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3 examples of Cost metrics and KPIs

What are Cost metrics?

Finding the right Cost metrics can be daunting, especially when you're busy working on your day-to-day tasks. This is why we've curated a list of examples for your inspiration.

Copy these examples into your preferred tool, or adopt Tability to ensure you remain accountable.

Find Cost metrics with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI metrics generator below to generate your own strategies.

Examples of Cost metrics and KPIs

Metrics for Cost-Effective SEO Linkbuilding

  • 1. Cost Per Link

    The average amount spent to acquire a single backlink. Calculated by dividing total linkbuilding costs by the number of acquired links.

    What good looks like for this metric: Between $100 and $500 USD

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Negotiate better rates with linkbuilding providers
    • Utilise content marketing to attract natural links
    • Focus on building relationships with niche influencers
    • Leverage guest posting opportunities
    • Optimise internal resources for linkbuilding efforts
  • 2. Domain Authority of Acquired Links

    The average domain authority (DA) of the websites providing backlinks. Higher DA indicates better quality links.

    What good looks like for this metric: DA 40+

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Target websites with high domain authority
    • Ensure content is highly relevant and valuable
    • Use tools like Moz or Ahrefs to check DA before outreach
    • Develop partnerships with authoritative sites
    • Create shareable and informative content
  • 3. Link Relevancy

    The relevance of the acquired backlinks to your website's niche. Measured by analysing the thematic similarities between the linking site and your own.

    What good looks like for this metric: 80%+ relevancy

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Identify niche-specific websites for linkbuilding
    • Create content that aligns with your target niche
    • Use outreach messages relevant to specific niches
    • Collaborate with niche influencers
    • Conduct detailed competitor backlink analysis
  • 4. Referral Traffic

    The quantity of traffic directed to your site from backlinks. Measured in terms of sessions or visits originating from referring sites.

    What good looks like for this metric: 10% of total traffic

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Focus on high-traffic websites for backlinks
    • Ensure backlinks are placed in high-visibility areas
    • Track and analyse referral traffic patterns
    • Optimise landing pages to convert referral traffic
    • Promote content on social media
  • 5. SERP Ranking Improvement

    The impact of linkbuilding on your site's search engine results page (SERP) rankings. Measured by the change in position of target keywords.

    What good looks like for this metric: 5+ position improvement

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks
    • Regularly update and optimise content
    • Use keywords strategically in anchor texts
    • Conduct periodic SERP analysis
    • Disavow low-quality or spammy backlinks

Metrics for Operations Efficiency

  • 1. Operational Cost Ratio

    The ratio of operational costs to total revenue, used to determine the cost-effectiveness of operations

    What good looks like for this metric: 25-35%

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Automate manual processes
    • Negotiate better supplier contracts
    • Implement lean management techniques
    • Regularly review and adjust budgets
    • Reduce waste and inefficiencies
  • 2. Average Order Fulfilment Time

    The average time taken from receiving an order to its delivery, indicating the efficiency of the fulfilment process

    What good looks like for this metric: 24-48 hours

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Streamline warehouse processes
    • Enhance inventory management
    • Use reliable shipping partners
    • Adopt real-time tracking systems
    • Train staff for faster processing
  • 3. First Pass Yield

    The percentage of products manufactured correctly without any need for rework, showing the efficiency of the production process

    What good looks like for this metric: 95-99%

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Implement quality control measures
    • Use advanced manufacturing techniques
    • Provide ongoing employee training
    • Conduct regular equipment maintenance
    • Analyse and address defect trends
  • 4. Inventory Turnover Ratio

    The ratio of cost of goods sold to average inventory, indicating how efficiently inventory is managed

    What good looks like for this metric: 6-12 times per year

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Optimise inventory levels
    • Improve demand forecasting
    • Enhance supplier relationships
    • Implement just-in-time inventory systems
    • Increase marketing and sales efforts
  • 5. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT)

    A measure of customer satisfaction with the operational aspects of the company, usually gathered through surveys

    What good looks like for this metric: 80-90%

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Improve customer service training
    • Collect and act on customer feedback
    • Enhance product quality
    • Ensure timely delivery
    • Streamline return processes

Metrics for API Partnership Status

  • 1. Number of Active Partners

    The total count of partners currently integrated and actively using the API

    What good looks like for this metric: 75-80% of total partners

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Strengthen partner support and engagement
    • Implement regular check-ins
    • Develop partner loyalty programs
    • Enhance technical support resources
    • Utilise feedback for improvements
  • 2. Churn Rate

    Percentage of partners that stop using the API over a set period

    What good looks like for this metric: Below 5% annually

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Identify reasons for churn
    • Improve troubleshooting and issue resolution
    • Regularly update partners about new features
    • Provide personalised support
    • Analyse competition to improve offerings
  • 3. Number of Potential Partners

    The count of partners identified as potential candidates for API integration

    What good looks like for this metric: Increase by 15% annually

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Expand target market research
    • Enhance marketing strategies
    • Attend industry networking events
    • Offer incentives for referrals
    • Create tailored outreach campaigns
  • 4. Go-Live Success Rate

    Percentage of potential partners who successfully go live within the expected timeframe

    What good looks like for this metric: 90% successful go-live within agreed timeline

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Streamline onboarding process
    • Enhance technical onboarding support
    • Break down integration process into clear steps
    • Use project management tools for tracking
    • Conduct pre-launch reviews and tests
  • 5. Time to Market

    Average number of days taken for a partner to go from initial contact to full integration

    What good looks like for this metric: 45 days or less

    Ideas to improve this metric
    • Improve the efficiency of the approval process
    • Offer comprehensive technical documentation
    • Accelerate internal decision-making
    • Implement faster testing cycles
    • Provide dedicated onboarding facilitators

Tracking your Cost metrics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

More metrics recently published

We have more examples to help you below.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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