Email Marketing Bible · 10 of 16

Analytics and measurement

Track the few numbers that matter and read them with their limits in mind.

What you will be able to do

  • Choose a small set of metrics
  • Know what each metric can mislead you about
  • Set up a regular review

Core metrics

Hard and soft bounce rate, unsubscribe rate, complaint rate, click rate, replies and conversions.

Limits

Opens are a weak signal. Rates on small lists swing widely. Compare like with like and look at trends, not single sends.

Your own baseline

Industry averages depend on list and sector; build your own baseline over several sends.

Review

A monthly look at bounces, complaints and conversions, with a note of changes you made.

Your output: checklist

  • ☐ Calculate hard bounce rate for the last three sends
  • ☐ Track unsubscribes and complaints per send
  • ☐ Record changes alongside results
  • ☐ Hold a monthly review