Stella blog

Causal measurement, in practice.

Guides on incrementality testing, geo holdouts, media mix modeling, and how to prove what your marketing actually caused.

Incrementality Testing in Marketing: Guide For Advanced Marketing Leaders
Incrementality

Incrementality Testing in Marketing: Guide For Advanced Marketing Leaders

A true incrementality test is not about quantity but the quality and the context of the data collected

Brenden DelaRua · June 23, 2026
How to Test For Incremental Impact: Paid Media & Incrementality Testing
Incrementality

How to Test For Incremental Impact: Paid Media & Incrementality Testing

At its core, incrementality testing measures the additional value generated by specific marketing activities.

Brenden DelaRua · June 23, 2026
Meta Incremental Attribution: What It Is, What It Fixes, and Where It Still Falls Short
Incrementality

Meta Incremental Attribution: What It Is, What It Fixes, and Where It Still Falls Short

Relying solely on Meta’s data could lead to costly mistakes

Brenden DelaRua · June 15, 2026
Incrementality vs Attribution: What's the Difference?
Incrementality

Incrementality vs Attribution: What's the Difference?

Attribution assigns credit. Incrementality tests if it was deserved. Here's the difference that moves budget.

Brenden DelaRua · June 15, 2026
Incrementality Experiments vs A/B Tests in Marketing (2026 Guide)
Incrementality

Incrementality Experiments vs A/B Tests in Marketing (2026 Guide)

Without proper controls, the results may not accurately reflect the true impact of the marketing activity.

Brenden DelaRua · June 15, 2026
How to vet a marketing measurement consultancy
Marketing

How to vet a marketing measurement consultancy

You bought measurement and still can't trust the number. Here's how to tell a real partner from a polished one.

Brenden DelaRua · June 11, 2026
The Continuous Causal Optimization Manifesto
Incrementality

The Continuous Causal Optimization Manifesto

Static incrementality is dead. Every causal estimate starts decaying the moment it is measured.

Brenden DelaRua · June 11, 2026
What Is Incremental Revenue and How Do You Calculate It?
Incrementality

What Is Incremental Revenue and How Do You Calculate It?

What Is Incremental Revenue? Formula + Benchmarks

Brenden DelaRua · June 3, 2026
Google Ads Incrementality Test with Meridian GeoX: Setup Guide
Incrementality

Google Ads Incrementality Test with Meridian GeoX: Setup Guide

Google Ads Incrementality Test with Meridian GeoX: Setup Guide

Brenden DelaRua · June 3, 2026
A Practitioner's Guide to Weighted Synthetic Control Methods for Incrementality Testing
Causal Impact

A Practitioner's Guide to Weighted Synthetic Control Methods for Incrementality Testing

WSC constructs counterfactuals using optimal donor combinations for superior incrementality measurement

Jared Greathouse · June 3, 2026
You Just Ran a MMM, Now What? Understanding Media Mix Modeling for Advanced Marketing Leaders
Media Mix Modeling

You Just Ran a MMM, Now What? Understanding Media Mix Modeling for Advanced Marketing Leaders

With a clear understanding of your MMM outputs, you can now take actionable steps to optimize your ad accounts

Vinay Karode · May 26, 2026
Weighted Synthetic Controls for Incrementality Testing: The Complete Marketing Guide (2026)
Incrementality

Weighted Synthetic Controls for Incrementality Testing: The Complete Marketing Guide (2026)

most incrementality studies don’t fail because there was no lift. They fail because the control group was wrong.

Brenden DelaRua · May 26, 2026
Incrementality Testing Platforms: The Complete Guide to Measuring True Marketing Impact (2025)
Incrementality

Incrementality Testing Platforms: The Complete Guide to Measuring True Marketing Impact (2025)

Attribution tells you what happened. Incrementality tells you what you caused to happen.

Brenden DelaRua · May 26, 2026
How to Run a Google Ads Incrementality Study
Incrementality

How to Run a Google Ads Incrementality Study

Running an incrementality study for Google Ads provides powerful insights into your channel's true impact.

Brenden DelaRua · May 26, 2026
Getting Started with MMM Using Google Meridian
Media Mix Modeling

Getting Started with MMM Using Google Meridian

While Google Meridian is a powerful open-source MMM tool, it comes with significant complexity.

Vinay Karode · May 26, 2026
2025 DTC Digital Advertising Incrementality Benchmarks
Case Study

2025 DTC Digital Advertising Incrementality Benchmarks

For every dollar spent, the typical campaign generates $2.31 in truly incremental revenue (IQR: 1.36x - 3.24x)

Brenden DelaRua · May 26, 2026
Incrementality Testing in 2026: Geo Experiments, Holdouts & iROAS
Incrementality

Incrementality Testing in 2026: Geo Experiments, Holdouts & iROAS

In an increasingly complex marketing landscape, frequent testing is no longer optional; it's imperative.

