Unit 405 – Digital Marketing Metrics and Analytics

Aim of this unit

The success of a business is predicated on its profitability. A marketing department has an impact on those metrics and therefore the ultimate profitability of a business. This unit is about how a digital marketing department employs metrics and analytics to refine campaigns.

Learners who successfully complete this unit will be able to explain the customer journey through the sales funnel and explain, analyse and use data generated by analytics technologies to manage and refine a marketing campaign.

They will be able to define data, customise how it is viewed, monitor and evaluate progress, and provide advice on how to optimise success.

Section One

1. Understand the sales funnel in digital marketing

Digital marketing is all about getting your product or service in front of the right people at the right time. And to do that, you need to understand the sales funnel.

The sales funnel is a model that shows the different stages that a customer goes through on their way to making a purchase. It starts with awareness, then moves on to interest, desire, and finally action. This is the most famous of all the sales funnels used.

However, nowadays this sales funnel can have many more stages depending on the niche it serves and the timeframe for delivery.

Your job as a marketer is to move customers through the funnel as quickly as possible, from one stage to the next. You do this by creating content and advertising that appeals to them at each stage.

There can be many stages of a sales funnel to convert community into customers
There can be many stages of a sales funnel to convert community into customers

Awareness

  • Process – The first stage of the funnel is awareness. This is when the customer becomes aware that they have a problem or need that your product or service can solve.
  • Touchpoints – To reach them at this stage, you need to create content that educates them on the problem and makes them aware of your product as a solution. This can be done through blog posts, infographics, ebooks, or even just simple social media posts.

Interest

  • Process – Once the customer is aware of their problem and your product as a solution, they enter the second stage of the funnel: interest. At this stage, they are looking for more information on the product and how it can help them solve their problem. This is where you need to create content that speaks directly to their needs and helps them see the value in your product.
  • Touchpoints – This can be done through things like case studies, demonstration videos, or even just more in-depth blog posts.

Desire

  • Process – The third stage of the funnel is desire. At this point, the customer knows they need your product and they can see the value in it. Now, they just need that final push to make the purchase.
  • Touchpoints – To reach them at this stage, you need to create content that makes them want your product and convinces them that it’s the best solution for their needs. This can be done through things like coupons, free trials, or simply showing off the features and benefits of your product.

Action

  • Process – Finally, we reach the last stage of the funnel: action. This is when the customer actually makes a purchase.
  • Touchpoints – To reach them at this stage, you need to make it easy for them to buy your product with things like a “Buy Now” button or a simple checkout process. You also need to create a sense of urgency with things like limited-time offers or bonuses for buying now.

1.1 Explain the paths to conversion through stages of the sales funnel (Entry points, exit points)

There are many Entry Points and Exit Points throughout the Sales Funnel. Understanding these points is key to effective marketing and sales.

Entry Points are places where customers first encounter your product or service. They may be through advertising, word-of-mouth, or some other means. It’s important to make a good impression at the Entry Point because that’s often where potential customers decide whether to buy from you or not.

Exit Points are the places where customers end their relationship with your product or service. They may stop using it, switch to a competitor, or simply stop buying it altogether. You want as few Exit Points as possible, because each one costs you a customer.

The path to conversion is the journey that a customer takes from Entry Point to Exit Point. Along the way, they may go through several stages, such as Awareness, Interest, Desire, and Action. Understanding these stages is key to effective marketing and sales.

Awareness: The customer becomes aware of your product or service. This is often the result of marketing efforts, such as advertising or word-of-mouth.

Interest: The customer expresses interest in your product or service. They may start researching it, comparing it to competitors, or looking for more information.

Desire: The customer wants to buy your product or service. They may be ready to make a purchase, or they may just be considering it.

Action: The customer buys your product or service. This is the ultimate goal of the sales funnel.

The path to conversion is not always linear. Customers may enter at any stage of the funnel, and they may exit at any stage as well. It’s important to understand the customer’s journey so that you can market and sell to them effectively.


Customer journey map displaying several touchpoints that customers may interact with in order to make a sale
Customer journey map displaying several touchpoints that customers may interact with in order to make a sale

1.2 Identify the industry benchmarks for conversion rates for different stages in the sales funnel

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the conversion rates for different stages in the sales funnel will vary depending on the industry. However, some general benchmarks can be provided.

