The 5 Numbers Every Creative Business Should Track

Creative Minds, Smart Money: Finance & Business Tips for Creatives

KPIs get tossed around a lot—but most creatives aren’t told which ones actually matter or how to use them.

In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we break down KPIs in plain English and turn them into decision-making shortcuts. You’ll learn how to pick a small set of metrics that fit your business model, track them without drowning in spreadsheets, and use them to improve pricing, delivery, delegation, and profit.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ What a KPI really is and why it must be tied to a goal and an action

✅ Core KPIs every business should know: net profit margin, owner’s pay %, average client value, offer profitability, operating expense %

✅ Creative-industry KPIs to consider (designers, photographers, social managers, course creators, influencers)

✅ How to choose your 3–5 KPIs using simple prompts you can revisit monthly

✅ The danger of vanity metrics (likes, follower counts, top-line revenue, “busy = successful”) and what to track instead

✅ How to make KPIs visible and useful with a lightweight monthly cadence

If you’ve ever wondered whether your effort is actually moving the needle, these KPIs will give you clarity and control without turning you into a spreadsheet queen.

🎧 Hit play now and set up KPIs that fit your business, your brain, and your goals.

🔗 Resources & Links

Website: https://www.firestormfinance.com/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/

Newsletter: https://firestormfinance.myflodesk.com/ajmiv1kyt1

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📢 If this episode helped you focus on what really matters, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help more creatives make confident money moves.