Paid media professionals are not any strangers to reporting.
Nevertheless, not all PPC stories needs to be handled the identical.
- Totally different audiences require you to concentrate on completely different metrics, and who receives your report ought to dictate the kind of evaluation you place collectively.
- Reporting additionally varies relying on the timeframe you assessment, with the commonest cadences being weekly, month-to-month, quarterly and yearly.
Every report has key similarities and variations, so let’s dive in.
Efficient evaluation overview
First, a fast refresher on methods to effectively analyze PPC performance:
- Notice any shifts in key metrics, particularly spend and conversions.
- Clarify what these shifts imply in the true world.
- Name out the potential causes behind any traits.
The result’s a transparent overview of what’s occurring within the account, why it’s occurring, and what you probably did to affect that (or how you intend to deal with it if motion is required).
- Instance: “Conversion fee elevated 10%, which signifies that our touchdown web page resonates higher with our viewers after updating the content material two weeks in the past.”
This common strategy is related for any report, no matter viewers or cadence.
Dig deeper: PPC management checklist: Daily, weekly and monthly reviews
Weekly stories
A weekly cadence is normally the shortest length individuals are requested to report on. The viewers for these stories could be your common level of contact or a direct supervisor in order that the evaluation will be extra in-depth.
For accounts with a excessive quantity of knowledge (which can additionally coincide with larger budgets), it’s pretty widespread to see traits seem week over week.
- Name these out, any causes for the shifts, and any motion objects that could be wanted.
- It’s also possible to present a fast month-over-month comparability to take a look at the broader image.
For accounts with decrease budgets or much less knowledge out there (like in case you goal a distinct segment business), week-over-week shifts won’t be as prevalent.
- Strive to not overreact to minor shifts on this state of affairs, as knowledge might be skewed by the quick timeframe you’re taking a look at.
- Instance: 2 conversions final week vs. 3 conversions the week prior is a 33% lower, however the general quantity is comparable. A 33% lower for an account averaging 100 conversions per week might be way more alarming although.
- As a substitute, I like to recommend taking a look at a month-to-date comparability to the earlier month to present you a greater concept of how efficiency is trending over time (e.g., 10/1–10/12 vs. 9/1–9/12).
- You might additionally examine to the earlier interval if it’s longer than every week (e.g., 10/1–10/12 vs. 9/19–9/30).
The largest differentiator for weekly stories is that you may dig deeper into the account. Hone in on particular key phrases and audiences which are seeing a shift. Notice any latest modifications you made or duties you’re actively engaged on to enhance short-term efficiency.
- In different phrases, get a little bit extra into the nitty gritty. Because you’re most likely delivering this to somebody you’re employed with usually, they don’t essentially have to be reminded of the longer-term targets each week (although that ought to nonetheless be stored in thoughts).
These identical ideas apply in case you do biweekly or mid-month reporting as an alternative of weekly stories, and the ultimate product could look one thing like this:
Month-to-month stories
Month-to-month stories needs to be a staple for any digital marketer. Your viewers is probably going the identical as weekly stories, however they may be despatched to different stakeholders you don’t work with continuously.
Begin by evaluating efficiency to the earlier month and supply insights primarily based on that month-over-month knowledge. You don’t must go as in-depth as a weekly report, although – broaden your focus to what had probably the most impression.
- Instance: As a substitute of highlighting particular key phrases/audiences, name out the advert group or marketing campaign.
- There could also be instances when that you must present extra element, significantly if efficiency worsens, however on the whole, this will function an excellent framework.
When you’ve accomplished a month-over-month comparability, examine your efficiency to the earlier yr. Are you beating final yr’s benchmarks? If not, why? It is a nice solution to maintain your self accountable and establish alternatives for the longer term.
- 12 months-over-year evaluation can be pretty temporary. You continue to need to give perception into modifications which are impacting efficiency, however a fast abstract ought to suffice.
The important thing with month-to-month stories is to investigate efficiency with medium- and long-term targets in thoughts. Folks receiving the report don’t essentially must know the nice particulars – simply the important thing factors.
- Instance: Noting that you just up to date advert copy and CTR elevated general as an alternative of itemizing every particular person headline change.
The ultimate product could look one thing like this:
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Quarterly stories
One other widespread reporting time is at first of every quarter. Just like the distinction between weekly and month-to-month stories, these analyses ought to have a longer-term perspective.
Nevertheless, quarterly stories are additionally extra prone to be seen by higher-ups, like VPs, Administrators, and C-level executives. It’s vital to strategy these like an govt abstract due to this.
In your evaluation, focus extra on the account’s long-term technique, profitability, and so forth. Executives possible aren’t as anxious about effectivity and engagement metrics (like click-through fee and common price per click on) until these have been outlined as core KPIs or had a serious contribution to general account progress.
That is very true for any charts, graphs, or different visualizations you embrace within the report.
The comparability interval must also be the earlier quarter and the earlier yr.
- Instance: In case you’re doing a quarterly report for This autumn 2023, examine that to each Q3 2023 and This autumn 2022.
The ultimate product could look one thing like this:
Annual stories
Lastly, annual stories can be utilized to summarize main initiatives all year long. The individuals you ship this to will possible be much like your quarterly stories, so the strategy must also be comparable.
The principle emphasis needs to be whether or not or not firm/department-wide targets have been achieved.
- Examine efficiency to the earlier yr and be aware any main wins or areas for enchancment.
- Define your highest impression initiatives from the previous 12 months, what went properly, and what you’ll have accomplished in a different way.
This provides you a roadmap for the approaching yr whereas additionally highlighting success, and the ultimate product could look one thing like this:
Tailoring your PPC evaluation: Insights for each reporting cycle
Efficient PPC reporting is a matter of timing and viewers. Tailoring your evaluation to the appropriate timeframe is important.
The largest distinction between weekly, month-to-month, and quarterly stories is the quantity of element it’s best to go into.
- Weekly stories are probably the most in-depth, specializing in particular short-term updates.
- Month-to-month stories are essential to understanding medium- and long-term efficiency, with barely much less element wanted than weekly stories.
- Quarterly stories take a higher-level have a look at key traits unfolding all year long.
- Annual stories summarize main initiatives, with the principle emphasis being on firm/department-wide targets for the yr.
Readability, relevance, and actionable insights are key to PPC reporting success. Join knowledge to real-world implications, converse your viewers’s language, and refine your reporting abilities to make a distinction in your paid media efforts.
Dig deeper: How to improve PPC campaign performance: A checklist
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