PM Interview Framework
AARRR (Pirate Metrics)
Growth, funnel, and business-strategy questions
When to reach for it
Growth strategy, funnel diagnosis, launch planning.
The AARRR (Pirate Metrics) Cheat Sheet
- A
Acquisition
How users find you. Channels, CAC, top-of-funnel volume.
- A
Activation
First meaningful experience. Aha-moment rate.
- R
Retention
Do they come back? D1/D7/D30, cohort curves.
- R
Referral
Do they bring others? Viral coefficient, K-factor.
- R
Revenue
Are they willing to pay? ARPU, LTV, conversion.
| Step | Meaning | The Move |
|---|---|---|
| A | Acquisition | How users find you. Channels, CAC, top-of-funnel volume. |
| A | Activation | First meaningful experience. Aha-moment rate. |
| R | Retention | Do they come back? D1/D7/D30, cohort curves. |
| R | Referral | Do they bring others? Viral coefficient, K-factor. |
| R | Revenue | Are they willing to pay? ARPU, LTV, conversion. |
Top AARRR (Pirate Metrics) Pitfalls
These are the moves that turn a strong framework into a flat answer.
Jumping to 'run a promo' before finding which stage is broken.
Optimizing acquisition when retention is the real leak.
Try it on this prompt
“DAU dropped 10% last week. Where do you look first?”