B2B Marketing Ideas: Classifying Leads
Assigning rank to the various leads you attract is not just a step but a critical one in turning a lead into a sale. This process involves evaluating the lead’s level of interest, potential to convert, and readiness to make a purchase. Here’s a good starting point.
Cold leads
Despite their name, cold leads are not to be dismissed. They have shown potential interest and have been sent information on your products or services. This approach holds the potential for new business, and a sales rep can contact the lead to explore this potential.
Warm leads
A warm lead confirms that they use or could need your product or service with a sales rep. Once you have the warm lead, the next step is qualifying it. When the warm leads are qualified, you’ve begun the purchasing cycle.
Hot leads
As leads transition from warm to hot, they are heating up with potential. A hot lead is the next level of engagement, actively seeking to purchase your product or service. It’s the step before a closed sale in the cycle, and at this point, hot leads are likely comparing benefits and costs between several companies.