Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL)

A marketing qualified lead (MQL) is a prospective customer who meets a business's agreed criteria for meaningful interest or fit and is ready for further sales review. A landscaping inquiry that includes an eligible service address and a relevant project may qualify under one company's process. An MQL is not automatically a booked customer or even a sales-accepted lead. Lead qualification is the broader evaluation process; MQL is one status that can emerge from it. Criteria should reflect the actual sales process rather than copying enterprise software defaults. Teams should review false positives, handoff timing, and whether the label helps prioritize useful follow-up.