A Sales Qualified Lead (SQL) refers to a lead that has been evaluated and determined by the sales team to be ready for direct sales engagement. This qualification indicates that the lead has demonstrated a significant level of interest, engagement, and readiness to purchase, meeting predefined criteria such as budget, authority, need, and timing (BANT). The process of identifying SQLs involves both marketing and sales efforts. Initially, leads are generated and nurtured by marketing, and then they are handed over to the sales team for further qualification. Sales teams typically assess leads through direct interactions, such as discovery calls, meetings, and follow-up communications. SQLs are crucial for sales efficiency, as they represent the most promising opportunities for closing deals and generating revenue. Tracking the number of SQLs helps businesses evaluate the effectiveness of their lead generation and qualification processes, ensuring that sales teams focus their efforts on the most viable prospects. This metric also provides insights into the quality of leads generated by marketing campaigns and the efficiency of the sales team in advancing leads through the sales funnel.