Leads are individuals or organizations that have expressed interest in a company's products or services, typically by providing their contact information through various marketing channels such as website forms, social media interactions, email sign-ups, or event registrations. Leads are the starting point of the sales funnel and are crucial for the sales team to engage, nurture, and convert into customers. Leads can be generated through multiple sources, including inbound marketing efforts (content marketing, SEO, social media) and outbound marketing efforts (cold calling, email outreach, advertising). They are usually categorized based on their level of interest and readiness to buy, such as cold, warm, or hot leads. Tracking the number of leads is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, understanding the potential market demand, and ensuring a steady flow of prospects for the sales team. This metric helps in assessing the reach and impact of marketing activities and planning future lead generation strategies.