SQL: Sales Qualified Lead
A lead that a sales representative has evaluated and confirmed as a genuine sales opportunity worth pursuing.
Formula
Why it matters
SQL volume is the bridge between marketing output and revenue. Tracking SQL conversion rates by lead source tells marketing which channels produce leads that sales actually wants to work — enabling smarter channel allocation.
How to improve SQL
Align lead scoring between marketing and sales, create feedback loops where sales flags MQLs that don't convert to SQLs, and focus content on bottom-of-funnel intent signals.
SQL-to-opportunity conversion rate of 50–70%. SQL-to-closed-won conversion rate of 20–40%.
Prooflytics tracks SQL automatically from your connected sources and flags it in your daily briefing when it moves significantly.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How do you increase MQL-to-SQL conversion rate?
Three approaches: (1) Tighten MQL criteria so only genuinely fit leads reach sales. (2) Improve lead nurturing to warm up MQLs before the handoff. (3) Add friction at the top of funnel (longer forms, intent questions) to filter low-fit leads before they become MQLs.