·3 min read
MVP Analytics: The Only 5 Metrics You Need
More data is not better data. For an MVP, you need 5 numbers. Everything else is distraction.
The 5 MVP Metrics
1. Sign-ups
How many people create an account? This measures initial interest. Low sign-ups = messaging or acquisition problem.
2. Activation
How many complete the core action? This measures product-market fit. Low activation = product or onboarding problem.
3. Retention (Day 7)
How many come back after a week? This measures real value. Low retention = not solving a real problem.
4. Revenue
How many pay? This is the ultimate validation. No revenue = no business.
5. Referral
Do users tell others? This measures delight. High referral = you've built something worth sharing.
What Good Looks Like
| Metric | Minimum Target | Great |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up rate | 3% of visitors | 10%+ |
| Activation rate | 30% of sign-ups | 60%+ |
| Day 7 retention | 20% | 40%+ |
| Conversion to paid | 2% | 5%+ |
| Referral rate | 10% | 30%+ |
Tools to Use
- •Simple: Google Analytics + spreadsheet
- •Better: Mixpanel or Amplitude free tier
- •Best: PostHog (open source, self-hosted)
If you can only track one thing, track how many people pay. Revenue is the only metric that doesn't lie.