For example, according to a study by MarketingSherpa, the conversion rate for leads that are in the awareness stage is 2.5%, while the conversion rate for leads in the consideration stage is 5%. And finally, the conversion rate for leads that have already been qualified is 12.5%.

Of course, these numbers will differ from industry to industry. For example, in the software as a service (SaaS) industry, it’s not uncommon to see conversion rates of 20% or higher at each stage of the sales funnel.

To get an idea of what kind of conversion rates you should be aiming for in your own industry, it’s a good idea to look at the conversion rates of your competitors. By understanding what they’re achieving, you can set yourself some realistic benchmarks to strive for.

Examples of social media benchmarks and statistics for 2022:

Examples of email benchmarks and statistics for 2022:

1.3 Evaluate the effects of a range of factors on sales funnel conversion rates

Marketing activity is an important factor in determining a company’s success, and more specifically, the success of its sales funnel conversion rates.

The quality of marketing activity can have a significant impact on consumer behaviour, while the quantity of marketing activity can determine how well-informed consumers are about a product or service. In turn, this affects their decision to purchase or not.

Sales funnel conversion rates are a measure of how successful a company is in turning leads into paying customers.

There are many factors that can affect conversion rates, including the consumer life cycle, the quality and quantity of marketing activities, and benchmarking.

Each of these factors can have a significant impact on the success or failure of a company’s sales funnel.

Consumer life cycle

The consumer life cycle allows us to understand how to convert prospects into repeat customers. The consumer life cycle refers to all the touchpoints your brand has with your customer, starting with awareness and moving through to research, comparison, selection, purchase, experience, retention and loyalty and ending with word of mouth.

The consumer life cycle can therefore be considered as the length, arc and nature of a customer’s relationship with the brand/company.

Understanding each step that a customer travels within the sales process allows you to refine and tweak until you have a tried and trusted means to convert almost any customer.

The consumer life cycle is another factor that can affect sales funnel conversion rates. The different stages of the cycle (awareness, interest, consideration, and purchase) present different opportunities for marketing activity.

For example, during the awareness stage, companies may use marketing strategies such as advertising and public relations to introduce their products or services to potential customers.

During the interest stage, companies may use more targeted marketing techniques such as direct marketing or sales promotions to generate interest in their products or services.

During the consideration phase, companies can send out reminder emails, texts or posts to retain the prospective customer of the product or service and maybe even incentivise them more with a discount or limited-time offer to reply to stimulate action.

Finally, during the purchase stage, companies may use methods such as pricing discounts or special offers to encourage consumers to buy their products or services.

For a customer to make such progress, the brand must provide substantiated proof to convince the consumer they are making the right decision. Providing proof and being able to back it up also builds trust between the consumer and the brand. This reinforces the VCP principle – Visibility plus Credibility equals profitability.

The customer experience needs to engage with prospective and existing customers to build the brand
The customer experience needs to engage with prospective and existing customers to build the brand

Quality of marketing activity

High-quality content that is simple to digest is more likely to engage consumers and increase the number of leads coming from the traffic you are generating. Quality marketing activity also includes improving the layout/style of the content so that it is more appealing to a consumer.

It is great to have a volume of traffic but it is the conversion from traffic to leads/prospects that is important. More leads mean more opportunities which means more customers.

Quantity of marketing activity

The more marketing activity a brand has, the more likely it is to catch a customer’s attention. Increased visibility results in increased credibility which results in increased profitability.

An example of the impact of an increased volume of marketing activity is that more people will be driven to the homepage of a brand’s website. This increased volume of visitors results in more people engaging with the information you are providing relate to the product/service you are offering.

More people becoming aware of your brand means that more people are likely to want to find out more and therefore explore your website for more information to reinforce what they have learnt.

This increased awareness results in the consumer developing a favourable disposition towards the brand and ultimately means they are more likely to take action and make a purchase.


Overall, the quality and quantity of marketing activity, as well as the consumer life cycle, can both have a significant impact on sales funnel conversion rates. Companies should carefully consider these factors when planning their marketing strategies in order to maximize their chances of success.

In marketing, we can monitor conversions to give us a better idea of whether customers are converting or not within our sales funnel.

