CRO · Playbook · Intermediate · Saves 65+ hours
Sales-Marketing Alignment Playbook
A playbook for achieving and maintaining sales-marketing alignment.
What's included
- Alignment framework
- Shared metrics definition
- SLA templates
- Feedback loop processes
- Regular alignment rituals
- Conflict resolution
Best used when
- Sales and marketing aren't aligned
- Lead quality disputes
- Building shared metrics
- Establishing SLAs
The template
The Template
ALIGNMENT FRAMEWORK
Alignment Assessment
ALIGNMENT ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
SHARED DEFINITION:
☐ Lead definition agreed upon
☐ MQL criteria documented
☐ SQL criteria documented
☐ Opportunity criteria agreed
Score: ___/4
PROCESS ALIGNMENT:
☐ Handoff process documented
☐ SLAs in place
☐ Routing rules clear
☐ Feedback loops exist
Score: ___/4
METRICS ALIGNMENT:
☐ Shared revenue goal
☐ Funnel metrics tracked
☐ Attribution model agreed
☐ Regular reporting cadence
Score: ___/4
COMMUNICATION:
☐ Regular alignment meetings
☐ Shared Slack channel
☐ Executive alignment
☐ Joint planning sessions
Score: ___/4
TOTAL ALIGNMENT SCORE: ___/16
Alignment Maturity Levels
| Level | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Misaligned | 0-4 | Silos, blame, confusion |
| 2 - Coordinated | 5-8 | Some process, limited trust |
| 3 - Aligned | 9-12 | Shared metrics, regular comm |
| 4 - Integrated | 13-16 | True partnership |
SLA FRAMEWORK
Marketing → Sales SLA
MARKETING-TO-SALES SLA
MARKETING COMMITS TO:
☐ Deliver _____ MQLs per month
☐ MQLs meet qualification criteria
☐ Lead data is complete (95%+)
☐ Leads routed within 5 minutes
☐ Provide engagement history
QUALITY STANDARD:
MQLs must meet:
☐ Fit score ≥ _____
☐ Engagement score ≥ _____
☐ No disqualifying criteria
MEASUREMENT:
• Volume tracked weekly
• Quality reviewed monthly
• Adjustments quarterly
Sales → Marketing SLA
SALES-TO-MARKETING SLA
SALES COMMITS TO:
☐ Follow up within _____ hours
☐ Minimum _____ touches
☐ Update lead status within 48 hrs
☐ Provide disposition reason
☐ Document feedback on lead quality
MEASUREMENT:
• Speed to follow-up tracked
• Touch compliance monitored
• Status updates audited
• Monthly SLA review
FEEDBACK LOOPS
Lead Feedback Process
| Feedback Type | Frequency | Owner | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly quality review | Weekly | Sales Ops | Share patterns |
| Win/loss feedback | Per deal | Sales | Send to Marketing |
| Campaign feedback | Monthly | Marketing | Share with Sales |
| Joint review | Monthly | Both | Alignment meeting |
Feedback Template
LEAD QUALITY FEEDBACK
Lead/Opportunity: _______________
Source: _______________
Outcome: ☐ Won ☐ Lost ☐ Disqualified
QUALITY ASSESSMENT:
☐ Right title/role
☐ Right company profile
☐ Real business need
☐ Budget exists
☐ Timeline realistic
FEEDBACK:
What worked: _______________
What was missing: _______________
Recommendation: _______________
ALIGNMENT RITUALS
Meeting Cadence
| Meeting | Frequency | Attendees | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipeline review | Weekly | Ops + Leads | Numbers, issues |
| Campaign review | Bi-weekly | Marketing + SDR | Lead quality |
| Alignment review | Monthly | Leadership | SLA, strategy |
| Planning | Quarterly | All | Goals, campaigns |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sales-Marketing Alignment Playbook?
A playbook for achieving and maintaining sales-marketing alignment.
Who is the Sales-Marketing Alignment Playbook for?
It is built for CROs and their teams working on Revenue Operations. The AI coach adapts it to your company, stage, and goals.
How long does the Sales-Marketing Alignment Playbook take to use?
It saves roughly 65+ hours versus building from scratch. Our AI coach can tailor the playbook to your situation in minutes, then hand you a step-by-step plan.
Is the Sales-Marketing Alignment Playbook free?
Yes. You can read the full playbook and start getting coached through it for free. Sign in to save your tailored version and track your next steps.
How does the AI coach help with the Sales-Marketing Alignment Playbook?
The coach teaches you the framework, asks a few questions about your business, tailors the playbook to you, and gives you measurable next steps to execute.