Lead Generation Glossary

Whether you are new to buying leads or an experienced buyer, understanding the terminology helps you ask the right questions and evaluate providers more effectively. Each entry below includes a clear definition, practical context, and links to related terms and resources.

This glossary covers three broad areas. First, the core mechanics of lead generation — how leads are created, verified, scored, and delivered. Second, the commercial terms you will encounter when evaluating providers — cost per lead, pay per lead, refund policies, and exclusivity models. Third, the financial product terms that appear on lead specifications — equity release, offset mortgages, critical illness cover, and so on — so you can understand what a consumer has enquired about without having to cross-reference a product manual.

Every definition is written for UK financial services professionals and uses UK regulatory context (FCA, GDPR, MCOB) where relevant. Where terms have different meanings in different industries, we flag the lead-generation interpretation explicitly. If you are comparing providers and encounter jargon you are not sure about, use the in-page search (Ctrl/Cmd + F) or browse the categorised list below.

If you would prefer to see terminology in context rather than as definitions, our beginner's guide to buying leads walks through the buying process end-to-end and introduces terms as they come up.