Even if you don’t have a website, as long as you track the number of leads you get and the number of sales (conversions), you may calculate your conversion rate as follows:

  • Conversion Rate = Total Number of Sales / Number of Leads * 100

If you are tracking conversions from website leads, your formula might look like this:

  • Conversion Rate = Total Number of Sales / Number of Unique Visitors * 100

Benchmarking your marketing activity

Benchmarking is the practice of comparing business processes and performance metrics to industry bests/best practices from other companies. There are 3 steps to the benchmarking process which will allow a brand to measure current sales-qualified lead conversion rates and evaluate success. There are 3 steps to benchmarking your conversion rates:

  • Taking stock of your current position
  • Comparing these against industry averages
  • Setting a goal for improvement

The whole process of benchmarking is about CRO – Conversion Rate Optimisation. Increasing the conversion rates through each stage of the sales funnel can have a dramatic impact on the end result.

Analysing metrics across multiple platforms will give you better insight into your digital marketing campaigns
Analysing metrics across multiple platforms will give you better insight into your digital marketing campaigns

Section Two

2. Understand how metrics of digital marketing are generated

Digital marketing is a vast and complex field, and it can be difficult to understand how all the different metrics are generated. In order to make smart decisions about your digital marketing campaigns, you need to have a basic understanding of how these metrics are calculated.

One important metric is website traffic. This is measured by counting the number of unique visitors who visit your site over a given period of time. Another common metric is conversion rate, which measures how many people take the desired action on your site (such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter).

To calculate the conversion rate, you first need to know how many people took the desired action divided by the total number of visitors. You can then use this figure to calculate your conversion rate percentage. Other important metrics include click-through rate (CTR) and bounce rate (which is now replaced under GA4 to explain more about engagement).

Click-through rate measures the percentage of people who click on a link to your site, while bounce rate measures the percentage of people who leave your site after only viewing one page. These metrics are important because they give you an idea of how well your site is performing in terms of engagement and conversion.


Snapshot of the customer journey through the IBA website via Google Analytics 4
Snapshot of the customer journey through the IBA website via Google Analytics 4

2.1 Explain the data required to evaluate success Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Marketing teams need to track a variety of data in order to evaluate the success of their campaigns. This data can include:

Page impressions

Page impressions are a metric that measures the number of times a particular page on a website has been viewed. This metric is most often used to gauge the overall popularity of a website or individual pages on a website.

There are a number of ways to track page impressions. One common method is to use web server logs. These logs show all of the requests made to a server for files. By looking at these logs, it is possible to see how many times a particular page has been accessed.

Another way to track page impressions is through the use of web analytics tools. These tools allow website owners to track a variety of different metrics, including page impressions.

The most accurate way to track page impressions is through the use of cookies. Cookies are small pieces of information that are stored on a user’s computer when they visit a website. These cookies can then be used to track the number of times a user has visited a particular page.

Unique visits

A unique visit is a visit that has not been counted towards the website’s total number of visits before. This means that a unique visit is a new and different visitor to the website. The number of unique visits is important because it helps website owners and marketers to understand how many people are actually coming to their site.

The number of unique visits can be useful in a number of ways. For example, if a website owner wants to know how effective their marketing campaign is, they can look at the number of unique visits to see how many new people are coming to the site. Additionally, if a website wants to increase its number of unique visitors, it can try different marketing strategies or redesign its website to make it more appealing to new visitors.

There are a few different ways to measure unique visits. One common method is through the use of cookies. Cookies are small pieces of information that are stored on a user’s computer when they visit a website. When the user visits the same website again, the cookie is sent back to the website and used to identify the user as a returning visitor. This method is not 100% accurate, however, as some users may delete their cookies or have cookies disabled.

Another method of measuring unique visits is through the use of IP addresses. When a user visits a website, their computer is assigned an IP address. This address can be used to identify the user and their location. This method is more accurate than cookies, but it can also be abused by malicious users who want to artificially inflate the number of unique visitors to a website.

Ultimately, the number of unique visitors is just one metric that can be used to measure the success of a website. There are many other factors that contribute to a website’s success, such as the quality of its content, the design of its layout, and the overall user experience.

However, the number of unique visitors can be a helpful metric for website owners and marketers to track. By understanding how many unique visitors come to a website, they can make changes to their marketing strategy or website design to attract more new visitors.

Click-through rates

Click-through rates are important for achieving KPIs because they help to gauge how interested people are in a given advertisement or piece of content. By understanding which ads or pieces of content are most popular, businesses can better focus their marketing efforts and improve their overall ROI. Additionally, click-through rates can help to track the success of a given campaign or initiative. If click-through rates are low, it may be an indication that the campaign is not resonating with the target audience.

