Time-Decay Attribution

attribution model

01 Definition

Time-Decay Attribution meaning: Time-decay attribution gives more credit to touchpoints that happen closer to the conversion.

Time-decay attribution weights interactions by how recent they are, so touchpoints nearer the conversion earn more credit and early ones earn less. It suits shorter sales cycles where the final nudges matter most, but it can undervalue early awareness efforts.

Why it matters

How Time-Decay Attribution fits the work

Time-decay reflects the idea that recent touches often carry more persuasive weight, helping you value the channels near the finish line.

In context

In a five-day path, the ad clicked the day before purchase received far more time-decay credit than the first-day search visit.

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Practical note

The rate of decay is set by a half life, so check the tool's default before comparing results, since different half lives shift credit noticeably.