CPL — Cost Per Lead
Definition: Total marketing spend divided by total leads generated. CPL is the entry-point efficiency metric for top-of-funnel marketing.
Example
A $10K campaign that generates 200 leads has a $50 CPL. Compare CPL across channels to find the cheapest source.
When you'll hear it
CPL shows up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to cost per lead — and they expect the room to already know what that means.
FAQs
What does CPL stand for?
CPL stands for Cost Per Lead.
What does CPL mean in business and finance?
Total marketing spend divided by total leads generated. CPL is the entry-point efficiency metric for top-of-funnel marketing.
Where will I hear CPL used at work?
CPL comes up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. It's used as shorthand for cost per lead, so people assume you already know the term.
Related terms
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