Growth hacking
What is growth hacking?
Growth hacking is an approach to growth built on rapid experiments across marketing, product and sales, looking for unconventional, low-cost ways to acquire and keep users. The term was coined by Sean Ellis.
Classic examples include built-in viral loops, referral programmes and clever use of other platforms’ distribution.
Why growth hacking matters
Early-stage companies need to find what works quickly and cheaply. The experimental mindset (hypothesis, test, measure) is useful; "hacks" that break platform rules or mislead users are not.
Related marketing terms
A viral loop is a cycle where using a product brings in new users, who use it and bring in more, such as invites or shared content.
Referral marketing rewards existing customers for bringing in new ones, for example with credits or discounts for both sides.
Guerrilla marketing uses low-cost, unconventional and memorable tactics, such as stunts, street campaigns and clever online moves, to get attention.
Product-led growth is a strategy where the product itself drives acquisition and expansion, usually through free trials, freemium and sharing.