Lead Generation
Lead generation is the acquisition of potential customers, usually through a Web site. A lead is a potential customer who is interested in a particular product or service. This interest may include, for example, requesting a brochure or subscribing to a newsletter that meets a certain profile. The purpose of collecting leads is the opportunity to sell something.
Lead generation websites allow customers to leave their name, e-mail address and sometimes other data. In exchange for this data, visitors often receive a small consideration, such as a brochure, premium, discount or a chance to win a prize. At the same time, they give permission to be contacted for offers.
Companies engaged in lead generation often do not have their own product line, but instead resell the leads to companies looking for potential customers for a fee per lead(CPL). Thus, their core business is not selling products and services to consumers, but selling leads. Although not quite the same, lead generation is closely related to affiliate marketing.
