What is first-party data? Prized for its accuracy, first-party data refers to information that a company collects directly from its own audience or customers. This data is accessed by the owner of the digital property a user clicks on or interacts with such as websites, apps, ecommerce channels, or a brand’s other interactive touchpoints. 

How does first-party data work? Marketers can harness first-party data to enhance their marketing efforts in several key ways. They can precisely target their ads towards specific audiences, taking into account demographics, interests, and other factors, ensuring that their ads reach those most likely to be interested. 

Additionally, first-party data allows for the personalization of the customer experience, tailoring content and offers to individual interests, thereby bolstering customer engagement and loyalty. 

Lastly, first-party data aids in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns through the monitoring of customer behavior and conversions, providing valuable insights to refine future campaigns.

Types of first-party data:

• Customer contact information: First-party data can include customer contact information, such as name, email address, and phone number.
• Demographic information: First-party data can include demographic information, such as age, gender, and location.
• Purchase history: First-party data can include purchase history, such as the products a customer has purchased and the amount of money they have spent.
• Website behavior: First-party data can include website behavior, such as the pages a customer has visited and the products they have viewed.
• Customer feedback: First-party data can include customer feedback, such as survey responses and customer support tickets.

How to measure first-party data:

First-party data can be gathered through a range of techniques, including customer surveys that collect information on demographics and interests. Website analytics tools track user behavior on the company’s website, revealing how users interact and their content preferences. 

Additionally, CRM systems monitor customer interactions like sales calls and emails, offering insights into the customer journey and areas for enhancing the overall experience.

Why is first-party data important to marketers?

First-party data is important to marketers because it is the most accurate and reliable type of data. First-party data is also becoming increasingly important as third-party cookies are being phased out.

By collecting and using first-party data, marketers can improve their marketing campaigns, target their ads to specific audiences, personalize the customer experience, and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.

Who needs to know what first-party data is:

• Digital marketing manager
• Paid search specialist
• Social media manager
• Content marketing manager
• Affiliate manager
• E-commerce manager
• Product manager
• Marketing analyst
• Brand manager

Use first-party data in a sentence: “As Third-Party cookies fade away, First-Party Data becomes increasingly valuable for brands and publishers who appreciate their direct audience connections and the insights they provide.”