Improving Product Stickiness with Experiments: Metrics That Matter

Improving Product Stickiness with Experiments: Metrics That Matter

Ever wonder why some products just seem to "stick" while others fade into the background? It's not magic—it's a strategic use of data and experimentation. Product stickiness is all about ensuring users keep coming back, and it’s something every product manager wants to nail. But how do you actually measure and improve it? That's what we're diving into today.

At Statsig, we believe that understanding and enhancing product stickiness involves more than just numbers. It's about practical insights and actionable experiments that drive real engagement. Let's explore some key metrics and strategies to help your product become an indispensable part of your users' routine.

Understanding product stickiness

So, what exactly makes a product sticky? In simple terms, it's the repeat value users find in daily interactions. To measure this, start with the DAU/MAU ratio. A higher ratio suggests your product is becoming an integral part of users' habits. In the world of B2B SaaS, don't just count logins—focus on the actions that deliver real value, like feature usage or task completion. Statsig’s guide offers great insights on defining these actions.

Benchmarks are your friend here: a DAU/MAU ratio between 10-25% is standard, but hitting 20% or above can indicate strong engagement. Want to dig deeper? Check out this explainer by Wall Street Prep.

Remember, it’s not just about the numbers. Pairing DAU/MAU with metrics like feature use and cohort retention gives a fuller picture. Ignore vanity metrics—they might look good, but they don’t really tell you much. Dive into Statsig’s metrics and levers for more context.

Identifying essential metrics

If you’re serious about boosting product stickiness, it's time to prioritize the metrics that matter. Usage ratios, like the daily-to-monthly usage ratio, are a great starting point. They reveal how often users return and how well your product retains attention over time. High ratios? You're on the right track. Low ratios? Time to reassess.

Session length can also tell you a lot. Are users spending enough time to explore and find value, or are they bouncing off quickly due to friction? Look at these alongside active user counts and feature adoption rates. These metrics highlight where your product shines and where users hit snags. For a detailed look, check out this SaaS-focused overview.

Designing enlightening experiments

Running experiments is where the fun begins. Randomized controlled studies let you see what really works without the noise. Choose core indicators that align tightly with your goals—this keeps your tests focused and actionable.

When measuring product stickiness, start with metrics like daily active users or repeat sessions. Keep your experiment setup simple: limit variations, ensure proper randomization, and align test duration with usage cycles. For a practical guide, see this HBR overview.

Remember, experiments are about learning. Make small tweaks, observe the outcomes, and iterate. Engage with the Product Management community for shared insights.

Translating insights into increased usage

Once you've got your experiment results, act swiftly. These outcomes give a clear signal on what users value. Adjust features or workflows based on this feedback to drive stickiness. Focus on metrics like activation, adoption, and retention at each step.

Spot and remove friction using data. Sometimes small, targeted changes can lead to significant improvements. Product stickiness isn’t about flashy launches—it's about steady, continuous enhancement. Use stickiness benchmarks to understand what success looks like and prioritize your efforts.

Closing thoughts

Improving product stickiness is all about using the right metrics and running smart experiments. By focusing on what truly matters to your users, you can make your product an essential part of their lives.

For more insights, explore Statsig’s resources and continue learning from industry experts. Hope you find this useful!