Minoreach

Minoreach is a term used in data analytics and media planning to denote a conservative estimate of the minimum audience that can be guaranteed to be exposed to a message across a set of distribution channels, given specified constraints such as budget, targeting rules, and channel performance. Unlike standard reach, which counts any individual exposed at least once, minoreach emphasizes a lower bound on guaranteed exposure under modeled conditions.

Calculation methods typically rely on conservative assumptions about audience overlap and channel effectiveness. Analysts may construct a lower-bound model where per-channel reach is reduced to a minimum plausible value, then adjust for overlap using cautious inclusion-exclusion or overlap matrices. The resulting minoreach provides a floor for planning, rather than an expected outcome.

Applications include risk-averse media planning, regulatory communications, and public safety campaigns, where organizations want to ensure minimum visibility even in adverse scenarios. It can also serve as a check against overly optimistic reach projections.

Limitations: minoreach depends heavily on the chosen assumptions and data quality, and there is no universally accepted standard for its calculation. Because it presents a lower bound rather than a typical outcome, it can be misinterpreted as a guaranteed result, leading to misguided budgeting if not clearly communicated.

See also: reach, impressions, frequency, audience fragmentation.