Mapping Growth with Pirate Metrics: A Simple Framework for Startups

We recently explored a simple but powerful framework called Pirate Metrics (AARRR) to better understand how people interact with products and services — from first visit to long-term loyalty.

Using an example of a rewards program, the model tracks five key stages in the customer journey:

  1. Acquisition – How users find you

  2. Activation – Their first positive experience

  3. Retention – Do they keep coming back?

  4. Referral – Do they tell others?

  5. Revenue – Are they generating value (e.g. subscribing or buying)?

Check out this quick presentation on Pirate Metrics (AARRR) — a simple framework to help you map how users discover, engage with, and stay loyal to your product.