What Does B2B Data Cost Per Lead? Let’s Break It Down

What does B2B data cost per lead? It’s a question we hear from SME owners, sales directors, and marketers across the UK — usually after they’ve bought a list that didn’t deliver.

Most providers quote data “per 1,000 records,” but that doesn’t help you understand how many real, usable leads you’re getting. One list might cost £300, another £800 — but if only 20% of the contacts are accurate or relevant, the real cost per lead skyrockets.

In this post, we’ll unpack what affects the cost per lead when buying B2B data. We’ll explain how providers price their data, what drives value, and how to avoid common pricing traps. More importantly, you’ll learn how to measure value based on performance — not just file size or promises.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to ask before you buy and how Results Driven Marketing delivers transparent pricing and data that’s ready to convert.

Why Cost Per Lead Matters in B2B Data

When buying B2B data, price alone is misleading. You might be quoted £275 per 1,000 records — but how many of those are genuinely usable? That’s where cost per lead comes in:

• Data accuracy – Are emails deliverable? Are phone numbers live and checked against CTPS?

• Targeting relevance – Are you reaching the right decision-makers or just a list of generic roles?

• Campaign readiness – Is the file structured and filtered for your CRM or sales process?

Understanding cost per lead helps SMEs avoid cheap-but-useless data and forecast ROI more reliably.

How Providers Typically Calculate Cost Per Lead

Pricing per 1,000 Records vs Per Lead

Most providers quote a rate per 1,000 records (often between £175 and £350+), but this doesn’t reveal how many usable contacts you actually receive.

Accuracy and Replacement Policies

Some suppliers offer replacements if accuracy dips below a standard threshold. Without this, you carry the risk of unusable contacts.

Targeting Depth and Impact

Specific filtering (by seniority, sector, size, etc.) adds complexity and should be priced accordingly.

Delivery Format and Segmentation

Some providers deliver raw data; others (like us) deliver clean, structured files ready for CRM or automation tools.

Factors That Influence Your Cost Per Lead

Data Accuracy and Freshness

Outdated data causes wasted outreach. Our database is refreshed monthly and processed with GDPR compliance and CTPS checks.

Sector and Role Targeting

Niche targeting costs more but yields better engagement and conversion rates, reducing cost per usable lead.

Contact Completeness

Missing essential fields (like email or phone) diminishes campaign usability and increases wasted spend.

Volume Ordered

Larger orders reduce per-lead cost when quality remains high.

Support Level and Guidance

Providers helping you refine your targeting improve conversion and cut waste — even if upfront pricing is higher.

Real-World Examples of Cost Per Lead

1- Broad Retail Sector List

• Brief: 2,000 retail businesses

• Cost: £550

• Usable Leads: ~1,200

• Effective Cost Per Lead: ~£0.46

2- Niche Professional Services List

• Focus: Accountants & IFAs

• Cost: £350

• Usable Leads: ~850

• Effective Cost Per Lead: ~£0.41

3- Multi-channel Tech Decision-Maker List

• Brief: 3,000 contacts with email & phone

• Cost: £675

• Usable Leads: ~2,750

• Effective Cost Per Lead: ~£0.25

Higher spend can deliver lower effective cost when data is accurate and campaign-ready.

What to Ask Your Provider Before Buying

• How do you calculate cost per lead?

• What accuracy guarantees and replacement policies do you offer?

• Are accuracy thresholds clearly defined?

• Do you outline sector-specific pricing differences?

• Is data provided in a clean, structured format ready to use?

Asking these questions helps you compare providers meaningfully.

Why Choose Results Driven Marketing

At Results Driven Marketing, we answer “what does B2B data cost per lead?” with clarity and confidence.

Transparent Costing and Real Accuracy

• Clear per-1,000 pricing with defined quality benchmarks

• 95%+ accuracy across email, phone, and postal data

• CTPS and GDPR-checked as standard

High-Quality, Targeted Leads

• Filtered across 2,000+ highly defined sectors

• Multi-channel ready — email, phone, and postal contacts included

• Human-reviewed and formatted for your systems

Added Value Support

• Brief refinement guidance to avoid wasted budget

• Same-day turnaround on most orders

• Expert UK-based support and advice when you need it

If you want data that converts — not just data that fills spreadsheets — talk to us for transparency, accuracy, and campaign-ready results.

Final Thoughts – Understanding Cost Isn’t Optional

Knowing what does B2B data cost per lead is crucial to evaluating true value. Cheap data often hides hidden costs — low engagement, wasted time, and lost opportunities. Well-targeted, high-quality data may cost more upfront, but it delivers return through cleaner leads and better outcomes.

It’s not about record count — it’s about right-fit contacts who can become customers. That’s the data we deliver at Results Driven Marketing.

✅ Want tailored pricing based on your targeting needs?

Contact us or buy email lists structured for lead generation success.

Results Driven Marketing
UK B2B data specialists helping SMEs grow with accurate, campaign-ready marketing lists.
📞 0191 406 6399 | rdmarketing.co.uk
Based at Cobalt Business Exchange, Newcastle upon Tyne