Choosing Your Metric Framework
AARRR, HEART, or North Star? Pick the right framework for your product type
Your Progress
Section 2 of 5Frameworks Deep Dive
Each framework solves different problems. Choose based on your product stage and type:
AARRR Pirate Metrics
When to Use:
Consumer products, SaaS, mobile apps with clear funnel
How It Works:
Acquisition → Activation → Retention → Revenue → Referral
Implementation:
Track % conversion at each stage. Identify biggest drop-offs. Focus there first.
Common Pitfall:
Don't optimize each stage independently-retention impacts acquisition (word-of-mouth).
Building Your Metric Hierarchy
Metric Pyramid
Rule: Execs track Level 1+2. Teams track Level 2+3. Don\'t overwhelm everyone with everything.
Don\'t Mix Frameworks
Pick ONE framework and stick with it. Mixing AARRR + HEART + North Star creates confusion and analysis paralysis. Choose the framework that fits your product type, implement it fully, then iterate.
Key Takeaways
- •AARRR: Best for consumer products with clear funnels
- •HEART: Best for complex enterprise products
- •North Star: Best for early-stage alignment
- •Build metric hierarchy: North Star → Primary → Supporting