Brenden DelaRua · April 28, 2026
Incrementality Testing: When to Run It and When to Skip It (2026)
Incrementality

Incrementality Testing: When to Run It and When to Skip It (2026)

In marketing, buzzwords and trendy tactics like incrementality often dominate the conversation.

Brenden DelaRua · April 9, 2026
Geo-Testing in Marketing: How to Measure True Incrementality (2026 Guide)
Incrementality

Geo-Testing in Marketing: How to Measure True Incrementality (2026 Guide)

By testing frequently, you can stay ahead of market trends and refine your marketing strategy for optimal impact.

Brenden DelaRua · April 6, 2026
Measuring the Incrementality of Podcast Ads: A 6-Month Case Study
Case Study

Measuring the Incrementality of Podcast Ads: A 6-Month Case Study

Podcast ads are more complex to measure than Meta or Google, but they are not unmeasurable.

Brenden DelaRua · October 10, 2025
How to Conduct an Incrementality Holdout Study with Google Ads’ Performance Max Campaigns
Incrementality

How to Conduct an Incrementality Holdout Study with Google Ads’ Performance Max Campaigns

By following these best practices, advertisers can ensure accurate incrementality results

Brenden DelaRua · October 10, 2025
How to Conduct an Incrementality Study on Meta's ASC Campaigns (Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns)
Incrementality

How to Conduct an Incrementality Study on Meta's ASC Campaigns (Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns)

To accurately measure ASC's incremental impact, marketers must navigate constraints using alternative methods

Brenden DelaRua · October 3, 2025
How to Conduct an Incrementality Study for Meta Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide
Incrementality

How to Conduct an Incrementality Study for Meta Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide

For Meta ads, running an incrementality study can provide clear insights into the value your campaigns bring.

Brenden DelaRua · October 3, 2025
Incrementality Case Study: Longer Video, Larger Impact: Rigorous Geo-Testing Reveals :30s Outperform :15s in Top-of-Funnel Awareness Channels
Case Study

Incrementality Case Study: Longer Video, Larger Impact: Rigorous Geo-Testing Reveals :30s Outperform :15s in Top-of-Funnel Awareness Channels

Despite a 28% higher CPM, with $32 for :30s versus $25 for :15s, the longer ads delivered a 15% higher return

Brenden DelaRua · September 16, 2025
Why Most Media Mix Models Fail – And How to Fix Yours
Media Mix Modeling

Why Most Media Mix Models Fail – And How to Fix Yours

Most MMMs fail because they rely too heavily on outdated assumptions, lack adaptability, and ignore nuances

Vinay Karode · August 28, 2025
The Hidden Flaws in Media Mix Modeling (And How to Avoid Them)
Media Mix Modeling

The Hidden Flaws in Media Mix Modeling (And How to Avoid Them)

If the data is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete, the entire model can produce misleading insights

Vinay Karode · August 28, 2025
Tariff Turbulence: How Ecommerce Brands Can Respond Without Raising Prices or Cutting Teams
Marketing

Tariff Turbulence: How Ecommerce Brands Can Respond Without Raising Prices or Cutting Teams

Tariffs have changed the economics of ecommerce in a very real way. But you are not powerless.

Brenden DelaRua · August 28, 2025
No-Code Media Mix Modeling for Marketers: How to Get Actionable Insights in Minutes
Media Mix Modeling

No-Code Media Mix Modeling for Marketers: How to Get Actionable Insights in Minutes

No-Code MMM is no longer a future possibility. It’s here today with Stella.

Vinay Karode · August 28, 2025
AI Agents in Marketing Measurement: The Future of Data-Driven Campaigns
Marketing

AI Agents in Marketing Measurement: The Future of Data-Driven Campaigns

Emerging trends in AI-driven marketing measurement point to even greater capabilities

Brenden DelaRua · August 28, 2025
Incrementality Study: How Incremental is Meta Really?
Case Study

Incrementality Study: How Incremental is Meta Really?

Most iROAS values fell between 1.84 and 3.18, with outliers ranging from 0.91 to 5.63.

Brenden DelaRua · August 11, 2025
Stella Case Study: Scaling Google Ads Profitably by Reframing ROAS Targets
Case Study

Stella Case Study: Scaling Google Ads Profitably by Reframing ROAS Targets

MER grew from 3.00 to 4.45 in 5 Months

Brenden DelaRua · May 6, 2025
How to Run a Causal Impact Analysis Without Using R
Causal Impact

How to Run a Causal Impact Analysis Without Using R

Before tools like Stella’s Causal Impact tool, marketers often relied on R for conducting Causal Impact Analysis.

