Why Early Metrics Can Mislead Founders

Traffic and sign-ups are often vanity metrics. founders search for momentum but often celebrate numbers that have zero correlation with true product-market fit.

Common Misleading Metrics

• Website Traffic: Meaningless if they aren't the right people from your ICP.
• Freemium Sign-ups: Often just a measure of interest in "free," not interest in your value.
• Positive Replies: "Send info" is a polite dismissal, not a buying signal.

The most dangerous number in a startup is a vanity metric that is going up and to the right.

What Actually Matters

The only early metric that truly validates your business is the second purchase—an expansion, renewal, or a referral. This proves you have delivered real, undeniable value.

The Takeaway

Be ruthless with your numbers. Focus on activation and qualified meetings held. These are the indicators of a scalable business foundation.