Metrics4 min · Updated Feb 2026
    MQL

    Marketing Qualified Lead

    A lead marketing believes is ready for sales.

    In plain English

    A prospect scored as engaged enough to pass to sales. The bar is set by fit (ICP match) and behavior (content consumed, pages visited).

    Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL) explained: A prospect scored as engaged enough to pass to sales.

    Why it matters now

    MQL volume without quality is the #1 source of sales-marketing friction. In enterprise IT, 20 great MQLs beat 200 mediocre ones.

    How it shows up in practice

    1. 01

      Define MQL criteria jointly with sales; revisit quarterly.

    2. 02

      Use lead scoring — explicit (title, company size) + implicit (behavior).

    3. 03

      Measure MQL → SQL conversion, not just MQL count.

    From vocabulary to strategy

    Need MQL to actually move pipeline in a new market?

    We advise technology companies on applying these ideas to cross-border go-to-market — especially between China and Europe.

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