Vanity metrics are data points or metrics that are often used to make a company or organisation look good, but do not provide meaningful insights or contribute to the business's bottom line. These metrics may create a sense of false success, as they may suggest progress or growth, but do not necessarily indicate that the business is achieving its core objectives or meeting its customers' needs.

 

Examples of vanity metrics may include social media likes, followers, and shares, website traffic, and other metrics that are often used to measure the success of marketing campaigns. While these metrics may be easy to measure and may provide a sense of social proof, they do not necessarily indicate that the business is generating revenue, acquiring new customers, or providing value to its existing customers.

 

Vanity metrics can be a problem because they can distract businesses from focusing on the metrics that are truly important and can lead to more significant growth and success. By focusing too much on vanity metrics, businesses may neglect to invest in the core areas of their business that are critical to their long-term success.

 

To avoid relying too heavily on vanity metrics, businesses should focus on developing and tracking metrics that are aligned with their core objectives and business strategy. This may include metrics related to customer acquisition, retention, revenue, and profit, as well as metrics that measure customer satisfaction and engagement. By focusing on these core metrics, businesses can make more informed decisions, prioritise their resources effectively, and drive more sustainable growth over the long term.


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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.

He is a former Royal Marines Commando officer, former risk advisor to the BBC and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, achieved his second Guinness World Record for an Atlantic Ocean rowing expedition, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities.

https://www.hiatus.design
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