If you’re running a dealership, chances are your marketing team or agency is sending you a stream of numbers every month.

Clicks. Impressions. Reach. Bounce rates. CTR.

On paper, it all looks impressive. But here’s the issue: most of those metrics don’t sell cars. They’re just noise unless they connect directly to what matters — real sales and service revenue.

At Studio19, we’ve worked with dealerships nationwide, and the pattern is clear. Too many stores are focused on the wrong KPIs, then left wondering why marketing isn’t moving the needle.

Let’s break it down.

The 5 Metrics Dealerships Track Most Often

1. Clicks

Clicks can seem like a good sign. They show people are engaging with your ads. But if that click doesn’t turn into a lead or a customer, it’s just a number.

2. Impressions

Impressions count how often your ad is shown. But reach means little in automotive unless it drives someone to take action.

3. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

A high CTR might look good in a report, but it doesn’t pay the bills. Campaigns with high CTRs can still result in zero sales.

4. Time on Site

It’s helpful to know visitors are browsing your site. But if that visit doesn’t lead to a form fill, phone call, or showroom visit, it’s not meaningful.

5. Cost Per Click (CPC)

Low CPC might feel like a win. But if the traffic isn’t qualified or serious about buying, it’s just wasted spend.

The 3 Metrics That Matter Most

1. Ad-Attributed Sales

This is the true north. Can you connect a sale to a specific ad or campaign? Studio19 links every ad to your DMS so you can see what’s driving results.

2. Revenue Generated

Track real revenue, not just leads. Measure gross profit from sales, trade-ins, and service tied to your marketing.

3. Cost Per Sale

Stop focusing on clicks. What matters is how much it costs to bring in a confirmed buyer. That’s your real return.

What Makes Studio19 Different?

Most agencies and vendors deliver surface-level metrics. Studio19 delivers clarity.

We integrate directly with your DMS, showing you which ads lead to real outcomes. Not just engagement, but purchases. Not just traffic, but profit.

And because it’s autonomous, our platform monitors and improves your campaigns continuously, so your performance gets better over time without adding more work to your plate.

The next time someone hands you a long marketing report, ask this question:

Which of these metrics helped me sell more cars this month?

If the answer isn’t obvious, it’s time to rethink how you measure success.

Book a demo at studio19.io