What is Growth Hacking?
Growth Hacking is a method of achieving rapid, scalable user growth by utilizing data, experimentation, and low-cost, innovative digital tactics. The term was coined by entrepreneur Sean Ellis, who defined a Growth Hacker as "a person whose true north is growth."
A growth hacker is typically a hybrid of a marketer, engineer, and product manager, focused entirely on moving key metrics rather than vague concepts like "brand awareness."
Key Principles Growth Hacking relies on a rigorous, repetitive process of experimentation:
- Hypothesize: Brainstorm low-cost, high-impact ideas.
- Prioritize: Select the ideas with the highest probability of success.
- Test: Run quick, data-driven A/B tests (e.g., changing copy, onboarding steps).
- Analyze & Scale: If the test yields a win, you "productize" the tactic (build it permanently into the product) and scale it up.
Product is the Engine A core principle is that growth must be built into the product itself. The best growth loops turn one user into multiple new users.
- Classic Example: Dropbox. They offered users free extra storage for referring new sign-ups. This low-cost, viral loop drove massive adoption without spending on traditional advertising.
Growth Hacking vs. Traditional Marketing
- Traditional Marketing: Focuses on brand, awareness, and long-term campaigns. Budget-heavy (PR, TV ads).
- Growth Hacking: Focuses on measurable metrics (CAC, Conversion Rate, Referrals) and finding cost-effective shortcuts to rapid acquisition.
Key Takeaway: Growth hacking is a mindset: relentless focus on scalable growth. It requires combining creativity with technical skills to optimize every touchpoint in the customer journey.
