North Star Metric

Also called NSM

The single metric that best captures the core value your product delivers to customers, the one number a whole team can rally around. For a messaging app it might be messages sent, not signups.

Why it matters

Pick the wrong headline metric and you can grow it while the business quietly rots, vanity signups that never come back. A well-chosen North Star keeps everyone pulling toward real, retained value instead of noise.

Related terms

Retention Product-Market Fit Ideal Customer Profile
eChai Partner Brands