Simulated data · an independent leadership prototype← davidwilliscreative.com

.david willis
Performance

The creative performance loop

Set the learning agenda by funnel stage, tag every variation, trace results back to the creative elements behind them, and feed what was learned into the next brief. Pipeline and quality sit behind the loop.

Step 1

Set the learning agenda

Each test names the question it answers and the KPI for its funnel stage.

14 tests across 7 platforms · 3 running

Step 2

Build and tag variations

Testing dimensions are built into the concepts, and every asset is tagged to a shared ad taxonomy.

71% of assets tagged · 7 of 10 accounts tagged

Step 3

Trace results to creative

Results are read against control, by element, so a win says which hook, talent or format did the work.

64% win rate · +19% average winning lift

Step 4 · back to 1

Feed the next brief

AI synthesizes the read into learnings and brief inputs, so the next round starts smarter.

6 learnings · reused 11 times · AI brief refinement in pilot

Learning agenda by funnel stage

Each test sits in the stage its primary KPI measures. Creative and success measures differ by stage.

StageKPIs in useReadWonWin rateRunning
AwarenessBrand lift11100%0
ConsiderationCost per SQL2150%0
ConversionCPA, IPM, CPI, CAC, ROAS8563%3

Gap to close: the agenda leans toward conversion. Upper-funnel creative needs its own tests and measures, like brand lift and view-through, not conversion KPIs.

Concept hit rate, Q3Media
29%
Target 30%. Share of new concepts that beat control
Test win rate
64%
7 won of 11 read · a win needs 90%+ confidence
Average winning lift
+19%
On each test's primary KPI
Wearing out
3
Winners losing their signal

Hit rate by platform

Q3 · the mark is the 30% target

  • Meta · 41 concepts34%
  • Pinterest · 13 concepts31%
  • TikTok · 34 concepts29%
  • AppLovin · 22 concepts27%
  • LinkedIn · 17 concepts24%
  • YouTube · 18 concepts22%
  • Snap · 11 concepts18%

Wearing out

Signal down 15%+ at frequency above 3

Feeds the next brief

Learnings synthesized from the read, to reuse across accounts and pitches

Testing framework →
  • UGCReused on 3 accounts

    Creator-led room makeovers beat brand edits on CPA by 31%.

    Source: Atlas Home
  • Mobile appReused on 2 accounts

    Playable end cards lift IPM about 24% on AppLovin. Reuse the template across titles.

    Source: Pulse Games
  • B2BReused on 1 account

    A practitioner talking head beats polished brand video for LinkedIn cost per SQL (−22%).

    Source: Vantix Cloud
  • TalentNot reused yet

    Expert talent wins on Meta ROAS for beauty, but creator talent still wins on TikTok.

    Source: Lumora Beauty
  • FormatReused on 1 account

    Price-forward statics beat 6s video for subscription acquisition at Kinfolk.

    Source: Kinfolk Pet
  • NativeReused on 4 accounts

    Platform-native captions lift TikTok CPI about 18% over branded supers.

    Source: Pulse Games

Test log

Running first, then newest. Sample results. Lift is the change in the test’s primary KPI against the control; a win or loss needs 90%+ confidence, and anything below that reads as inconclusive.

ConceptAccountPlatformVariableKPIResultConfidence
Money Mythsfrom Oct 5Helio MoneyTikTokSeries vs. singleCPIRunning · day 12–
Fail Compilationfrom Sep 21Pulse GamesTikTokNative caption styleCPIWon +18%95%
Glow in 7 Daysfrom Sep 15Lumora BeautyTikTokCreator vs. studio talentCPALost −12%94%