# Explain follower count changes in a client report

Report the start and end snapshots with their dates, then use only components your source actually provides to explain the difference. When the figures do not reconcile, record the gap and investigate; do not assign it to an algorithm or account-removal cause without evidence.

Account and report owner:
Start count and exact snapshot time:
End count and exact snapshot time:
Reporting time zone:
Net change: end minus start:
Source-reported gains and definition, if available:
Source-reported losses and definition, if available:
Component window matches snapshots?
Reconciliation difference:
Reporting lag or scope issue supported by evidence:
Purchased promotion orders and actual delivery records, separately:
Other activity during the period:
What can be explained:
What remains unknown:
Next check and owner:


## Fictional reconciliation example

"Record","Value","Meaning"
"Start snapshot","1000","Count at the chosen start time"
"End snapshot","1100","Count at the chosen end time"
"Net change","'+100","1100 minus 1000"
"Reported gains","150","Assumed available component under the example definition"
"Reported losses","50","Assumed matching component and window"
"Component net","'+100","150 minus 50, matching the example snapshots"


## Explain an unresolved difference

Check the time boundaries: Compare snapshot times with the component report's actual period and time zone. A different window can prevent reconciliation.

Check definitions and availability: Use the source's actual gain/loss definitions. An unavailable component should stay unavailable rather than being inferred from the net change.

Keep promotion records separate: A purchased delivery record and a public count snapshot are different evidence. Use the actual service order and settlement for that purchase's reconciliation.

State the remaining gap: Record the unexplained amount and the next check. A plausible cause is not a confirmed cause.

## Avoid a misleading success claim

The example reconciles because its fictional components use matching definitions and times. Actual sources may provide different fields or observation windows. The report should preserve those limits.

Follower-count change is one observation. It does not establish engagement quality, enquiries or sales. Put business outcomes in their own defined records instead of using the follower delta as their substitute.