In more detail
The word "key" matters. Not every number is a KPI. A KPI is the handful of metrics you actually decide on, the ones tied directly to what you are trying to achieve. If your goal is brand awareness, reach and impressions are KPIs. If your goal is sales, click-through rate and conversions are KPIs. Vanity metrics like raw follower counts can look good while telling you nothing about progress, so good KPIs connect to a real outcome and usually have a target attached, like "grow engagement rate to 5 percent this quarter."
Example
A small business wants more website traffic from Instagram. They pick two KPIs: link clicks and click-through rate. In month one they get 200 clicks at a 2 percent click-through rate. They set a target of 300 clicks and 3 percent for month two, then track those two numbers instead of obsessing over likes.
FAQ