How to Know If Your Marketing Is Actually Working
You’re posting on social, sending emails, maybe even investing in SEO or ads… but how do you know if it’s actuallyworking?
Good news: You don’t have to be a data nerd to figure it out. Tracking your marketing success is simpler than you think—as long as you focus on the right numbers.
Whether you’re DIY-ing your marketing or working with someone like me (hi!), these are the metrics that matter most for small businesses.
The Key Marketing Metrics You Should Be Tracking
1. Website Traffic
Your website is home base. If more people are visiting your site over time, something’s working—whether it’s your SEO, ads, or social content.
Check it: Google Analytics or your website dashboard
2. Email Open Rates & Clicks
Are people actually opening your emails? Are they clicking through to shop, book, or read more?
Good email engagement = loyal, ready-to-buy subscribers.
Check it: Flodesk, Mailchimp, or your platform’s analytics tab
3. Social Media Saves, Shares & DMs
Likes are easy to scroll past—but saves, shares, and direct messages mean people are truly connecting with your content.
Check it: Instagram Insights or Facebook Business Suite
4. Conversions (a.k.a. Your Bottom Line)
Are people taking action? Whether that’s buying, booking, inquiring, or subscribing—that’s the ultimate goal.
This is where marketing meets money.
Check it: Website orders, booking tools, or lead inquiries
Bonus: Where Do You Start If You’re Not Tracking Anything?
If this all feels a little overwhelming, start with two simple questions:
Am I getting more leads, bookings, or sales than I was a month ago?
Are people engaging with my content more consistently?
If the answer is no—or “I’m not sure”—you’re not failing. You just need clarity.
Why It Matters
When you know what’s working, you can double down.
When you know what’s not, you can pivot before wasting more time or money.
That’s smart marketing.
At Oak Street Marketing, I help small business owners cut through the noise and track what actually matters—so you’re not just posting into the void.
Want help measuring your marketing success and building a strategy that works? Book a Call, and let’s make your numbers meaningful.
