WHY MOST ACTIVATION METRICS DON'T PREDICT WHO WILL STAY

Summary from the TLDR Marketing newsletter

Most activation metrics fail because they track steps or engagement, not whether users reach meaningful value. Signups, onboarding, or session length can look good while users drop off or never convert. True activation happens when users experience early and sustained value. Measuring first value and core value moments shows who is likely to stay. Focus on behaviors that drive long-term subscribers.