What are metrics? Definition and examples

Metrics are numbers and statistics that we use to measure or track performance. In a business, we use metrics to assess how well a department, production unit, sales team, or website has been performing. Put simply; it is a system of measurements.

When analyzed over time, metrics can provide predictive insights, helping businesses forecast trends and make proactive decisions.

Most people view metrics on an online dashboard. A dashboard is a graphical user interface that provides users with views of crucial performance statistics and indicators.

Metrics matter for many stakeholders

Analysts and webmasters review the dashboard regularly. Metrics are also of interest to key stakeholders such as customers, prospects (potential customers), middle and upper management, and investors. Stakeholders are people who have an interest in a company, organization, or other type of entity.

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Most business strategy decisions, in fact, are only made after a careful analysis of and discussion about the latest metrics.

Investopedia.com has the following definition of the term:

“Metrics are measures of quantitative assessment commonly used for assessing, comparing, and tracking performance or production.”

“Generally, a group of metrics will typically be used to build a dashboard that management or analysts review on a regular basis to maintain performance assessments, opinions, and business strategies.”

Why are they important for business success?

We use business metrics to encourage improvement. They also tell us where to focus our time, effort, and money. Which metrics you should employ may vary, depending on the kind of business you are in and the laws of your country. For safety, contractual, and legal purposes, some systems of measurement are compulsory.

In an article about the importance of metrics, isixsigma.com/ makes the following statement:

“Overall, metrics should reflect and support the various strategies for all aspects of the organization, including finance, marketing, competition, standards, or customer requirements and expectations. Metrics indicate the priorities of the company and provide a window on performance, ethos and ambition.”

If you have selected the right figures and statistics to analyze, they will tell you:

  • Where your business has been.
  • Where it is going.
  • What parts of it are doing well or badly.
  • How far your company is from its targets, goals, and objectives.

Metrics are crucial for salespeople

If you sell website advertising space, you will talk to potential clients. You will explain what benefits they will get by advertising on your site. Perhaps, for example, your visitors are similar to their target consumers.

If you work for an online gardening newspaper and you are talking to the Advertising Manager of Super Lawns Inc., who are sellers of lawn mowers, your visitors and their target consumers will be virtually identical. This means that if they advertise on your website, a major proportion of ad viewers and inquirers will be potential lawn mower purchasers.

If you don’t provide metrics during your presentation, the Ad Manager will either lose interest or ask for them. In fact, virtually nobody today will go ahead with any online advertising offer without having a careful look at the metrics.

The Ad Manager will want to know how many visitors you have, what your bounce rate is, as well as some conversion rates. Bounce rate refers to the percentage of people who leave your site rather than moving onto another page within it. Conversion rate, in this context, refers to the percentage of visitors or inquirers who buy something.

All these statistics are part of the metrics, i.e., numbers and statistics that show how well or badly your website performs. Interestingly, some CEOs have commented that knowing where things are wrong matter more than anything else.

Keep it simple

Don’t make the mistake of including too much in your metrics, or trying to make it look super-sophisticated. Only use relevant material, i.e., keep it as simple as you can.

You should be able to glance at it and get the relevant information you were looking for rapidly, and perhaps even instantly. If you want company employees, members of your team, investors, or customers to understand the contents of a dashboard, keep it simple.

You may, for example, be trying to persuade your team to adopt a new strategy. However, if they cannot fully appreciate why, your chances of succeeding will be slim.

It is essential to periodically review and adjust the metrics themselves to ensure they remain aligned with evolving business goals and market conditions.

“Metrics,” vocabulary and concepts

There are many derivative words in English related to “metric(s).” Let’s have a look at some of them, their meanings, and examples of their usage in a sentence:

  • Metric System (noun)

A decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter and the kilogram.
Example: “The metric system is used worldwide for scientific measurements.”

  • Metrication (noun)

The process of converting to the metric system of measurement.
Example: “The metrication of the United Kingdom was a gradual process that took several years.”

  • Metrics (noun, plural)

Measurements or quantifiable data used to track performance or production.
Example: “The company focuses on key performance metrics to evaluate success.”

  • Metrology (noun)

The scientific study of measurement.
Example: “Metrology is fundamental in manufacturing for ensuring product specifications are met.”

  • Metric Space (noun)

In mathematics, a set where a distance (called a metric) is defined between elements of the set.
Example: “A metric space provides a formal framework for discussing continuity and limits.”

  • Metricize (verb)

To convert to or express in metric units.
Example: “The new international partnership required the company to metricize its production data.”

  • Metrically (adverb)

In a way that pertains to the metric system.
Example: “The dimensions were given metrically, in centimeters and meters.”

  • Biometric (adjective)

Relating to or involving the application of statistical analysis to biological data.
Example: “Biometric security measures include fingerprint scanning and facial recognition.”

  • Telemetric (adjective)

Pertaining to the remote measurement and transmission of data.
Example: “Telemetric devices are commonly used in monitoring patients’ vital signs.”

Metrics vs. econometrics

  • Econometrics

This term refers to the application of statistical and mathematical methods to describe economic systems. It also involves using statistical and mathematical theories to test hypotheses and forecast future trends.

  • Metrics

A set of statistics and numbers that tell us about a company’s performance or a specific function or activity. Metrics provide information on how well or badly we are doing and whether we are going the right way.

Two Educational Videos

These two interesting videos come from our sister channel on YouTube – Marketing Business Network. One explains what the term “Metrics” means, and the other is all about “Econometrics.” Both videos use easy-to-understand vocabulary and examples.

  • What are Metrics?

  • What is Econometrics?