It’s Time to Track Your Metrics

Aug 24

As we approach the end of August - already, EEK! - it’s a good time to take a step back and talk metrics. I know, numbers are not everyone’s cup of tea. And honestly, I didn’t think it was important or necessary to track my metrics for years!

But, here’s the truth: If you want to grow your business and learn about your audience’s wants and desires, you need to be tracking these things! They offer the best and clearest insights into the mind of your people!

Here’s a little metrics tracking 101:

How to do it: Create a form that is easily replicable from month to month and year to year. I do it as a Google Spreadsheet, but there are dozens of other ways you can keep track.

When to do it: the when doesn’t matter as much as the consistency. Whether you do it on the 1st, 15th or first Monday of the month - that’s up to you. But whatever you decide, stick with it in order to get a clear picture of the month-to-month growth and changes.

What to track: Some people get super deep into all of this, tracking every like from every post. That’s fine if you are a numbers gal. If not, here are some of the basics I look at every month:

Follower #
Engagement %
Average Engagement #
Average Reach #
Most Engaged post
Most Saved Post
Most Liked post
Most Shared post
Lease Engaged Post
Least Saved post
Least Liked post
Least Shared post
Mailing List Subscriber #
Mailing List open rate
Mailing List click rate

Extra Pro Tip: Include on the spreadsheet a brief description and the URL of the best and worst posts in the categories listed above in order to make it ease to return to a couple months down the line, if needed.

Be sure to not just note all these numbers, but to take the time to really analyze them. From what you can see, what really resonated with your audience? What fell flat? What images/content did they appreciate? What content should you reconsider when posting in the month ahead?