What is ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)?

Also known as: Return on advertising spend, Advertising return

Definition

ROAS is the ratio between revenue and ad spend — usually expressed as a multiple: a ROAS of 4 means every €1 of ad spend generates €4 in revenue.

In-depth explanation

ROAS is the most-used KPI for paid social campaigns with a sales goal. A ROAS of 2+ is often seen as the minimum (you double your spend), 4+ as good, 10+ as excellent (typical for e-commerce with high margins).

ROAS vs ROI: ROAS only looks at revenue vs ad spend, while ROI also factors in costs (production, margin, agency fees). A ROAS of 4 with a 25% product margin = a net loss; a ROAS of 4 with a 70% margin = profit. Agencies should talk this through with clients so expectations line up.

Example from agency practice

The agency runs an Instagram ads campaign for client "Shoe Store": a €2,000 budget generates €8,000 in revenue = a ROAS of 4. The client is happy — the average product margin is 60%, so a ROAS of 4 = profit.

Especially relevant for

  • Ads specialists
  • Strategists
  • Agency clients
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