Sales Pipeline Stages: A Visual Guide

Download Now: Free Sales Conversion Rate Calculator
Emma Brudner
Emma Brudner

Updated:

Published:

What is a sales pipeline? Not to be confused with a sales funnel, a sales pipeline details the steps on the buyer's journey from lead to customer, and describes what actions reps should take at each stage.

sales pipeline stages: image shows sales people around a pipeline graphic

The sales pipeline stages allow reps to track their deals and manage their pipeline so they always know what their prospects need. The pipeline stages also help reps estimate when a deal might close. 

Download Now: Sales Conversion Rate Calculator [Free Template]

For examples, if the average prospect spends 10 days in the "Sales accepted lead" stage, and 14 days in the following stages, you know that a prospect five days into the "Sales accepted lead" stage will likely close in approximately two and a half weeks. 

Let's take a closer look at the stages of a sales pipeline, below.

The following infographic from Technology Advice provides an overview of seven basic sales pipeline stages.

  1. Lead generation
  2. Lead nurturing
  3. Marketing qualified lead
  4. Sales accepted lead
  5. Sales qualified lead
  6. Closed deal
  7. Post-sale

If you're just getting started out in sales, or need a sales pipeline step-by-step guide to systematize your process, consider printing this infographic out and keeping it on hand. After all, when it comes to sales, a well-defined process always beats flying by the seat of your pants. 

Improve your website with effective technical SEO. Start by conducting this  audit.  

Related Articles

Easily calculate drop-off rates and learn how to increase conversion and close rates.

    Powerful and easy-to-use sales software that drives productivity, enables customer connection, and supports growing sales orgs

    START FREE OR GET A DEMO