Gartner Insights Abstract

Beyond MQLs: Lead the Shift to Outcome-Based Demand Generation Metrics

Published: 16 July 2024

Summary

Many product marketers strive to measure demand generation strategically, but are pulled back to traditional, volume-based metrics as a way of articulating marketing’s value. This research uncovers stakeholders’ common concerns and necessary actions when driving the change to outcome-based metrics.

Included in Full Research

Overview

Key Findings
  • While the demise of marketing-qualified leads (MQLs) has been discussed for almost a decade, this metric largely remains intact as a way of articulating the value of marketing.

  • Leadership, sales and marketing team stakeholders often raise concerns while shifting to outcome-based metrics that are both practical and emotional, such as, “Will marketing still be accountable for results?” or “How long will it take before we can see results?”

  • Marketing technology, data processes and reporting may need to be adjusted to give transparency into newly established metrics.

Recommendations
  • Realign marketing initiatives — not just marketing metrics — by first identifying the

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