Lead generation refers to the process of identifying, attracting, and converting strangers and prospects into someone who has indicated interest in a company's products or services.
Example: A management consulting firm specializing in digital transformation services for medium-sized enterprises partners with a SaaS company that offers project management tools. The consulting firm uses webinars, whitepapers, and co-branded case studies targeted at their shared demographic to generate leads. Interested companies that engage with these materials are considered leads and are further nurtured to become clients for either or both parties.
Understanding lead generation helps businesses more effectively allocate their marketing efforts, improve sales pipelines, and ultimately, make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.