What is a KPI?
KPI definition: KPI is an acronym for Key Performance Indicator; it is a metric that shows the progress (or lack thereof) for an area of business.
Marketers use KPIs to benchmark the success of their campaigns and test. These will be discussed beforehand and used to determine success.
KPIs will vary based on the campaign, platform, and style of marketing being used; the KPIs needed for social media will differ from those needed for PPC advertising.
Common KPIs include:
- Conversion rates
- Engagement rates
- Website traffic
- Product sales
For example…
Shopify has launched a YouTube channel. They might set KPIs based on:
- Views
- Channel subscriptions
To determine whether YouTube is a worthwhile endeavor.

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Additional resources about KPI
- What is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)?
- 18 Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Examples Defined
- 27 Examples of Key Performance Indicators