There are a few different ways to improve click-through rates. One is to create more targeted content. This means creating content that appeals specifically to the interests of the target audience. Another way to improve click-through rates is to make sure that the ads or content are placed in front of people who are likely to be interested in them. This can be done by targeting specific demographics or using data from previous interactions to target ads and content.

Overall, click-through rates are a valuable metric for businesses to track. By understanding how click-through rates are affected by different factors, businesses can make better decisions about their marketing efforts and improve their ROI. Additionally, click-through rates can help to track the success of a given campaign or initiative. If click-through rates are low, it may be an indication that the campaign is not resonating with the target audience.

The average number of page views per visit

A website’s average number of page views per visit can affect its key performance indicators (KPIs). A high number of page views per visit generally indicates that the website is providing relevant and engaging content.

This, in turn, is likely to lead to better KPIs such as lower bounce rates and higher conversion rates. Conversely, a low number of page views per visit may suggest that the website’s content is not meeting users’ needs, leading to poorer KPIs.

There are a number of factors that can influence a website’s average number of page views per visit. The most important factor is the quality of the website’s content. If the content is relevant and engaging, users are more likely to stick around and view multiple pages. Conversely, if the content is dull or uninteresting, users are likely to leave the site after viewing only a few pages.

Another important factor that can influence page views per visit is the website’s design. A well-designed website is easy to navigate and use, making it more likely that users will stick around and view multiple pages. Conversely, a poorly designed website can be confusing and frustrating to use, leading users to leave the site after only a few pages.

Finally, the way in which content is presented on a website can also affect page views per visit. If content is presented in an engaging and visually appealing way, users are more likely to stick around and view multiple pages. Conversely, if content is presented in a dull or boring way, users are more likely to leave the site after only a few pages.

There are a number of ways in which website owners can increase their average number of page views per visit. The most important thing is to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content. Additionally, website owners should make sure that their website is well designed and easy to navigate.


By tracking this data, teams can measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and make necessary adjustments to improve results.

Additionally, teams can also track:

  • cost per acquisition
  • sales
  • retention rates
  • win-back rates
  • engagement
  • re-engagement
  • perception
  • customer satisfaction
  • brand awareness
  • the average revenue per user

By tracking all of this data, marketing teams can get a comprehensive view of their campaign’s success and make the necessary changes to improve results.

In order to properly select the data required to evaluate success, it is important to first identify the specific goals of the campaign. Once the goals are identified, the appropriate KPIs can be selected that will best measure success in relation to those goals.

For example, if a goal is to increase brand awareness, then measuring page impressions and unique visits would be more important than measuring sales.

However, if the goal is to increase sales, then measuring sales would be the most important KPI. Therefore, it is essential to select the data that is most relevant to the specific goals of the campaign in order to accurately measure success.

It should also be noted that different marketing activities will require different data in order to be properly evaluated. For example, a social media campaign will likely require different data than a direct mail campaign. Therefore, it is important to select the data that is most relevant to the specific marketing activity being undertaken.

By doing so, teams can more accurately measure the success of their campaigns.

Overall, it is important for marketing teams to track a variety of data in order to properly evaluate the success of their campaigns. By tracking the right data, teams can make necessary adjustments to improve results.

Additionally, it is important to select data that is most relevant to the specific goals and marketing activities being undertaken in order to get the most accurate measure of success. By following these guidelines, marketing teams can set themselves up for success.

Looking at data over a larger data set allows us to see the big picture and make better-informed decisions
Looking at data over a larger data set allows us to see the big picture and make better-informed decisions

2.2 Explain the importance of statistically significant data

Statistical significance is one of the most important concepts in all of statistics. In order to make valid and reliable conclusions from data, it is necessary to first determine whether that data is statistically significant.

This involves assessing both the size of the sample and the magnitude of the difference between the groups being studied. Only once these factors have been considered can researchers be confident in their findings and begin to draw meaningful conclusions.

There are a number of factors that contribute to statistical significance, such as validity, reliability, sample size and usefulness.

Validity refers to the accuracy of the data, while reliability refers to the consistency of the data. In order for data to be considered statistically significant, it must be both valid and reliable.

The sample size is also an important factor to consider when assessing statistical significance. In general, the larger the sample size, the more reliable the data will be.

However, there is no magic number of participants that guarantees validity and reliability. Instead, researchers must carefully consider all of the factors involved in their study before determining the appropriate sample size.

