AI agent skill · by @menkesu

Metrics Frameworks

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.

Archived 2026-10-23 · Source updated 2026-02-19. Check the original repository for the latest version.

SKILL.md instructions

# 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

---

## 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."