Track one North Star metric that captures real customer value, plus the few inputs that move it, and check them every week.

Every question on it 9 answers

1. What growth metrics should I actually track as an early-stage startup? Starting Up
2. What is a growth loop and why is it better than a funnel? Starting Up
3. How should I set up a simple growth model or dashboard? Starting Up
4. How do I calculate my North Star metric when I have both free and paid users? Starting Up
5. How do I tell whether my growth is real or just a spike from a launch or a discount? Starting Up
6. Should I optimize my conversion funnel or my retention first when both look weak? Starting Up
7. How do I define and track weekly active users in a way that is honest for a low-frequency product? Starting Up
8. What early growth mistakes should a first-time non-technical founder avoid when reading their metrics? Starting Up
9. How should I think about growth metrics differently for a WhatsApp-first or offline-heavy Indian consumer product? Starting Up

The readingMost used across these answers

• The original growth hacker reveals his secrets | Sean Ellis (author of "Hacking Growth") Watch · 3 answers
• Lean Analytics: Use Data to Build a Better Startup Faster Read · 2 answers
• Vanity Metrics vs. Actionable Metrics Read · 2 answers
• Growth Loops Are the New Funnels Read · 2 answers
• The North Star Playbook & Choosing Your Growth Metrics Read · 2 answers
• Positioning (Startup Handbook: brand and marketing foundations) Read · 2 answers
• The Growth Engine: Kickstarting & Scaling a Consumer Business (Step 6) Read · 2 answers
• Every Product Needs a North Star Metric: Here's How to Find Yours Read
• SaaS Cohort Analysis: A Guide for Businesses Read
• Retention Is the King of Growth (Brian Balfour, 500 Startups talk) Read

The terms

North Star MetricVanity MetricGrowth LoopKey Performance Indicator