meaning of "lead" (paying per lead)

[user_gary]

pay per lead is a method of marketing that enables an advertiser to receive membership or advertising services in return for paying per lead received from the marketing venue used. It can be compared to PPC (pay per click), PPS (pay per sale) and PPA (pay per action) advertising methods that require the advertiser to respectively pay for clicks, sales and actions generated through a marketing venue.

Could you tell me what "lead" means in this context?

[Ouisch]

In sales terminology, a "lead" (pronounced "leed") is the name and address of a potential customer. That is, a person or company that already utilizes your product or has expressed an interest in the product you sell.

For example, if you subscribe to a magazine that specializes in physical fitness, that publisher might sell your name and address as a "lead" to companies that sell treadmills, bicycles, diet foods, etc.

[SUDHKAMP]

In sales terminology, a "lead" (pronounced "leed") is the name and address of a potential customer. That is, a person or company that already utilizes your product or has expressed an interest in the product you sell.

For example, if you subscribe to a magazine that specializes in physical fitness, that publisher might sell your name and address as a "lead" to companies that sell treadmills, bicycles, diet foods, etc.

Just to elaborate address here, it may be your postal address, Landline phone number, mobile phone number or e-mail Identity also.
Though there are certain measures taken by the Consumer forums to protect their identity and addresses, in this competitive sales world, companies and their sales partners resort to mal-practises.