In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, tracking data can often feel overwhelming. But when done right, it can free you from the uncertainty and guesswork that often accompany business decisions.

You need to be tracking your data, but it’s not as complex as you might think based on what other entrepreneurs are doing. We’re all about authenticity here, and understanding your authentic metrics is key.

I invited Ally, a data strategist from Akari Digital, to the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, to help you understand which data to use in your business.

Inside today’s episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we’ll dive into:

Exactly which key metrics entrepreneurs should track (and which ones to ignore) so you can finally make informed decisions about your marketing.
Ally’s signature framework for tracking data in a way that feels simple, strategic, and actually helps you grow your business.
How to use data to pinpoint what’s working, what’s not, and how to adjust without burning your business down.

**I’ve included the main points below, but I encourage you to dive into the full episode via audio or video!
For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 135 now or watch the episode here.

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Introduction to Data Tracking for Entrepreneurs

As entrepreneurs, we're constantly told to track our data. Yet, when we dive into what it means for our business, it often feels daunting.

Understanding your metrics is crucial because marketing is all about informed decisions rather than emotional guesses. When you know what you're looking at, you can determine what to scale, tweak, or stop altogether.

Whether you're just starting your business or have been in the game for a while, tracking the right metrics can guide you toward success.

It's about knowing your business better and making informed decisions based on what's working and what's not.

The Framework for Effective Data Tracking

Ally recommends focusing on four key marketing systems: Reach, Nurture, Convert, and Retain. Each system should have two or three vital metrics:

1. Reach: How do new potential customers find you? Common metrics include website visits and initial engagements.

2. Nurture: How do you build a relationship with your audience? This could be email signups or social media engagement.

3. Convert: What guides a potential customer to become a paying one? Metrics here might involve sales page views or cart additions.

4. Retain: How do you keep your customers engaged and coming back? Consider repeat purchases or renewal rates.

Building an Authentic Marketing Strategy

Marketing organically involves understanding which platforms or methods work best for you. Just because other businesses focus on social media posts doesn't mean it's the right tactic for your brand.

Ally emphasizes that every marketing strategy needs to be personalized to fit you and your business objectives.

She advises starting with eight to ten metrics tailored to your business’s strengths and areas for growth. Tracking fewer, more meaningful metrics can provide clearer insights than spreading your attention thinly across countless data points.

Then it comes down to comparing that data with your personal numbers. While there are “standard” metrics for the industry, it’s really about your growth and your ROI.

This is why logging your data is essential because then you’ll have something to compare it to and make adjustments as needed.

With this data you can determine what's working and what’s not, what needs to be adjusted, and what needs to be let go! This is how we build authentic marketing strategies.

Practical Steps to Begin Data Tracking

1. Google Analytics: Set this up to start collecting data on your website traffic. It’s a free and powerful tool.

2. UTM Tags: Use unique tags in your URLs to track where your traffic originates. Although technical, it's invaluable for pinpointing effective sources.

3. Monthly Reviews: Track and analyze your metrics monthly. This approach keeps you informed and lets you adjust strategies as needed.

CONCLUSION: FEEL EMPOWERED BY DATA

By regularly tracking data, you can avoid the constant entrepreneurial rollercoaster of emotions, such as believing nothing's working.

Instead, you can pinpoint specific areas for improvement and celebrate what’s truly helping your business thrive. Ally encourages entrepreneurs to start tracking now—don’t wait.

Even if you're not yet ready to dive into complex analysis, collect the data so you have it when you're ready to use it.

Ally offers a free KPI tracker to help you get started on your data journey. Let's take the mystery and emotion out of your business decisions. By understanding your data, you lead your business with confidence and clarity. DOWNLOAD THE TRACKER HERE.

CONNECT WITH ALLY

Ally is a data-backed marketing strategist who helps small business owners put their time, energy, and money in the right places when it comes to their marketing. After a decade in digital marketing, she's watched countless business owners throw marketing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks— simply because they don't know how to track their results. She shows them how to make sense of their marketing data in simple, practical ways, so they can invest in what works and stop wasting resources on what doesn't.

Website

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akaridigital/

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.

P.S. Ready to build a revenue-generating brand? One that not only stands out online but also makes it easier than ever to create high-value content? Tune in to my free brand class and learn my Build a Better Brand Method. Watch now at brandmerry.com/class.

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