Once data has been determined to be statistically significant, it can be used to draw conclusions and make predictions. This is what makes statistical significance so important; without it, researchers would be unable to trust their data and would be limited in their ability to understand the world around them.

2.3 Explain the tools used for generating tracking data

There are a variety of different tools that can be used in order to track data. Some of these tools include but are not limited to: graphs, charts, tables and spreadsheets.

Each of these tools has its own unique benefits and purposes. For example, graphs can be used to track trends over time, while charts can be used to compare different data sets. Tables can be helpful for organizing large amounts of data, and spreadsheets can be utilized for detailed analysis.

The best tool to use for tracking data will ultimately depend on the specific needs and goals of the individual or organization.


Google Analytics tracking code once embedded on your website records how users interact with your webpages
Google Analytics tracking code once embedded on your website records how users interact with your webpages

Most businesses these days are using some form of social media, email marketing, mobile marketing and websites to track data about their customers. This data is used to help the business better understand its customer base and create targeted marketing campaigns that are more likely to result in sales.

There are a number of different tools that businesses can use to collect this data, including social media monitoring tools, email marketing software, mobile analytics software and website analytics tools.

Social media monitoring tools allow businesses to track what is being said about them on social media platforms. This information can be used to improve customer service, create more targeted marketing campaigns and understand the overall sentiment around the business.

These are some of the tools used for generating tracking data across social media platforms:

  • Hootsuite
  • Sprout Social
  • Agora Pulse
  • Sendible
  • Mediafunnel
  • Post Planner
  • Edgar
  • CoSchedule
  • SocialBee
  • MeetEdgar

Email marketing software can be used to track how often emails are opened, clicked on and forwarded. This information can be used to improve email campaigns and make sure that they are reaching the intended audience.

These are some of the tools used for generating tracking data across email marketing platforms:

  • A/B testing is a method of experimentation where you compare two variants of a page to see which one performs better.
  • Cohort analysis is a method of grouping together users who share common characteristics or behaviors. This allows you to track conversion rates and other key metrics over time for each cohort.
  • Email marketing automation is a process of using software to automate the tasks of email marketing. This can include things like sending out mass emails, segmenting your list, and personalizing your messages.
  • Landing page optimization is the process of optimizing a landing page to increase its conversion rate. This can involve testing different elements on the page, such as the headline, copy, images, and call to action.
  • Multivariate testing is a method of experimentation where you test multiple variants of a page at the same time. This allows you to see which combination of elements performs the best.
  • Revenue performance management is a process of managing and optimizing revenue-generating activities. This can include things like pricing, sales operations, and marketing campaigns.

Mobile analytics software can be used to track app usage, website visitation and other data points on mobile devices. This information can help businesses understand how their customers are using their mobile apps and websites, and make changes accordingly.

These are some of the tools used for generating tracking data on mobile devices:

  • Google Analytics is a free, powerful tool that provides insights into how people use your app. It’s easy to set up and you can see results in just a few hours. One of the great things about Google Analytics is that it integrates with other Google products, so you can get even more data if you’re using other Google services.
  • Mixpanel is a paid tool that offers more advanced features than Google Analytics. It’s great for tracking user engagement and conversion rates. Mixpanel also has a very user-friendly interface, so it’s easy to get started with.
  • Firebase is another paid mobile analytics tool that provides insights into app usage and crash reports. It’s especially useful for developers who want to track how their app is performing and identify any issues that need to be fixed.
  • Countly is a free, open-source mobile analytics tool. It’s easy to set up and use, and it provides a wide range of features. Countly is especially popular with developers who want to have complete control over their data.

Website analytics tools can be used to track website traffic, conversion rates and other data points. This information can be used to improve the website, make sure that it is reaching the right people and boost conversion rates.

These are some of the tools used for generating tracking data on website content management systems:

  • Google Analytics is a free, powerful tool that provides insights into how people use your app. It’s easy to set up and you can see results in just a few hours. One of the great things about Google Analytics is that it integrates with other Google products, so you can get even more data if you’re using other Google services.
  • Mixpanel is a paid tool that offers more advanced features than Google Analytics. It’s great for tracking user engagement and conversion rates. Mixpanel also has a very user-friendly interface, so it’s easy to get started with.
  • Clicky is a web analytics service that provides real-time data about website traffic and analytics.
  • Crazy Egg is a web analytics service that provides heat maps and other visualizations of where users click on websites.
  • Hotjar is a web analytics service that provides heat maps and other visualizations of where users click and scroll on websites. It also offers session recording to see what users are doing on your site.
  • Mouseflow is a web analytics service that provides heat maps and other visualizations of where users click and scroll on websites. It also offers session recording to see what users are doing on your site.

