5 Reads A Week (#01): Growth Hacking

(The cover image credits: www.forbes.com)

Hi folks,

So I am starting a new series, 5 Reads a Week. The idea basically hinges upon the notion of having an article(a link) to read everyday from Monday through Friday. The articles be centered around technology: my favorite topic of discussion.

This theme of technology would also serve to be broad enough to cover anything right from the mobile ecosystem all the way to e-commerce platforms of India; from the growth hacking to product management and so on.

Wikipedia defines growth hacking as a marketing technique developed by technology startups which uses creativity, analytical thinking, and social metrics to sell products and gain exposure.

Furthermore, it can be seen as part of the online marketing ecosystem, as in many cases growth hackers are using techniques such as search engine optimization, website analytics, content marketing and A/B testing.

1. 22 Resources To Help You Master Growth Hacking Analytics

[MEASURE]

It becomes very important to know the different tools/techniques to use the vast pool of data in a right manner in order to lead your company towards growth. This resource guide compiles the best articles found on how to approach analytics with a growth mindset.

2.  Airbnb : A growth story you didn't know

[A Detailed Study]

It's none other than the poster child of growth hacking, AirBNB. It’s one of the most under-rated examples of how the awesome power of Craigslist was harnessed to mount a massive marketing push that brought a startup like AirBnB to prominence.

3.  Some good examples of unconventional & creative marketing campaign by an Indian startup

[QUORA ANSWERS : AN INDIAN CONTEXT]

A compilation of some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in the Indian context.

4.  How to improve your App’s retention

[INFOGRAPHIC]

An insightful post by Deepak Abbot(Heads Mobile Growth at Times Internet), with a Customer Lifecycle Management strategy to improve a mobile app's retention.

5. Traction vs Growth

[ESSAY]

An interesting essay by Brian Balfour, wherein he talks about the three different phases - (traction, transition and growth) that a startup goes through. Brian has highlighted as to how the various critical elements to the startup's success such as  goals, metrics, channels, focus, team structure and so on evolves and changes as the startup moves through these three phases.