Growth Hacking
Definition
Growth hacking is rapid experimentation across channels to find scalable, low-cost ways to grow. Focus on creativity over budget.
Extended Definition
Examples: Dropbox referral program (storage for invites), Airbnb Craigslist integration (piggyback existing traffic), Hotmail email signature (free virality). Growth hacking prioritizes: high-leverage tactics, rapid testing, data-driven decisions, unconventional channels. Not just marketing—involves product, engineering, data. Best for startups with limited budget but strong product.
Related Terms
PLG (Product-Led Growth)
PLG is a go-to-market strategy where the product itself is the primary driver of customer acquisition, conversion, and expansion—not sales or marketing teams.
Viral Coefficient
Viral coefficient measures how many new users each existing user brings in. A coefficient above 1.0 means exponential growth without paid acquisition—each user recruits more than one other user.