$200K on Sales! How Much Do Leads and Sales Channels Really Cost in 2025? ✅ | Sales Mates Podcast #79

💸 Hey friends!

In episode 79 of the Sales Mates Podcast, we calculate how much sales channels really cost in 2025. We break down real numbers: $200,000 in annual spending on SEO, events, outreach, prospecting, and PPC.

We reveal which channels bring in the most expensive leads and which deliver over 100% ROI. You’ll learn why companies often waste budgets on lead generation, which channel expectations are overhyped, and what level of investment is actually needed to close $20,000 deals.
We also discuss what to do next – go for consulting or a course, and how to choose the right channel mix to achieve 15-20% profit margins.

📌 In this episode:

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:15 – Tools needed for a 2025-ready sales system

00:05:40 – What a lead gen and sales team really costs

00:09:20 – Cost per lead per call, and how many are needed for a deal

00:13:05 – Main challenges and inflated expectations from sales channels

00:17:30 – Annual spend breakdown: SEO, events, outreach, prospecting, PPC

00:22:10 – Real lead costs and the most expensive channel

00:27:00 – ROI per channel: PPC, SEO, events, outreach, prospecting

00:32:45 – Why 15-20% margin changes the profitability picture

00:37:20 – The most expensive vs. cheapest channels in 2025

00:42:05 – Which channels to keep, optimize, or cut

00:46:30 – Multi-channel strategy: how to build a system using 5+ channels

Summary

This podcast discusses sales spending, channel analysis, the effectiveness of events, a comparison between PPC and inbound, and the importance of having the right expectations from different sales channels.

It covers how to test sales hypotheses and what kind of costs may be associated with various channels.

The conversation highlights key aspects of running a business in the IT sector, including the importance of event participation, inbound marketing strategies, financial planning for projects, and the effectiveness of different sales approaches.

The speakers emphasize that success requires properly setting up all sales channels while accounting for margins and expenses across different strategies. They also discuss the complexity of outbound sales and its role in the overall sales process.

Takeaways

• Sales expenses can be significant – up to $200,000 per year.

• Each sales channel has its own characteristics and cost structure.

• Events can cost up to $4,000 per contact.

• PPC can be effective, but lead quality may vary.

• Outbound (Outreach) takes time before delivering results.

• Setting the right expectations for each sales channel is critical.

• Testing sales hypotheses can take a lot of time and patience.

• Sales costs must be carefully planned and managed.

• All expenses must be considered, including salaries and tools.

• A clear understanding of your target audience is essential.

• Events are important for attracting new clients.

• Inbound marketing requires time to show results.

• All sales channels must be properly configured to be effective.

• Profit margins in IT can range from 3% to 60%.

• The first year in business is often an investment phase.

• Prospecting is a simple and effective channel to start with.

• Outreach is not the main sales channel for most businesses.

• SEO costs can be substantial.

• Events may be expensive but are often highly effective.

• The key to success lies in the right strategy and channel setup.

🎙️ Hosted by Anton Fedulov and Oleksii Sinichenko

Real-world insights from two successful sales managers who share the secrets of their success, personal stories, and proven strategies. Plus, fun guests and entertaining stories from the daily life of salespeople.

🎧 Watch and listen now on our YouTube channel – Sales Mates Podcast

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