Product Qualified Lead (PQL)
Definition
Product Qualified Lead is a user who has tried your product and shown buying intent through their usage behavior. Warmer than marketing qualified leads.
Extended Definition
Example: user signs up for free trial, completes onboarding, uses core feature 10+ times, invites teammates. These actions signal buying intent. PQLs convert better than MQLs because they experienced value firsthand. PLG companies prioritize PQLs over traditional leads. Track PQL criteria: feature usage thresholds, collaboration signals, workflow completion.
Related Terms
PLG (Product-Led Growth)
PLG is a go-to-market strategy where the product itself is the primary driver of customer acquisition, conversion, and expansion—not sales or marketing teams.
Sales Qualified Lead (SQL)
Sales Qualified Lead is a lead that sales has vetted and deemed ready for direct outreach. Fits ICP, has budget, shows intent.