Evaluation of predictive lead scoring options

B2B marketing organizations with revenue generation as their focus have always regarded lead scoring as an important component of the lead management process. Over the last 3 years or so, many of the more mature companies have started evaluating or implementing predictive lead scoring to further improve the quality of leads being sent for tele or sales qualification.

There are three key options available for companies considering predictive lead scoring options:

1. Use Predictive Lead Scoring Platforms
2. Use Intent-based Scoring
3. Use AI/ML-based modelling tools to develop predictive lead scoring models

Each of these options have their advantages and disadvantages.

Below, we present a simple evaluation of the 3 options to help organizations choose.

	Core Benefits	Pros	Cons	Sample Brands
PLS Platforms	PLS Platforms Profile and activity info about customers/prospects overlaid with external info through market scan + proprietary database	Combination of internal and some external signals Data enhancement through proprietary data	Low coverage of non-English markets, SMB segments Only partial customization of models
AI-based Intent Scoring	ML/AI Platforms Environmental scan to collect intent and use AI-based predictive ranking	Extensive external intent information Data enhancement through proprietary data	Low coverage of non-English markets, SMB segments Limited customization for the organization’s requirements Limited overlay of companies’ interactions or transactions
ML/AI Platforms	Customizable modelling with ML capabilities Custom data including structured and non-structured data to create a customized model	Customized modelling Regular optimization Ability to handle structured and unstructured data	Trial and error for initial set-up Dependent on data volume and quality

As the above comparison shows, each option has its advantages and disadvantages. So, it is important to relate these strengths and weaknesses to the specific context in which the company is operating – what are the most important segments/markets, what is the existing data quality, volume availability, etc. to weigh the options. Similarly, the level of control that the organization might want for the model design could lead to different conclusions.

So, it is important to identify these key criteria and score each of these options against those criteria based on the business context to arrive at the optimal solution.