---
title: Lead Source Taxonomy & Field Structure
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2026-03-19-impromptu-zoom-meeting-131232632.md
tags:
- lead-source
- crm
- hubspot
- data-hygiene
- taxonomy
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# Lead Source Taxonomy & Field Structure

## Overview

HubSpot contact records use a two-tier lead source structure to capture both high-level channel attribution and granular origin detail. A legacy `Inbound Lead` field previously served this purpose but created duplication; it is being retired in favor of the standardized two-field model described here.

This taxonomy applies to all contact creation paths: manual entry via the HubSpot create-contact form, website form submissions, and bulk list imports.

---

## Field Structure

### `Lead Source` (High-Level)

The top-level channel category. One of:

| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| `List Upload` | Contacts imported in bulk from a spreadsheet or external list |
| `Sales Rep` | Contact introduced or referred by a sales representative |
| `Trade Show` | Contact acquired at a trade show or industry event |
| `Website` | Contact submitted a form on the company website |
| `Other` | Any source not covered by the above |

### `Lead Source Detail` (Granular)

The specific origin within the high-level channel. Examples:

- For `Trade Show`: the specific event, using the format `[ABBREVIATION] [YEAR]` (e.g., `AFS 2026`, `NRA 2025`)
- For `Sales Rep`: the individual rep's name or identifier
- For `Website`: the specific form or landing page, if tracked

Trade show names should follow a consistent abbreviation + year format to enable reliable filtering and reporting.

---

## Legacy Field: `Inbound Lead`

The `Inbound Lead` field is being **hidden** from all contact views and forms. It is not deleted — existing data is preserved — but it will no longer be surfaced in the UI or used in automations.

**Migration:** All data from `Inbound Lead` must be mapped to the appropriate `Lead Source` and `Lead Source Detail` values before the field is hidden. This ensures no historical attribution is lost.

**Form alignment:** The HubSpot create-contact form and all website submission forms must be updated to write to `Lead Source` / `Lead Source Detail` rather than `Inbound Lead`. Until this is complete, duplicate values may appear on contacts created via those forms.

---

## Contact Card Layout

Lead source fields appear in the **marketing section** at the bottom of the contact card, below core contact information (name, email, phone). This separation keeps the top of the card focused on identity and the bottom on acquisition context.

---

## Implementation Status

| Task | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hide `Inbound Lead` field from contact card and create-contact form | Karly | Pending |
| Map existing `Inbound Lead` data to new fields | Karly | Pending |
| Update website forms to write to new fields | Karly | Pending |
| Standardize trade show naming conventions in `Lead Source Detail` | Karly | In progress |

---

## Related Articles

- [[wiki/clients/citrus-america/_index]] — client context for this implementation
- [[wiki/knowledge/crm/hubspot-contact-lifecycle-stages]] — how lead source interacts with lifecycle stage automation
- [[wiki/knowledge/crm/hubspot-mql-sql-qualification]] — MQL → SQL automation that depends on correct field mapping