Determining the incremental increase in sales due to a specific marketing activity or promotion involves comparing sales figures during the promotional period with a baseline period. This baseline could represent sales data from a comparable time frame prior to the promotion, sales in a control group not exposed to the promotion, or a combination of both. For example, if baseline sales are 100 units and sales during the promotion reach 120 units, the incremental increase is 20 units. This increase is typically then expressed as a percentage of the baseline, in this case, a 20% rise.
Understanding the effectiveness of marketing efforts is essential for optimizing resource allocation and maximizing return on investment. Quantifying the impact of specific campaigns provides valuable data for future planning, allowing businesses to refine strategies and focus on activities proven to drive revenue growth. Historically, attributing changes in sales to particular promotions relied on less precise methods, but advances in data analysis now allow for more granular measurement and clearer insights. This analysis helps separate organic growth from promotion-driven increases, leading to more informed decision-making.