Focus on What Moves the Needle
With so many metrics available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by data. But not all numbers are worth your time. The key is knowing which metrics are indicators of real progress—and which are just noise.
Vanity Metrics vs. Performance Metrics
Vanity metrics look good on paper but don’t translate to business growth. Examples:
- Vanity: Pageviews, impressions, social likes
- Performance: Conversions, cost-per-lead, customer lifetime value
Metrics That Actually Matter
- Conversion Rate: Tells you how well your site or ad turns visitors into leads.
- Cost Per Acquisition (CPA): Helps track profitability.
- Customer Retention Rate: Measures long-term value.
- Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): Indicates how effective your campaigns are.
Set Metric Goals by Funnel Stage
Awareness: Reach, impressions, CTR
Consideration: Time on site, bounce rate, form submissions Conversion: Leads, sales, revenue
Final Thoughts
Chasing the wrong metrics wastes time and budget. Focus on KPIs that align with your goals.