Brenden DelaRua · March 1, 2025
Why Geo-Lift Testing Alone Falls Short—And How Stella Ensures Accurate Incrementality Testing
Incrementality

Why Geo-Lift Testing Alone Falls Short—And How Stella Ensures Accurate Incrementality Testing

The key is doing it right—minimizing bias, ensuring statistical significance is met.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
When Should a Company Start Incrementality Testing? A Comprehensive Guide for E-Commerce Brands
Incrementality

When Should a Company Start Incrementality Testing? A Comprehensive Guide for E-Commerce Brands

Incrementality testing is no longer a luxury reserved for the biggest brands.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
What is Incrementality in Marketing? The Ultimate Guide for 2024
Incrementality

What is Incrementality in Marketing? The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Attribution and incrementality are related concepts but serve different purposes.

Vinay Karode · January 10, 2025
Unlocking the Power of Incrementality: A Comprehensive Testing Framework for Optimal Revenue
Incrementality

Unlocking the Power of Incrementality: A Comprehensive Testing Framework for Optimal Revenue

One study alone cannot capture the complexities of your marketing environment

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
Unlocking Marketing Success: How Causal Impact Analysis Can Be Your Secret Weapon
Causal Impact

Unlocking Marketing Success: How Causal Impact Analysis Can Be Your Secret Weapon

Causal Impact Analysis offers a sophisticated yet accessible way to isolate the effects of your marketing efforts

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
The Pitfalls of Incrementality Testing and Why a Personalized Approach Matters
Incrementality

The Pitfalls of Incrementality Testing and Why a Personalized Approach Matters

Missteps in execution or over-reliance on standard methods can lead to inaccurate results

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
The New Age of Marketing Measurement: AI Incrementality Testing
Incrementality

The New Age of Marketing Measurement: AI Incrementality Testing

Accurately measuring the true impact of marketing campaigns has become a top priority

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
Step by Step Incrementality Testing Roadmap: A 90-Day Guide for Advanced Marketers
Incrementality

Step by Step Incrementality Testing Roadmap: A 90-Day Guide for Advanced Marketers

The key to success lies in making this process a core part of your strategy—not just a one-off exercise

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
Navigating Stakeholder Presentations: Proving Marketing's Impact with Incrementality Testing
Incrementality

Navigating Stakeholder Presentations: Proving Marketing's Impact with Incrementality Testing

It’s crucial for marketing leaders to not only present data but to tell a compelling story.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
MMM for Advanced Marketing Leaders: How Media Mix Modeling Can Be Your Trusted Compass in Choppy Waters
Media Mix Modeling

MMM for Advanced Marketing Leaders: How Media Mix Modeling Can Be Your Trusted Compass in Choppy Waters

Advanced marketing leaders must leverage MMM to navigate beyond traditional boundaries

Vinay Karode · January 10, 2025
How White-Labeled Incrementality Testing Can Give Your Agency the Competitive Edge it Needs to Close More Deals & Retain Clients
Incrementality

How White-Labeled Incrementality Testing Can Give Your Agency the Competitive Edge it Needs to Close More Deals & Retain Clients

This sophisticated analytical tool can be the competitive edge you need to close more deals and provide value.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
How to Prove the Viability of Your Marketing Program
Incrementality

How to Prove the Viability of Your Marketing Program

This is how you can continuously optimize your marketing efforts and demonstrate their viability to stakeholders

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
How to Offer Agency Clients Cutting-Edge Insights Without Breaking the Bank
Marketing

How to Offer Agency Clients Cutting-Edge Insights Without Breaking the Bank

Data-driven decision-making is no longer optional for agencies looking to succeed in a hyper-competitive market.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
How Modern Marketers Are Building Their Growth Intelligence Stack
Marketing

How Modern Marketers Are Building Their Growth Intelligence Stack

Now is the time to embrace growth intelligence to stay competitive in today’s data-driven world.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
How Incrementality Testing Can Solve All Your Problems as a Marketing Leader
Incrementality

How Incrementality Testing Can Solve All Your Problems as a Marketing Leader

Scaling growth, delivering personalized experiences, and maintaining an omnichannel presence can be tough

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
Causal Impact Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Advanced Marketing Leaders
Causal Impact

Causal Impact Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Advanced Marketing Leaders

Marketers can present solid evidence to stakeholders, proving the viability and success of their strategies.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025
15 Advanced & Out-of-the-Box Ways to Use Incrementality Testing in Marketing
Incrementality

15 Advanced & Out-of-the-Box Ways to Use Incrementality Testing in Marketing

Measure the incremental impact at different stages of the funnel, from awareness to consideration to conversion.

Brenden DelaRua · January 10, 2025