The most important thing for businesses to remember is that they need to be using the right tools for their specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to tracking data, so businesses need to make sure that they are using the right tools for their particular situation. With so many different options available, there is no excuse for not being able to find the right tools for the job.

2.4 Add tracking tools to a campaign

Most people think of tracking tools as something that only applies to online advertising. However, there are a variety of ways to track users and their interactions with a website, even if they never see an ad. In this article, we’ll take a look at three different types of tracking tools – tracking codes, pixel tracking, and first-party and third-party cookies – and how they can be used to improve your website’s analytics.

Tracking codes are snippets of code that are added to a web page in order to track user behaviour. The most common use of tracking codes is to track how users interact with ads on a website. However, tracking codes can also be used to track other interactions with a website, such as how long a user spends on a page or what kind of device they are using.

Pixel tracking is a type of tracking that uses a small image or pixel, that is placed on a web page. When a user visits a page with a pixel tracker, the tracker will send information about the visit to the server where it is stored. This information can include the time of the visit, the IP address of the user, and the type of device they are using.

First-party cookies are small pieces of data that are sent from a website to a user’s browser. These cookies are then stored on the user’s computer so that the website can recognize them when they return. First-party cookies can be used for a variety of purposes, such as keeping a user logged in or tracking their behaviour on a website.

Third-party cookies are created by a domain other than the one being visited by the user. For example, if you visit a website that has a Facebook-like button, Facebook will set a third-party cookie on your browser. This cookie allows Facebook to track your activity on the website and show you relevant ads.

Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored on a user’s computer. They are generally used to track a user’s activity on a website and show them relevant ads. However, cookies can also be used to store other information, such as login credentials or preferences.

Most web browsers have a built-in privacy setting that allows you to control whether or not third-party cookies are allowed. If you disable third-party cookies, you will still be able to use the website, but you may see less relevant ads.

To sum up, there are a variety of tracking tools that can be used to track users and their interactions with a website. These tools can be used to improve your website’s analytics and show you more relevant ads.

Data can be tracked via analytic software or displayed via dashboards. Using both of these methods allows you to gain better insight into your marketing campaigns performance
Data can be tracked via analytic software or displayed via dashboards. Using both of these methods allows you to gain better insight into your marketing campaigns performance

2.5 Describe how tracking data is viewed

Most businesses these days rely on data to make informed decisions. What type of data is tracked varies from business to business, but the most common types are analytic reports and dashboards.

Analytic Reports are detailed, often lengthy documents that analyze past performance and trends in order to identify areas where improvement is needed. They can be used to make strategic decisions about things like product development, marketing campaigns, and staffing.

Dashboards are designed to give business owners a snapshot view of how their company is performing at any given time. They typically include graphs and charts representing data such as sales figures, customer engagement levels, website traffic, and more. Dashboards can be customized to show the specific data sets that are most important to the user.

Both analytic reports and dashboards have their own advantages and disadvantages, but they both serve as valuable tools for businesses to track data and make decisions based on that data.

If used correctly, they can help businesses improve their overall performance and achieve their goals.


An analytic report is a comprehensive document that provides an in-depth analysis of a specific topic or issue. A dashboard, on the other hand, is a more concise and visual representation of data that can be used to track performance or monitor progress.

One of the biggest differences between analytic reports and dashboards is that analytic reports are typically longer and more detailed, while dashboards are designed to be more concise and easy to read. Another difference is that analytic reports are often used for decision-making, while dashboards are more commonly used for tracking performance or progress.

Analytic reports are typically used when a comprehensive understanding of a topic or issue is needed. They can be used to investigate trends, identify patterns, and understand relationships. Dashboards, on the other hand, are more commonly used for monitoring performance or progress. They can be used to track KPIs, project milestones, or any other type of data.

Both analytic reports and dashboards have their own strengths and weaknesses. The best way to decide which one to use is to understand the needs of the specific project or situation. In some cases, both an analytic report and a dashboard may be needed to get the full picture.

