Which Metrics to Track in Your Creative Business with Kelsey Silver

How to Track the Right Metrics Without Getting Overwhelmed

Let’s be real—when you hear the phrase metrics to track, does your creative brain start to shut down? You’re not alone. In my recent podcast episode with Kelsey Silver, we dug into why so many creative entrepreneurs resist data and how to shift that resistance into curiosity. Kelsey, a trauma-informed data analyst and former therapist (yes, you read that right), breaks it down in the most intuitive way possible. If you’ve ever felt like data tracking was cold and corporate, you’ll love how she flips that narrative.

Instead of tracking a million vanity metrics that don’t move the needle, Kelsey recommends simplifying it to just five categories: lead generation, nurture, sales, delivery, and revenue. One metric to track in each category. That’s it. For example, if you’re a photographer booking 3 sessions a week, your delivery metric might simply be: “How many sessions did I actually complete this month?” It’s simple, clear, and so much more aligned with how we think as creatives.

A DIFFERENT Way to Look at Metrics

What stood out most was the reminder that data is just a story. You get to decide what you want to ask your business and which numbers will help answer that. And the coolest part? You can literally customize the way data looks—use calming colors, eliminate anxiety-inducing red/yellow visuals, or use metaphors like painting a picture with numbers. It’s all about making metrics make sense for your brain.

We also touched on how to use curiosity to iterate. Noticing that a certain reel is converting? Ask why. Look for patterns, not perfection. This was such a game-changer. Kelsey’s framework gives you permission to experiment and stay in creative flow while still making strategic moves. And if you’re into woo (like I am), you’ll love her take on how intuition, Human Design, and astrology are simply more data you can use to make aligned decisions.

Bottom line? You don’t need to track everything—you just need to track the right things. And when you approach it with intention and curiosity, it becomes a superpower instead of a stressor.

Q1: What are the most important metrics to track for creative entrepreneurs?

A: Start with just five—one each for lead generation, nurture, sales, delivery, and revenue. These will give you a holistic picture without overwhelm.

Q2: What if data stresses me out or I don’t understand it?

A: That’s totally valid. Customize how you visualize data (yes, even the colors) and shift your mindset to curiosity instead of judgment. Think of your metrics as a story your business is telling you.

Q3: Can I integrate woo like astrology or intuition into tracking my business?

A: 100%. Kelsey frames intuition, Human Design, and astrology as additional data sources to help you interpret the numbers in a more holistic way.