LiveRamp and MMA Research Unveils Critical Data Gaps in Marketing Measurement
On July 20, 2026, LiveRamp Holdings Inc. (NYSE: RAMP), a leader in data collaboration, released a new research report in collaboration with the Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA). Titled "The Missing Piece: Improving Confidence in Marketing Measurement," the report highlights the significant impact that even minor data gaps and identity errors can have on marketing effectiveness and budget decisions.
1. The Importance of Data Integrity
As marketers navigate an increasingly complex landscape characterized by data loss, privacy controls, identity fragmentation, and cross-channel measurement, the need for robust data integrity has never been more pressing. The joint research by LiveRamp and MMA examines how incomplete and inconsistently linked marketing measurement can distort results and misguide marketing strategies.
The findings indicate that even small amounts of non-random missing data or low identity precision can lead to misguided budget decisions. In fact, the research revealed that poor identity precision could collapse campaign ROI by approximately 70%, a staggering figure that could lead to the cancellation of otherwise working campaigns.
2. Key Findings of the Report
The report emphasizes several critical insights:
- Incorrect Channel Rankings: Inadequate identity strategies can lead to misattributed performance metrics across marketing channels, resulting in inefficient investment decisions.
- Misguided Strategies: The lack of precise identity matching can understate true campaign performance, causing marketers to overlook effective advertising opportunities.
- The Role of Data Collaboration: To combat these issues, marketers are urged to develop strong identity foundations and adopt a more unified view of media performance. Data collaboration—utilizing identity solutions and data clean rooms—emerges as a powerful tool for enabling accurate, de-duplicated measurement.
3. Expert Insights
Vassilis Bakopoulos, Senior Vice President of Research and Insights at MMA, commented on the challenges marketers face in achieving accurate measurement. "Marketers are under constant pressure to attribute and measure incrementality so they can optimize ROI. Our research points to two blind spots working against them: missing data that can mask the channels that really perform, and identity matching that feels like progress but isn't built for precision. Both erode confidence in measurement, and both can push budget decisions in the wrong direction."
Christine Grammier, Vice President of Product at LiveRamp, added, "When it comes to understanding your customers across channels, and using identity and cutting-edge measurement tools, data collaboration is unparalleled for helping marketers use data with precision. Marketers can now tap tools like LiveRamp’s Cross-Media Intelligence for unprecedented, unified views of media performance, solving longstanding challenges and unlocking value."
4. Presentation at MMA CMO + CEO Summit
The results of this pivotal study are being presented at the MMA CMO + CEO Summit in Santa Barbara, California, during the session titled “Data Loss Is Breaking Measurement. Here’s What We Know.” This summit serves as a vital platform for industry leaders to discuss the implications of the findings and strategize on actionable solutions.
5. The Future of Marketing Data
LiveRamp stands at the forefront of responsible data collaboration, empowering brands, retailers, financial services providers, and healthcare innovators to harness the power of data in an AI-driven world. With a commitment to enhancing the accuracy and depth of marketing insights, LiveRamp aims to revolutionize how organizations understand and engage with their customers.
As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, the insights from the LiveRamp and MMA collaboration underscore the necessity of precision in data measurement. By addressing data gaps and fostering collaboration, marketers can unlock the full potential of their advertising efforts, ensuring more effective strategies and better ROI.
In this fast-paced environment, companies that successfully navigate these challenges will likely lead the way in achieving sustained growth and competitive advantage.