見込み客

• Reading: みこみきゃく
• Romaji: mikomikkyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (ken/mi) — see, anticipate; 込 (ko) — include, expect; 客 (kyaku) — customer, guest
• Pronunciation: /mi.ko.mi.kʲa.kɯ/

Meaning

Prospective customer; potential client; sales lead. Someone identified as a likely buyer who has not yet made a purchase.

A key term in sales and marketing, referring to an individual or organisation that meets the criteria for a likely customer — showing interest, need, and purchasing capacity. Developing 見込み客 (見込み客を開拓する/育てる) is a core activity in B2B and B2C sales. Equivalent to 'lead' or 'prospect' in sales pipeline terminology. Distinct from 既存客 (existing customer) and 潜在客 (latent customer who is not yet aware of the product).

Examples

1. 展示会での名刺交換が新たな見込み客の獲得につながった。 Exchanging business cards at the trade fair led to new sales leads.
2. 見込み客へのフォローアップを怠ると商談が進まない。 Neglecting to follow up with prospective customers means business negotiations stall.
3. 質の高い見込み客を育てるにはコンテンツマーケティングが効果的だ。 Content marketing is effective for nurturing high-quality sales leads.

Usage Guide

Context: sales, marketing, B2B, business development

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 見込み (expectation, prospect; from 見込む 'to anticipate, to regard as likely') and 客 (customer, guest). Literally 'an anticipated customer' — a person one expects to become a buyer.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Sales professionals

Social background: Corporate/Sales