Conversation Qualified Lead / Marketing Terms Conversation Qualified Lead A conversation qualified lead, or CQL, is a potential customer who has been identified as sales-ready based on a meaningful interaction through a live chat, chatbot or messaging platform. Unlike traditional lead forms, a CQL is qualified through real-time conversation, where the lead expresses interest, asks relevant questions or confirms specific needs. This interaction allows sales or marketing teams to assess intent and readiness quickly, often shortening the sales cycle. CQLs are especially valuable in environments where instant engagement plays a key role in lead generation. For example, a user who starts a chat on a product page and asks about pricing or scheduling a demo may be more qualified than someone who downloads a generic white paper. Chatbots and live chat tools like Drift, Intercom or HubSpot Conversations often use pre-programmed questions to identify CQLs based on criteria such as budget, company size or buying timeline. Once a lead is qualified, it can be routed to a sales rep for follow-up or entered into a nurture sequence. The rise of conversational marketing has made CQLs an important part of modern demand generation strategies. They offer a more natural and personalised way for prospects to engage, often resulting in higher-quality leads and better conversion rates. To make the most of CQLs, organisations should ensure their chat experiences are responsive, brand-aligned and designed to capture useful data. Integrating chat tools with customer relationship management systems allows for seamless tracking and follow-up. Whether in B2B, SaaS or nonprofit outreach, conversation qualified leads reflect a shift toward real-time, intent-driven engagement that supports faster and more efficient lead qualification.