The ability to systematically improve product growth metrics through data and experimentation. Drives fast and sustainable growth via funnel analysis, A/B testing, and viral loop design.
Growth Hacking combines creative experimentation with data analysis to rapidly improve the core growth metrics of products and services. It spans the entire AAARRR funnel — from forming hypotheses and running A/B tests to designing retention strategies and viral loops. Beyond simple traffic acquisition, it encompasses product-led growth strategies where the product itself drives user acquisition, activation, and expansion revenue.
At this stage, you are newly interested in growth hacking and starting to learn the fundamentals. You can understand what each stage of the AAARRR funnel means and identify key growth metrics. You cannot yet design or run experiments independently, but you can read and interpret existing data at a basic level.
What Comes Next
If you've checked off most of this list, you're ready for the Emerging stage, designing simple experiments and running A/B tests yourself. Kolb(1984)'s Experiential Learning theory suggests running real experiments with actual data and reflecting on results to build practical growth intuition faster than theory alone.
5-stage experimentation maturity model (Beginner→Transformative) with 4-dimension assessment (Strategy, People, Process, Data) directly used for L2-L6 checklist behavior criteria design
Fundamental→Generalist→Specialist 3-tier with 15 skill categories provides structural basis for L1-L3 (foundation)→L4-L5 (generalist)→L6-L7 (specialist) level boundaries
AAARRR 6-stage funnel defines the scope of funnel coverage at each level (L1: single metric→L4: full funnel→L7: funnel redesign)
Systematic literature review redefining growth hacking as a universal business model scaling methodology beyond startups, providing evidence base for L4-L7 strategic behavior checklist criteria
Canonical textbook by growth hacking originator Sean Ellis; Growth Team building→High Tempo Testing→AAARRR playbook sequence provides authoritative context for entire L1-L7 level design
