January 27, 2026
2
min read

What is Leads Definition in Marketing?

Luka Pecavar

What is Leads Definition in Marketing?

The leads definition in marketing refers to individuals or organizations that have shown interest in a company’s products or services by providing contact information or engaging with marketing activities. A lead is a potential customer who enters the marketing funnel through actions such as filling out a form, subscribing to a newsletter, or downloading content.

Leads are typically the first stage in the customer acquisition process.

What is the purpose of leads in marketing?

The purpose of leads in marketing is to identify and attract potential customers who can be nurtured toward a purchase.

Here are the main purposes of leads in marketing:

  • To build a pipeline of potential customers
  • To support targeted and personalized marketing campaigns
  • Increase the conversion opportunities for sales teams
  • Measure the marketing campaign effectiveness
  • Grow revenue through customer acquisition

Well-managed leads will help you to align marketing and sales efforts and improve your overall business growth.

What are the types of leads in marketing?

Marketing leads are commonly categorized based on their level of interest and readiness to buy.

Common types of leads are:

  • The Marketing Qualified Leads or MQLs
  • The Sales Qualified Leads or SQLs
  • Cold leads with minimal engagement
  • Warm leads that are showing repeated interest
  • Hot leads that are ready for sales contact

Once you understand the lead types it will help you to apply the right messaging and nurturing strategy at each stage of the funnel.