The True Cost of SDR Lead Generation: A Post-Pandemic Perspective
Embracing the SDR Model: An Ongoing Evolution
In the ever-changing landscape of sales, a significant shift has been observed over the past decade, characterized by the transition from purchasing bulk lead lists to internally sourcing leads. This evolution is primarily driven by the adoption of the Sales Development Representative (SDR) model^[1^]. In certain organizations, this role may be referred to as BDR (Business Development Representative) or LDR (Lead Development Representative).The era of linking Return on Investment (ROI) to an upfront Cost Per Lead (CPL) seems to be fading. However, as sales leaders navigate through the SDR lead generation model, the truth about CPL remains unavoidable. Though there are no upfront costs with SDR lead generation, the CPL is hidden within the underlying costs. Therefore, understanding the real cost of SDR lead generation in 2023 is crucial for the sustainability and profitability of sales organizations.
The Unseen CPL of SDR Lead Generation
The transition of the SDR model from upfront CPL decision-making was foreseeable. Sales leaders have come to realize that a low CPL often correlates with low-quality leads and potential revenue loss^[2^]. Thus, shifting to an in-house model seems like an efficient way to ensure quality control over lead generation. However, the shift comes with costs that are often overlooked.
Unveiling the Costs in the Modern Sales Stack
The modern sales stack involves a range of tools that form the backbone of SDR operations:
CRM Systems
Popular examples in 2023 include SalesForce and HubSpot CRM. They typically cost between $500 and $2000 per seat annually^[3^].
Social Prospecting and Selling
LinkedIn Sales Navigator remains a key tool for social selling and costs around $1000 a year.
Technology and Lead Databases
ZoomInfo and Clearbit have emerged as a key players, costing anywhere from $2000 to $20,000 annually.
LinkedIn Scraping Tools
Tools like Skrapp or Meet Alfred have gained popularity, with costs ranging from $5000 to $10,000 per seat per year.
Sales Email Tools
SalesLoft and Outreach.IO have remained popular, with costs ranging from $500 to $2000 per seat per year.Before factoring in training, equipment, managerial oversight, and mentorship hours, an SDR is already costing the average sales organization over $12,000 per year.
Underestimated Costs of SDR Programs: Time and Human Resources
Time is often the most overlooked cost in any SDR program. As of 2023, SDRs often earn over $60,000 per annum, sometimes even before commission. Along with the basic salary, organizations have to account for costs such as equipment, taxes, perks, insurance, additional benefits, and recruiting costs^[4^]. The post-pandemic era has, however, seen a decline in office space costs, offering some relief.With all factors accounted for, most organizations are looking at hourly costs approaching $50-$70 per SDR, resulting in a crucial question: how does this translate to actual CPL?
Translating Costs into Cost Per Lead (CPL): The Real Picture
A recent survey conducted by LinkedIn among several B2B sales teams revealed that the average SDR is capable of sourcing and connecting with about 200 leads per week using tools like Skrapp^[5^]. However, this process can be time-consuming and may not fully utilize the SDR's potential in terms of personalized outbound nurturing.The efficiency of SDRs plays a crucial role in determining CPL. Sales leaders have realized that even slight improvements in productivity can result in significant changes to the CPL, from $10 to as low as $5.
Future Directions: Striking a Balance
The future of sales is likely to strike a balance between automation and mass personalization at scale. While the shift towards quality and personalization has brought a powerful evolution in sales, it's important to understand that the right answer for your sales process can only be determined after crunching the numbers. Thus, understanding the true cost of SDR lead generation in your decision-making process is crucial.Footnotes and references:
- SalesForce, "Evolution of Sales: The Rise of the SDR Model," 2023.
- Harvard Business Review, "The Hidden Costs of Low-Quality Leads," 2023.
- Google, "Comparing the Cost of CRM Systems in 2023," 2023.
- LinkedIn, "Unveiling the Costs of SDR Programs: 2023 Survey," 2023.
- HubSpot, "The State of B2B Sales Teams in 2023: A Survey," 2023.
