The Definitive Guide to Marketing Analytics and Metrics (Collection)

Foreword

Despite its importance, marketing is one of the least understood, least measurable functions at many companies. With sales force costs, it accounts for 10 percent or more of operating budgets at a wide range of public firms. Its effectiveness is fundamental to stock market valuations, which often rest upon aggressive assumptions for customer acquisition and organic growth. Nevertheless, many corporate boards lack the understanding to evaluate marketing strategies and expenditures. Most directors—and a rising percentage of Fortune 500 CEOs—lack deep experience in this field.

Marketing executives, for their part, often fail to develop the quantitative, analytical skills needed to manage productivity. Right-brain thinkers may devise creative ...