A lead that the sales team has checked, usually through a call, and accepted as a real opportunity worth active selling. It sits after MQL in the funnel.
Example
The Pune B2B software firm's sales rep calls an MQL, confirms she has budget and a need this quarter, and moves her to SQL. A lead who was only researching stays at MQL.
How you'll hear it
“Out of the 80 SQLs, which ones have a demo booked?”
Don't confuse it with
- MQL: marketing's judgement that a lead is ready; SQL is sales confirming it.
- SQL (database language): Structured Query Language, used to query databases; same letters, unrelated meaning.
Related terms
Sources
- MQL vs. SQL: What they are and how they differ, HubSpot
- Use contact and company lifecycle stages, HubSpot Knowledge Base