Impression

The number of times content (an ad, email, post, or search result) is displayed, regardless of whether it was clicked.

What is an Impression?

An impression counts each time your content is displayed to a user, whether it’s an ad, social media post, search result, or email. It measures visibility, not engagement.

Impressions vs. Reach

Impressions: Total number of times content was displayed (includes repeat views)
Reach: Number of unique users who saw the content

If one person sees your ad 5 times, that’s 5 impressions but 1 reach.

Where Impressions Matter

Display Advertising: CPM (cost per thousand impressions) pricing
Social Media: Content visibility metrics
SEO: Search Console impressions data
Brand Awareness: Measuring exposure

Impression Quality

Not all impressions are equal. Consider viewability (was the ad actually seen?), ad placement, audience relevance, and whether impressions lead to downstream actions like clicks and conversions.

MORE DIGITAL MARKETING TERMS

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Brand Awareness

The extent to which consumers recognize and recall a brand, its products, and its unique attributes.

Content Management System (CMS)

Software that helps users create, manage, and modify website content without needing specialized technical knowledge.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Technology and strategies for managing all your company's interactions with current and potential customers.

Inbound Marketing

A strategy focused on attracting customers through valuable content and experiences rather than interruptive advertising.

Lead Generation

The process of attracting and converting strangers into potential customers who have shown interest in your products or services.

Lead Nurturing

The process of developing relationships with buyers at every stage of the sales funnel through targeted content and communication.

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