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Micro vs. macro conversions

Micro and macro conversions differ in their Significance for the business objective.


Macro conversions

These are the Main objectives. They directly generate sales or leads.

Examples:

  • Purchase in the online store
  • Send contact form
  • Request a quote
  • Book an appointment
  • Take out a subscription

👉 No business without macro conversions.


Micro-conversions or soft conversions

These are small intermediate steps, that lead to a macro conversion.

Examples:

  • Newsletter registration
  • Click on “Contact us”
  • Download a PDF
  • Start video
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page
  • Click on phone number

👉 Show micro conversions Interest and commitment.


Why both are important

  • Explain micro-conversions, Why Macro conversions occur or are missing
  • They help with the Optimization of websites, ads and newsletters
  • Particularly important for longer decision-making processes (B2B)

Practical example

Target: Quotation request (macro)

Typical way:

  1. Read blog article (micro)
  2. Download PDF (micro)
  3. Subscribe to newsletter (micro)
  4. Request a quote (macro)

Tracking in practice

  • Google Ads: Macro conversions for bidding, micro for analysis
  • GA4: Define both as events or conversions
  • Landing pages: Micro-conversions show optimization potential

Mnemonic

Macro conversions generate sales.
Micro-conversions show the way there.

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