BDR vs. SDR. AE - What's the difference?

Published on November 30, 2022

BDR vs. SDR. AE - What's the difference?


When it comes to sales positions, three roles are commonly discussed in the industry: Business Development Representative (BDR), Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Account Executive (AE). Each of these positions plays an important part in helping companies achieve their sales goals.


A BDR is typically responsible for prospecting new leads, getting in contact with potential customers, and generating interest in a company's products or services. BDRs may also be involved in nurturing leads, helping to move them through the sales funnel. They often work closely with marketing teams to ensure their campaigns are aligned with overall business objectives.


An SDR is typically responsible for managing existing customer relationships and exploring opportunities to upsell or cross-sell. They are often the first point of contact for customers and should be knowledgeable in their industry, understand customer needs, and have excellent communication skills. SDRs need to be able to quickly assess customer needs and offer solutions.


An AE is typically responsible for closing deals with new and existing customers. They are often responsible for responding to tenders, negotiating contracts, and managing client relationships. AEs need to be able to effectively communicate with customers, understand customer objectives, and present company solutions in order to close deals.


Each of these roles plays an essential part in helping companies achieve their sales goals. BDRs focus on lead generation and initial contact, SDRs focus on managing customer relationships and upselling/cross-selling opportunities, while AEs focus on closing deals. Understanding the differences between these roles can help companies determine which type of role they need to best fit their sales goals.


Overall, BDRs, SDRs, and AEs play an important role in helping companies achieve their sales goals. Understanding the differences between these roles can help businesses determine which type of sales professional they need to best fit their business objectives.


At the same time, it's essential for companies to have an effective strategy in place. This involves creating content that targets the right audiences, leveraging data-driven insights to inform decisions, and having an agile team structure that can quickly adapt to changing customer needs.


Typical prior experience for an SDR or BDR includes customer service, sales, or marketing experience in the industry.


Average base salary for an SDR or BDR can vary quite a bit depending on the region they are located in, as well as their level of experience. We often see base salaries as low as $40K for an SDR and see SDR base salaries as high as $65K as SAAS tech startups.


Average on target earnings for an SDR or BDR can range from the low end of around $50,000 to a high end of around $120,000+ annually.


Overall, BDRs and SDRs can be a great asset to any company that is looking to increase sales. Not only do they have the potential to generate more leads and close more deals, but they also require less time and resources to do so.


Typical experience for an AE may include customer service, sales, and prior direct sales experience or SDR/BDR experience.


Average base salary for an AE can vary quite a bit depending on the region they are located in, as well as their level of experience. Account Executive base salaries are currently often between $50,000 and $120,000,


Average on target earnings for an AE can range from the low end of around $60,000 to a high end of around $250,000+ annually.


Overall, AEs can be an invaluable asset to any team looking to close deals. They are experienced in managing customer relationships, understanding customer needs, and negotiating contracts - all important skills needed to bring revenue into the company. Account Executives are also often called on to do email prospecting and cold calling.


No matter which position is chosen, having a team of well-trained and experienced sales professionals can be a great asset to any company. Having an effective sales strategy in place, as well as the right resources to support it will help ensure success for any organization. With BDRs, SDRs, and AEs each providing their own unique set of skills and abilities, having a combination of these roles can help any organization achieve its sales goals.


Hopefully, this blog post has helped to clarify the differences between BDRs, SDRs, and AEs, as well as provided insight into typical experience, base salary, and on target earnings for each role. Ultimately, it's important for companies to choose the right sales professionals to best fit their business objectives and ensure success.

By understanding the differences between BDRs, SDRs, and AEs, companies can determine which type of role they need to best fit their individual business objectives and ensure success for their organization. With the right resources, strategy, and team structure in place, companies can leverage the strengths of each position to help drive revenue.


Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post has helped to clarify the differences between BDRs, SDRs, and AEs, as well as provided insight into typical experience, base salary, and on target earnings.


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