Sabotaging your marketing effort with flawed insights
In the dynamic world of online marketing, data is king. It informs strategy, reveals consumer behavior, and, when used effectively, can be the difference between success and failure. However, recent challenges, such as iOS 14.5 updates and the disappearance of third-party cookies, have thrown a wrench in the works, creating a massive disparity between the data marketers see and the reality of the performance of your marketing initiatives. This situation raises a critical question: Are we blindly trusting misleading ad managers and inadvertently undermining our marketing efforts with flawed insights?
The challenges.
Recent developments have significantly challenged the digital landscape. Apple’s iOS 14.5 update introduced App Tracking Transparency, requiring apps to obtain user permission to track data across different companies’ websites and apps. This impacts ad platforms, like Meta and Google, that are heavily dependent on this type of data for proper tracking.
Further complicating matters, Google follows Apple’s Safari and Mozilla’s Firefox in phasing out third-party cookies in various browsers. These cookies, fundamental to online advertising, aided in ad targeting, user tracking, and measuring digital campaigns’ effectiveness. Their removal disrupts established advertising systems, making marketers seek alternative methods to engage consumers, gauge campaign success, and comply with privacy standards in a world without third-party cookies.
The illusion of reliable data.
If you frequently interact with ad managers, you’re likely familiar with this puzzling scenario: you’re achieving a Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) that should have a positive impact on your results, but when you increase budgets, there’s no corresponding increase in revenue or profit. Why is that?
Ad managers, such as Google and Meta Ads, have traditionally been the cornerstone of online marketing strategy. Yet, current challenges mean that these platforms now only track between 20 to 40% of data. To fill in the gaps, they rely heavily on predictive analytics, which often attributes more value to their platforms than is the case. Meaning your ROAS of 6 or more is in reality no higher than 3.
The result? A skewed perspective can lead to poorly informed decision-making, unnecessary expenditure of marketing budgets, and disappointing outcomes.
The unseen consequences of misleading data.
With such a substantial portion of data obscured, marketers can unwittingly base crucial decisions on incomplete and misleading insights. Over time, this reliance on flawed data leads to a significant decrease in marketing efficiency, with strategies not delivering the desired outcomes. It’s a classic case of ‘garbage in, garbage out.’ Inaccurate input inevitably leads to erroneous output, creating a ripple effect that can detrimentally impact a brand’s growth and success.
Navigating the data minefield.
The current data landscape might seem daunting, but solutions are already here and can illuminate the path forward. Through strong first-party tracking and AI-driven attribution modeling, we can regain control over our data and form full-funnel strategies that drive long-term growth.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that informed decisions stem from accurate data. By focusing on delivering reliable, actionable insights, we help businesses craft marketing strategies that are truly reflective of marketing performance and consumer behavior.
Our solution uses a first-party tracking pixel and a robust AI algorithm to gather accurate, cross-channel data. This comprehensive approach ensures our marketers can allocate resources effectively, reaching potential and current customers at every stage of their journey. Convert today, and build demand for the future.
In the current digital landscape, the statement “data is king” still holds true. But it’s time to add a caveat: “Only if it’s accurate”. Without accurate data, you’re just another person with an opinion.
As we grapple with the data deception crisis, it’s clear that trusting misleading ad managers can sabotage your marketing efforts. However, by embracing innovative solutions and utilizing technological advances, you can navigate the challenges of this new landscape, make informed decisions, and achieve your marketing goals.
