20 Lead Generation Terms Every B2B Marketer Should Know to Elevate Their Strategies

20 Lead generation terms every B2B marketer should know

Lead generation terms are the keywords and phrases every B2B marketer should know to understand how to attract, qualify, and convert potential customers. Mastering this terminology not only enhances cross-departmental communication but also helps you navigate the strategies, tools, and metrics that drive successful lead generation campaigns.

This lead generation glossary covers the essential terms you need, from basic definitions to strategic concepts. Whether you’re new to lead gen or refreshing your knowledge, this guide will help you speak the language of B2B marketing confidently and put your strategies into action.

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The Importance of Digital Marketing Terms in B2B Strategy

Understanding digital marketing terms is crucial for B2B because it allows teams to communicate clearly and work efficiently. When everyone speaks the same language, there is less confusion and better alignment between sales and marketing teams.

This shared vocabulary also makes it easier to track performance and analyze results across growth marketing campaigns, helping businesses refine their strategies to be more effective. Mastering lead generation terminology is not just about definitions; it is about using that knowledge to drive measurable business results

With the right terminology, marketers can leverage their tools and data more effectively, making smarter decisions at every stage of the process:

  • Accurately segment and track leads in your CRM using standardized terminology
  • Track pipeline stages clearly to identify bottlenecks and optimize workflows
  • Interpret conversion metrics correctly to make data-driven decisions
  • Automate follow-ups and nurturing workflows using defined terms and processes
  • Communicate insights across teams with a shared language for more strategic collaboration

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Lead Generation Glossary: 20 Key Terms Every B2B Marketer Should Know

Understanding the key terminology in lead generation is essential for B2B marketers. This glossary organizes 20 essential terms into three categories — general terms for lead generation, B2B sales pipeline terms, and CRM/marketing tools — so you can attract, qualify, and convert leads more effectively.

Generation Terms for Lead Generation

Lead
An individual or organization that has shown interest in your product or service.
Lead Source
The channel or method through which a lead discovers your business, such as social media, organic search, or referral.
Lead Generation
The process of identifying and attracting potential customers for your business.
Lead Nurturing
Developing relationships with leads through targeted content and communication to guide them toward conversion.
Conversion Rate
The percentage of leads who take a desired action, such as signing up for a demo or downloading an eBook.
Call to Action (CTA)
A prompt that encourages a lead to take a specific action.
Landing Page
A dedicated webpage designed to capture visitor information in exchange for a resource or offer.

B2B Sales Pipeline Terms

Sales Prospect
A lead that has been qualified as a likely customer based on fit and engagement.
Sales Funnel
The structured journey a prospect follows from awareness to decision, often represented as a funnel to show lead attrition.
Sales Pipeline
The visual representation of stages a lead moves through, from initial contact to final sale.
Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL)
A lead deemed more likely to convert based on engagement with marketing content or campaigns.
Sales Qualified Lead (SQL)
A lead verified by both marketing and sales as ready for direct sales outreach.
Account-Based Marketing (ABM)
A targeted strategy where marketing and sales focus on specific high-value accounts rather than individual leads.
Buyer's Journey
The stages a prospect goes through — awareness, consideration, decision — before making a purchase.

CRM and Marketing Terms 101

Inbound Marketing
Strategies aimed at attracting leads organically through content, SEO, social media, and other non-intrusive methods.
Outbound Marketing
Proactive outreach methods, such as cold calling or email campaigns, to generate leads.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Software that tracks leads, customer interactions, and sales data.
Lead Scoring
A method for qualifying leads based on their likelihood to convert, using data like engagement, demographics, and behavior.
Marketing Automation
Tools and workflows that automate repetitive marketing tasks, such as email campaigns, lead scoring, and segmentation.
Omnichannel Journeys
Coordinated marketing experiences across multiple channels (email, social, web, in-person) to provide a seamless customer experience.
B2B Marketing Strategy Framework

B2B Marketing Strategy Framework: The Ultimate Guide to Business Branding

Looking to create a strong B2B marketing strategy? This guide walks you through planning a data-driven marketing campaign.

EBQ: Sales and Marketing Expertise for Business Performance

A strong grasp of lead generation terminology gives B2B teams the foundation to build campaigns that move prospects through the pipeline with purpose. This shared knowledge strengthens alignment between marketing and sales, supporting more predictable, measurable growth.

At EBQ, our B2B-focused marketing services provide companies with the support and structure they need to implement these lead generation concepts effectively. Our experts work as an extension of your team to build stronger funnels and create meaningful alignment with sales. With a comprehensive range of digital marketing and lead generation solutions, EBQ helps organizations accelerate growth and achieve tangible business results.

About the Author:

Ben is a Business Consultant at EBQ with over 13 years of experience in Demand Generation. He has played an active role in hundreds of projects consulting companies across different industries, maturities, and tech stacks to increase brand visibility.

Yes, I want to align my marketing efforts with sales goals.