November 26, 2025
4
min read

What is Qualified Leads Definition?

Luka Pecavar

What is Qualified Leads Definition?

Qualified leads are potential customers who have been evaluated and meet specific criteria indicating a high likelihood to purchase. These leads have demonstrated interest, match the target audience, and have the necessary budget, authority, and need, making them ready for focused sales engagement.

What Do MQL and SQL Mean in Sales?

In sales, leads are categorized to prioritize engagement:

  • MQL— Marketing Qualified Lead: It’s a lead identified by marketing as likely to become a customer based on actions like downloading resources, subscribing to newsletters, or engaging with content. MQLs show interest but may not be ready to buy immediately.
  • SQL— Sales Qualified Lead: It’s a lead vetted by the sales team as ready for direct sales conversations. SQLs meet criteria like budget, authority, and purchase intent, making them high-priority prospects for closing deals.

This classification helps sales and marketing teams collaborate efficiently and focus resources on leads most likely to convert.

What Is the Role of Lead Qualifiers?

Lead qualifiers are tools or team members responsible for evaluating incoming leads. They assess whether prospects meet specific criteria such as need, budget, and decision-making authority. Moreover, they also make sure that only high-potential leads are passed to the sales team, improving efficiency and increasing conversion rates.