Updated On
December 9, 2024

What is Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

  • Definition: Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) refers to the total expenses incurred by a business to acquire a new customer. This metric encompasses all costs related to marketing, sales, advertising, and any other efforts aimed at gaining new clientele. It is a crucial indicator in assessing the efficiency of a company's customer acquisition strategies.
  • Calculation: CAC is calculated by dividing the total costs associated with acquiring customers (marketing expenses, sales team salaries, advertising costs, etc.) by the number of new customers acquired during a specific period. The formula is: CAC = Total Acquisition Costs / Number of New Customers Acquired. This calculation helps businesses understand the financial investment required to expand their customer base.
  • Importance: Monitoring CAC is vital for a company's financial health and growth strategy. It allows businesses to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of their marketing campaigns and sales efforts. A lower CAC indicates efficient customer acquisition processes, while a higher CAC may prompt a reassessment of marketing strategies. Balancing CAC with Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is essential to ensure sustainable profitability.

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