When you’re building a business, there are a million things you could do — post on social media, start a newsletter, launch offers, build funnels, write blogs…
But how do you know what’s actually working?
Where should you focus your time and energy?
What’s bringing in results — and what’s just noise?
Knowing what’s working (and what’s not) helps you make better decisions, grow faster, and avoid burnout.
In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate your business activities clearly and make smart, strategic moves based on real data — not guesswork.
Why You Can’t Grow on Guessing Alone
In the early stages of your business, it’s normal to try different things. But at some point, you need to track what works.
Why? Because:
- Time is limited — you want to spend it wisely
- Not all tasks produce the same results
- Growth without clarity can lead to burnout
- Guessing leads to wasted effort
- Data builds confidence and direction
Let’s break down how to assess what’s working in your business — with calm, strategy, and intention.
1. Define What “Working” Means to You
Before measuring anything, you need to define success — on your own terms.
Ask yourself:
- What are my current business goals?
- What does success look like this month or quarter?
- What kind of results matter most to me right now?
Your definition of “what’s working” might include:
- More sales
- More qualified leads
- More email subscribers
- More engagement
- Increased visibility
- More free time
- Stronger client results
There’s no wrong answer. Just be clear — so you’re not chasing someone else’s version of success.
2. Track Your Key Metrics Consistently
You can’t evaluate what you don’t track.
Choose 3–5 key metrics that align with your goals. Examples:
- Revenue
- Number of sales or clients
- Website traffic
- Email list growth
- Social media reach or engagement
- Discovery call bookings
- Average order value
- Client feedback or testimonials
Track these weekly or monthly in a simple spreadsheet or dashboard.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s consistency.
Patterns will emerge when you track regularly.
3. Use a “Start – Stop – Keep” Review
This simple reflection exercise helps you assess what’s working and what’s not:
- Start: What new ideas or strategies could I try based on my current results?
- Stop: What feels like it’s draining time or producing little return?
- Keep: What’s working well and deserves more attention or refinement?
Do this review monthly or quarterly. It helps you pivot wisely — instead of changing things randomly.
4. Evaluate Each Business Area Separately
Break your business down into key areas and assess them individually:
1. Marketing:
- Which channels bring in the most leads?
- Which types of content perform best?
- Are you growing steadily or plateauing?
2. Sales & Offers:
- Which offers sell best?
- Where do your sales come from?
- How do clients find you?
3. Client Experience:
- What feedback are you getting?
- Are clients returning or referring others?
- Are you delivering results with ease?
4. Operations:
- Are your systems working smoothly?
- What causes bottlenecks or stress?
- Are you spending time on tasks that could be automated or delegated?
This helps you spot what’s thriving — and what needs support.
5. Ask Your Audience and Clients Directly
Sometimes, the clearest feedback comes from simply asking.
Try:
- Client feedback forms
- Polls in your stories
- A quick email survey
- Asking on a discovery call: “What made you reach out?”
Questions you can ask:
- “What content has helped you the most?”
- “How did you find me?”
- “Why did you choose to work with me?”
- “What almost stopped you from buying?”
These insights help you refine your message and focus your marketing efforts.
6. Use UTM Links and Simple Analytics
If you’re sharing links online (in emails, stories, bios, etc.), use UTM links — they let you see where traffic and conversions are really coming from.
Tools like:
- Google Analytics
- Bitly
- Email marketing platforms (ConvertKit, MailerLite, etc.)
- Link in bio tools (Linktree, Stan, Beacons)
These tools show what’s driving clicks, sign-ups, and purchases — so you’re not just guessing based on likes or comments.
7. Pay Attention to Energy vs. Results
Not everything that works feels good — and not everything that feels good gets results.
Ask:
- What activities feel aligned and energizing?
- What drains me consistently?
- What brings joy and business growth?
The best strategies are the ones you’ll keep doing — because they feel sustainable and authentic.
Aim to find your sweet spot: where results and energy align.
8. Review Content Performance Regularly
Look at your content — not just what’s popular, but what converts.
Examples:
- Which posts brought in replies, DMs, or sign-ups?
- Which blogs rank well or get consistent traffic?
- Which videos led to sales?
Don’t get distracted by vanity metrics (likes, views). Focus on:
- Engagement that leads to relationships
- Visibility that leads to leads
- Value that builds trust
Quality over quantity — always.
9. Know What Season You’re In
Different seasons require different focus.
Are you in a season of:
- Launching something new?
- Growing your audience?
- Refining your systems?
- Resting and recalibrating?
- Scaling what’s already working?
Not all progress looks like profit. Sometimes what’s working is internal growth, not external numbers.
Honor the season you’re in — and assess success accordingly.
10. Make Decisions Based on Data — Not Drama
When things feel slow, it’s easy to spiral into:
- “Nothing is working.”
- “I should start over.”
- “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”
But when you pause and look at your numbers, you often realize:
- Something is working — just quietly
- A small tweak could change everything
- You’ve made more progress than you thought
Let data guide your next step — not emotion alone.