An inbound lead comes to you: they call, submit a form, start a chat, or arrive by referral. Inbound intent is usually higher than outbound because the prospect initiated contact.
The risk with inbound is speed. Inbound leads expect a fast response, and most businesses are slow, especially after hours.
An always-on AI agent answers every inbound lead in seconds, qualifies it, and books or routes it without a human waiting by the phone.