---
name: metrics-frameworks
description: Defines right metrics using North Star framework, AARRR, and leading vs lagging indicators. Use when choosing metrics, instrumenting products, creating dashboards, or distinguishing vanity metrics from actionable ones.
---

# Metrics That Matter

## When This Skill Activates

Claude uses this skill when:
- Choosing which metrics to track
- Instrumenting product analytics
- Creating dashboards
- Defining success criteria

## Core Frameworks

### 1. North Star Metric

**Definition:**
> The ONE metric that best captures the core value you deliver to customers

**Good North Star:**
- Measures value delivery (not vanity)
- Leading indicator of revenue
- Captures product vision
- Actionable by team

**Examples:**
- Airbnb: Nights booked
- Facebook: Daily active users
- Slack: Messages sent
- Amplitude: Weekly learning users (in Spotify)

### 2. AARRR Framework

**Pirate Metrics:**
- **Acquisition:** How users find you
- **Activation:** First value experience
- **Retention:** Users coming back
- **Revenue:** Monetization
- **Referral:** Viral growth

---

## Action Templates

### Template: Metrics Dashboard

```markdown
# Metrics Dashboard: [Product/Feature]

## North Star Metric
**Metric:** [name]
**Current:** [value]
**Target:** [goal]
**Why this metric:** [captures core value]

## Supporting Metrics

### Acquisition
- Signups: [X per day]
- Channels: [breakdown]
- Cost per acquisition: [$X]

### Activation
- Activation rate: [X]%
- Time to first value: [X minutes]

### Retention
- Day 1: [X]%
- Day 7: [X]%
- Day 30: [X]%

### Revenue
- ARPU: [$X]
- LTV: [$X]
- Conversion rate: [X]%

### Referral
- K-factor: [X]
- Referral rate: [X]%

## Leading vs Lagging
**Leading (predict future):**
- [Metric that predicts outcome]

**Lagging (measure past):**
- [Metric that measures result]
```

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## Quick Reference

### 📊 Metrics Checklist

**Choose Metrics:**
- [ ] North Star defined
- [ ] AARRR covered
- [ ] Leading indicators identified
- [ ] Vanity metrics avoided

**Implement:**
- [ ] Tracking instrumented
- [ ] Dashboard created
- [ ] Goals set
- [ ] Review cadence established

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## Key Quotes

**Amplitude:**
> "The best metrics measure value delivery, not just activity."

**Sean Ellis:**
> "If you can't measure it, you can't improve it."