product-market-fit

Product-Market Fit

Establish clear PMF indicators that show you've solved a problem customers desperately want solved.

Context

You are defining PMF. If you have customer feedback, churn data, engagement metrics, or NPS, use them. Your goal is clear criteria for PMF and a measurement plan.

Domain Context

• PMF definition (Andreessen): Built something that a lot of people want
• PMF signals: NPS >50, <5% monthly churn, high engagement, word-of-mouth
• Segment-specific PMF: Different segments have different PMF signals
• PMF is temporary: Must keep innovating to maintain fit

Instructions

1. Define PMF for your segment: What would PMF look like?
2. Identify leading indicators: Usage patterns that predict retention
3. Set PMF thresholds: What NPS, churn, engagement targets?
4. Measure today: Current state vs. PMF targets
5. Identify gaps: Where are you furthest from PMF?
6. Plan improvements: What unlocks next PMF level?

Output Artifact

PMF measurement framework (1-2 pages):

• PMF indicators (metrics that prove PMF)
• Current state vs. targets
• Leading indicators of PMF
• Planned improvements and expected impact
• Measurement plan and frequency

Anti-Patterns

• Declaring PMF too early: Before metrics prove it
• Generic metrics: Not specific to your customer and value
• Ignoring churn: PMF requires retention, not just acquisition
• One-time measurement: PMF must be monitored continuously

Further Reading

• The Lean Product Playbook (Dan Olsen) — PMF measurement
• Inspired (Marty Cagan) — product-market fit
• Traction (Weinberg & Mares) — growth and retention