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Top-of-funnel lead generation: 5 ways to meet SQL targets

AUTHOR

Sarah Thomson

PUBLISHED

September 19, 2025

TL;DR

Discover how top-of-funnel engagement helps marketing leaders meet SQL targets. Learn 5 strategies to reach the right audience, nurture leads, and drive measurable results.

Marketing leaders are under constant pressure to hit sales-qualified lead targets. But generating high-quality leads isn’t just about more emails or webinars — it’s about strategically influencing prospects at the top of the funnel.

This is where SmartBrief’s all-in-one solutions make a real difference.

1. Why the top of the funnel matters

The top of the funnel isn’t just the starting point — it sets the stage for every conversion that follows. Engaging prospects early helps:

  • Build awareness among decision-makers who may not yet be aware of your solutions.
  • Establish credibility through trusted content.
  • Create a steady flow of SQLs for your sales team.

2. Reach the right audience

SmartBrief delivers your content directly to millions of opted-in HR and business services professionals. Whether targeting HR directors, talent acquisition leads, or operations managers, your message lands in inboxes that matter, ensuring your marketing dollars aren’t wasted on irrelevant prospects.

3. Nurture leads through trusted content

Engaged readers are more likely to convert. SmartBrief’s solutions — from expert newsletters and industry insights to webinars and reports — let you gather meaningful prospect data while educating your audience. This makes follow-up conversations far more productive and positions your team as a trusted partner rather than just another vendor.

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Tip for Maximum Impact:

  • High-engagement prospects: Personalize outreach addressing their specific interests or questions.
  • Moderate engagement: Share additional insights, case studies, or relevant reports.
  • Low engagement: Keep them informed with targeted, bite-sized content to maintain awareness.

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4. Support the buyer journey

Influence prospects at every stage:

  • Awareness: Share insights on trends in workforce development, HR technology or talent strategy.
  • Consideration: Provide case studies or webinars that highlight your solution’s value.
  • Decision: Deliver product demos, ROI insights and personalized follow-up that helps prospects commit.

5. Repurpose content across channels

Content from SmartBrief campaigns isn’t limited to email. Repurpose insights for social media, blog posts, and website campaigns, ensuring your message resonates repeatedly and consistently.

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Ultimately, hitting SQL targets isn’t about chasing metrics blindly. It’s about strategically nurturing prospects at the top of the funnel, giving sales-ready leads time to engage and convert. 

SmartBrief’s all-in-one solutions help you reach the right people, deliver trusted content, and generate measurable results — efficiently, effectively, and with minimal friction.

Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.

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