Overview
Basic signals—reach/impressions, engagements, clicks, and follower change—explain most outcomes. You rarely need more than these to understand trend direction.
Treat ratios (e.g., engagement rate) as context, not the headline. Absolute volume still matters for awareness.
Key Ideas
- Reach/Impressions show exposure; engagements show resonance.
- Clicks bridge social activity to destination interest.
- Follower change is slow-moving but a helpful confidence check.
- Use rolling averages to reduce noise on small accounts.
Simple Flow
- Start with reach/impressions to gauge exposure.
- Check engagements to confirm resonance.
- Look at clicks for intent, if available.
- Cross-check follower change for sustained impact.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between reach and impressions? Reach generally counts unique viewers; impressions count total views. Always follow each platform’s definition.
- Should I optimize for engagement rate or volume? New brands often prioritize volume for discovery; mature brands balance both depending on goals.