Once you have the information it's knowing what to do with it will help propel your marketing campaigns forward
Once you have the information it’s knowing what to do with it will help propel your marketing campaigns forward

Section Three

3. Understand the analytics of digital marketing

Digital marketing is all about understanding the analytics of how people interact with your website or product. By analyzing this data, you can make more informed decisions about where to allocate your resources and how to improve your marketing strategy.

There are a number of different tools that you can use to measure digital marketing analytics, including Google Analytics, Hotjar, and Mixpanel. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right tool for the job.

Once you have access to this data, it’s important to know how to read it and understand what it means. This information can help you determine things like where people are dropping off in your sales funnel, what features are most popular among users, and even who your most valuable customers are.

Digital marketing analytics is an essential part of any successful marketing strategy. By understanding the data, you can make more informed decisions about where to allocate your resources and how to improve your overall approach.

It’s also important to keep in mind that digital marketing analytics is not a one-time thing. You need to continuously measure and track your data in order to see the most accurate results. This means that you need to have a plan in place for how you’re going to collect this data, as well as how you’re going to use it.

Customising your analytic reports to your brand and specifically, your KPIs will provide relevant and useful data
Customising your analytic reports to your brand and specifically, your KPIs will provide relevant and useful data

3.1 Explain how to customise analytics reporting technology for digital marketing campaigns

Digital marketing campaigns are becoming increasingly complex, with more channels and touchpoints than ever before. In order to effectively measure the performance of these campaigns, it is necessary to customise your analytics reporting technology to display the relevant metrics.

The frequency with which you review your campaign data will also be important in order to make timely adjustments where necessary. By taking the time to customise your analytics reporting, you can ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your digital marketing campaigns.

Looking at Google Analytics as an example.

Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to track all kinds of data about your website traffic, including how people find your site, what they do when they get there, and how much money they spend. But it can be tricky to configure Google Analytics for digital marketing campaigns. Here are some tips:

1) Make sure you create custom goals for each campaign. This will allow you to track the specific actions that you want people to take on your site, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.

2) Add campaign tracking codes to all of your marketing materials, including emails, web ads, and social media posts. This will help Google Analytics identify which campaigns are driving traffic to your site.

3) Review your data regularly so you can make adjustments based on what’s working and what’s not. Try different tactics and see how they impact your results.

By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of Google Analytics for your digital marketing campaigns.

3.2 Analyse digital marketing campaign data

Digital marketing campaigns produce a lot of data that can be analysed for insights and trends. By studying this data, businesses can gain a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and make changes accordingly.

One way to analyse digital marketing campaign data is to look at the number of leads generated. This can be done by looking at the number of people who clicked on a particular link or filled out a form.

Another way to measure leads is by tracking how many people made a purchase as a result of the campaign.

Another thing to look at is how much money was spent on the campaign and what the return on investment was. This information can help businesses decide whether or not they should continue running the campaign.

Finally, it’s also important to look at the engagement rate of the campaign. This can be done by looking at how many people interacted with the campaign, how long they spent interacting with it, and what they did (e.g., clicked on a link, or shared it with a friend).

The engagement rate can give businesses an idea of how effective the campaign was in terms of getting people to interact with it.

Recording these metrics and reviewing them over time will give you the necessary insight required to make informed decisions with your marketing campaigns.

Tailored software such as GA4 will quickly show patterns and trends within your data to truly understand how users engage with your brand
Tailored software such as GA4 will quickly show patterns and trends within your data to truly understand how users engage with your brand

3.3 Evaluate the methods for testing digital marketing campaigns

Digital marketing campaigns can be evaluated in a number of ways. One way is to look at how well the campaign targets the desired audience. Another way is to measure how effectively the campaign engages and converts the target audience. Additionally, it is important to consider how much money was spent on the campaign and whether or not it produced a desirable return on investment (ROI).

When evaluating a digital marketing campaign, it is important to keep in mind that there are a number of different factors that can affect the results. For example, if the campaign targets a very specific audience, it may not be able to reach a wider audience.

Additionally, if the campaign is not effective at engaging and converting the target audience, it will not be successful. Finally, if the campaign is not cost-effective, it will not be able to produce a desirable ROI.

When looking at the effectiveness of a digital marketing campaign, it is important to consider all of these factors. By doing so, you will be able to get a more accurate picture of the campaign’s effectiveness and whether or not it is worth investing in.

