5 user activation metrics every PM should track

User activation is a crucial aspect of product success, focusing on transforming new users into long-term, active participants to enhance engagement, retention, and revenue. The process involves measuring and improving various activation metrics such as onboarding completion rate, aha moment completion rate, free trial conversion rate, and trial-to-paid conversion rate. These metrics help identify the stages where users derive value, encouraging them to continue using the product. Strategies to enhance these metrics include personalizing onboarding experiences, showcasing product value quickly, optimizing trial lengths, and reducing friction points. Activation rate is the ultimate metric that reflects whether users are successfully transitioned into regular, paying customers, with the definition of an "activated user" varying by product complexity and user interaction. By analyzing these metrics, businesses can refine their product experiences and align their teams to better meet user needs, ultimately leading to improved business outcomes.