Cause and effect are the holy grail of marketing. Figure out what got someone to make a purchase, and you’ve got the whole problem licked. Marketers know the “what” is usually many things — an ad, a recommendation, earned media and much more. 

Multi-touch attribution systems were supposed to tell us what went into the “what.” MarTech contributor Tom Leonard explains why they don’t and what you need to use instead.

Constantine von Hoffman
Managing Editor

 
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Marketing attribution

It’s time to move on from multi-touch attribution

Marketing-analytics-and-attribution-concept

MTA promises precise measurement, but delivers complexity and confusion. It's time to replace it with incrementality testing and MMM.

Marketing attribution

CFOs want hard numbers, not brand vibes

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Brand spend is no longer safe. Marketers must defend it with data, strategy and CFO-ready evidence — or watch it disappear.

MarTechCharts

Homegrown martech tools are making a comeback

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There’s been a surge in homegrown martech tools in the past year, and AI is almost certainly the reason why.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

Beyond ChatGPT: How AI agents actually work (and why your business needs them)

AI-agents-concept-in-marketing

While most companies are still figuring out ChatGPT, a new category of AI is quietly transforming customer experience: AI agents.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

7 tips for getting started with AI agents and automations

Marketing-AI-agents-concept

AI-powered automation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are actionable tips to start small and scale thoughtfully.

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Marketing technology

Why ‘head of marketing’ is the most misunderstood title in startups

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Startups love to give flashy titles to hungry marketers — without mentorship, power or a seat at the table. This costs everyone.

MarTech intelligence reports

Marketing automation: overloaded, underutilized, and overdue for a reset

Time-for-a-new-Marketing-Automation-Platform-Download-the-MarTech-Guide-1

It’s the backbone of your martech stack—and yet, marketing automation platforms are the most replaced tools five years running. Why? Because too many overpromise, under-integrate, and get sidelined by budget scrutiny.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

Marketers have lots of AI, but not enough direction

AI-B2B-marketer-using-AI

Most teams lack an AI roadmap or strategy, and most companies lack the policies and procedures needed to implement the technology effectively.

What else we're reading

Good reads and conversations to help good marketers get better.
 

MarTech research

Surveys and research reports to make you a more-informed marketer
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MarTech Intelligence Reports are in-depth, independent and indispensable. They’re designed to help marketers navigate the martech landscape with questions to ask during the buying process, vendor profiles and more.

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What they're saying

  • “Multi-touch attribution overpromises and underdelivers. The sooner marketing leaders accept that attribution cannot solve the question of incremental impact, the sooner they can invest in measurement approaches that drive better business outcomes and let them build marketing programs that are profit centers.” – Tom Leonard in It’s time to move on from multi-touch attribution.
  • “With every marketing dollar under scrutiny, the ability to measure brand’s impact is a strategic edge. By choosing the proper methods, aligning with business goals and investing in analytics, you can move beyond gut feel — proving brand value and securing long-term investment.” – Matt Wakeman in CFOs want hard numbers, not brand vibes
 

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