Glossaries
AWD
What is AWD (Acquisition, Activation, Retention) in Growth Hacking?
AWD stands for Acquisition, Activation, and Retention in the context of growth hacking. It's a framework used to optimize user engagement and growth throughout the customer lifecycle.
Synonyms: Acquisition Activation Retention, Customer Lifecycle Optimization, User Growth Framework, Growth Hacking Funnel

Why AWD is Important in Growth Hacking
AWD (Acquisition, Activation, Retention) is crucial in growth hacking because it provides a structured approach to growing a user base and improving customer lifetime value. By focusing on these three key areas, businesses can create a sustainable growth strategy that not only brings in new users but also ensures they become active and loyal customers.
How AWD is Used in Growth Strategies
- Acquisition: This stage focuses on attracting new users through various channels such as content marketing, SEO, social media, and paid advertising.
- Activation: Once users are acquired, the goal is to get them to take key actions that demonstrate engagement, such as completing a profile or making a first purchase.
- Retention: This final stage aims to keep users engaged over time through strategies like personalized communication, loyalty programs, and continuous product improvements.
Examples of AWD in Action
- Acquisition: A SaaS company uses targeted LinkedIn ads to attract potential B2B customers.
- Activation: An e-commerce app offers a first-time purchase discount to encourage new users to make their initial buy.
- Retention: A fitness app sends personalized workout suggestions based on user activity to keep them engaged long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between AWD and AARRR?: AWD focuses on the first three stages of the user journey, while AARRR (Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Referral, Revenue) includes two additional stages for a more comprehensive growth model.
- How do you measure success in each AWD stage?: Acquisition is often measured by new user signups, activation by specific user actions (e.g., profile completion), and retention by metrics like daily active users or churn rate.
- Can AWD be applied to all types of businesses?: Yes, the AWD framework can be adapted for various business models, from e-commerce to SaaS, by adjusting the specific metrics and strategies for each stage.