Defining benchmarks and targets for intranet KPIs

In a previous post, we explored selecting the right metrics to optimize your intranet’s performance. In this post we will explore the next step — defining benchmarks and targets for key performance indicators (KPIs). This sequel blog post is designed to build upon the insights from our initial post and help you craft a comprehensive strategy for intranet optimization.

Why benchmarks and targets are vital

Benchmarks and targets act as the lighthouses guiding your intranet towards success. They serve as essential reference points, providing a clear picture of your intranet’s current state and its desired destination. Without them, it’s like setting sail without a map; you might wander aimlessly or miss your intended course.

​​Defining benchmarks

Benchmarks represent the current state of your intranet’s performance. They offer a snapshot of where you stand at a given point in time. To establish benchmarks, look into historical data and consult industry standards. For example, if your intranet’s current engagement rate is 30%, this becomes your initial benchmark.

Setting targets

While benchmarks offer a snapshot of your intranet’s performance, targets provide the direction for improvement. Targets are the destinations you aim to reach on your intranet journey. They are specific, measurable goals that indicate success. These targets should align seamlessly with your intranet’s objectives and the metrics you’ve selected. For example, using our engagement rate example mentioned above, you might set a target to increase it to 50% within the next quarter.

Benchmarks and targets for intranet performance

To effectively optimize your intranet, you must establish benchmarks and targets that align with your organization’s unique goals and circumstances. These benchmarks should encompass a range of critical metrics, similar to the framework we explored in our previous post. Here’s a table that includes 10 benchmark and target examples:

Remember, these benchmarks and targets should evolve with your intranet’s objectives and user needs. Regular monitoring allows you to make data-driven adjustments, ensuring that your intranet continues to align with your organization’s goals.

Bringing it all together

This list provides a comprehensive overview of eight objectives, and the corresponding metrics, benchmark values, and the targeted improvements—all working together to propel your intranet towards success.

Objectives

1) Enhance user engagement

Metrics

• Comments, likes, shares
• Participation in polls or surveys
• Downloads
• Completion of online training courses
• Forum participation
• Use of search box
• Attendance at virtual events or webinars

Benchmarks

• 30% engagement rate
• 1,000 downloads per week
• 80% course completion rate
• 100 new threads per month
• 60% utilization rate
• 200 attendees per webinar

Targets

• Increase engagement rate to 40%
• Achieve 1,200 downloads per week
• Attain 85% course completion rate
• Maintain 120 new threads per month
• Raise utilization rate to 65%
• Reach 250 attendees per webinar

2) Improve user experience

Metrics

• Session duration
• Pages per session
• Bounce rate

Benchmarks

• 10 minutes per session
• 20% bounce rate

Targets

• Extend session duration to 12 minutes
• Increase pages per session to 3.5
• Reduce bounce rate to 15%

3) Facilitate access to services

Metrics

• Downloads of resources
• Completion of online training courses
• Usage of search functions

Benchmarks

• 500 downloads per week
• 70% utilization rate

Targets

• Achieve 600 downloads per week
• Reach a utilization rate of 75%

4) Encourage collaboration

Metrics

• Participation in polls or surveys
• Forum participation
• Attendance at virtual events or webinars

Benchmarks

• 100 new threads per month
• 200 attendees per webinar

Targets

• Maintain 120 new threads per month
• Increase webinar attendance to 250 attendees

5) Improve communication

Metrics

• Comments
• Likes
• Shares
• Attendance at virtual events or webinars

Benchmarks

• 50 likes
• 25 shares
• 100 attendees

Targets

• Maintain or increase interaction rates
• Boost webinar attendance by 20%

6) Promote transparency and accountability

Metrics

• Participation in polls or surveys
• Forum participation
• Comments
• Likes
• Shares

Benchmarks

• 30% participation rate in polls and surveys
• 80% forum participation rate

Targets

• Increase participation rate to 40%
• Achieve 85% forum participation rate

7) Support training and development

Metrics

• Completion of online training courses
• Attendance at virtual events or webinars

Benchmarks

• 85% course completion rate
• 200 attendees per webinar

Targets

• Attain a 90% course completion rate
• Increase webinar attendance to 250 attendees

8) Increase usage and adoption

Metrics

• Visitors
• Views
• Session duration
• Peak usage times

Benchmarks

• 10,000 monthly visitors
• 100,000 monthly views
• 12 minutes per session
• Identify peak usage times

Targets

• Achieve 12,000 monthly visitors
• Reach 120,000 monthly views
• Extend session duration to 15 minutes
• Optimize intranet activities during peak usage times

Conclusion

Objectives define the broader mission, guiding the intranet’s purpose. Metrics offer continuous insight, revealing strengths and areas for improvement. Benchmarks establish the starting point, while targets set the course for progress. Not included in this discussion are the tactics you’ll employ to reach those targets. Having targets will also allow you to measure the success of your tactics. Together, they form an integrated strategy that ensures your intranet not only meets but exceeds expectations. This holistic approach propels your intranet towards its full potential, delivering value to your organization and its users.

As you navigate this journey, remember that intranet optimization is not a destination but an ongoing pursuit of excellence, where the alignment of these elements propels your intranet towards its full potential, delivering value to your organization and its users.