Exclusive leads — generated for you alone — almost always outperform shared lead-aggregator leads on conversion, compliance and lifetime value. Shared leads are cheaper per unit but typically convert 3 to 10x worse and create compliance risk.
The difference - **Exclusive:** generated by or for your firm only. Single firm contacts the prospect. - **Shared:** sold to 4 to 8 firms by a lead aggregator. Prospect is contacted repeatedly within minutes.
Why exclusive wins 1. Conversion to client: 15 to 35% exclusive vs 2 to 8% shared. 2. Lifetime value: exclusive leads stay with you; shared churn quickly. 3. Compliance: you own the consent and source, not a third party. 4. Brand equity: every ad click reinforces your brand.
When shared can work - You have 24/7 speed-to-lead capability. - You can operate at very high volume and low-margin. - You are topping up a mature pipeline, not building it.