Digital marketing campaigns can be tricky to test. There are a number of factors that need to be considered when trying to determine the effectiveness of a campaign. Some common methods for testing digital marketing campaigns include:

  • A/B testing
  • Surveys
  • User analytics
  • Agile methodology
  • Multivariant testing
  • Attribution models

A/B testing is a method of testing where two versions of a campaign are compared against each other to see which one performs better. This can be done by looking at click-through rates, conversion rates, or any other metric that is important to the campaign.

Surveys are another common method for testing digital marketing campaigns. Surveys can be used to gather feedback from users about their experience with the campaign. This feedback can be used to make improvements to the campaign.

User analytics is a method of tracking how users interact with a campaign. This data can be used to determine what is working and what isn’t. User analytics can be done through web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.

Agile methodology involves quickly releasing small portions of the campaign and then measuring results to see what works and what doesn’t. This allows for continuous refinement and improvement.

Multivariate testing is similar to A/B testing, but instead of comparing versions of a campaign, it compares different combinations of elements within a campaign. This can help you find the best combination of elements for maximum impact.

Attribution models are used to measure the effectiveness of different channels in driving conversions or other desired outcomes. There are a variety of attribution models available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Which model you use will depend on your specific goals and needs.

AB split testing across multiple devices to find the best way that customers can engage with your brand
AB split testing across multiple devices to find the best way that customers can engage with your brand

3.4 Recommend methods for optimising digital marketing campaigns

There are a number of things that can be done in order to optimise digital marketing campaigns. One is to make sure that all of the necessary components are in place before launching the campaign. This includes having a well-designed website, accurate and up-to-date contact information, improving the UX or CX of a campaign and a good understanding of who your target audience is.

You should also regularly evaluate the results of your campaigns in order to determine what is and isn’t working. If something isn’t bringing in the desired results, then you need to change it up. A/B testing can be a great way to do this, as it allows you to test different versions of your campaign against each other in order to see which one performs better.

It’s also important to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing. This way, you can make sure that your campaigns are using the most effective strategies and tactics. Staying ahead of the curve will give you a significant advantage over your competition.

Finally, always be prepared to adjust your campaigns on the fly. The digital world is constantly changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow. So always be prepared to make changes and adapt as needed. By following these tips, you can ensure that your digital marketing campaigns are optimized for success.

These are just a few methods that can be used to optimize digital marketing campaigns. However, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each business is different and will need to tailor its optimization efforts to its specific needs and goals.


Team collaborating to better optimise their webpages and digital marketing campaigns
Team collaborating to better optimise their webpages and digital marketing campaigns

Six methods for optimising a digital marketing campaign

Digital marketing is a complex and ever-evolving process, and it can be difficult to know where to start when trying to optimise a campaign. There are a number of different factors to consider, and no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some general tips that can help you get started.

1. Know your audience

The first step in any marketing campaign is understanding your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What do they want or need? What are their interests and concerns? Once you have a clear picture of your target market, you can tailor your messaging and delivery methods accordingly.

2. Research your competition

It’s also important to research your competitors and understand what they’re doing well (and not so well). What strategies are they using? What type of content is resonating with their audience? What tone or voice do they use in their marketing materials? Knowing your competition will help you differentiate yourself from the pack and stand out from the crowd.

3. Set achievable goals

It’s important to set realistic goals for your digital marketing campaign – both in terms of what you hope to achieve and how long it will take. Trying to do too much too quickly can be overwhelming and lead to burnout, so it’s important to start small and build up gradually. Having a clear goal will help focus your metrics and link the results back to your main objectives.

4. Create compelling content

Content is key in any digital marketing campaign. Your content should be engaging, informative, and relevant to your target audience. It should also be well-written and free of errors. Remember that people will engage with your content more if it is shareable, so make sure to include social sharing buttons on your website or blog.

5. Promote your content

Once you’ve created great content, it’s important to promote it through various channels. This includes social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and PR. promoting your content will help ensure that it reaches your target audience and helps you achieve your marketing goals.

6. Measure your results

Finally, it’s important to measure the results of your digital marketing campaign on a regular basis. This will help you determine what’s working and what’s not and allows you to make necessary adjustments along the way. By tracking your progress, you can ensure that your campaign is on track and achieving its desired results.

Digital marketing is a complex process, but following these tips can help you get started on the right foot. Optimising your campaign takes time, effort, and trial and error. However, by setting achievable goals and creating compelling content, you can improve your chances of success. And, by monitoring your results, you can make necessary adjustments to ensure that your campaign is as effective as possible.

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