conversation. It is a step past a marketing-qualified lead, which is only a sign of interest such as a download or a form fill.

The line that matters is intent. An SQL has a problem you solve, the authority or influence to act, and a reason to talk now.

Why the bar matters

If you count every reply as a lead, your pipeline looks full and forecasts poorly. A firm qualification bar, applied by an SDR against the ideal customer profile, is what makes a booked meeting mean a buyer.