How to measure whether a digital product really works is one of the most poorly answered questions in many organizations. Having metrics is not the same as having clarity.
A product doesn’t work just because “it has users.” It works when it consistently solves a real problem.
The problem with vanity metrics
Many decisions are made based on:
- visits
- downloads
- sign-ups
But these numbers don’t explain:
- whether users get real value
- whether they come back
- whether they recommend it
- whether the product actually improves something meaningful
What you should really be measuring
A digital product works if:
- users return
- time-to-value is short
- friction is low
- feedback improves over time
- usage is consistent
Fewer metrics. More meaning.
Connecting metrics to decisions
Data only matters if it answers questions like:
- What should we improve?
- What should we remove?
- What should we prioritize?
If a dashboard doesn’t guide decisions, it’s just noise.
Measuring to learn, not just to report
A common mistake is measuring only to “show results.”
Valuable metrics exist to:
- learn
- correct
- prioritize
- decide
If a data point doesn’t change a decision, it’s not a metric — it’s decoration.
Clear signs a product is NOT working
Beyond the numbers, there are clear warning signs:
- teams argue based on perceptions, not data
- no one knows what to improve first
- decisions keep getting postponed
- the product grows but doesn’t mature
That’s not a lack of data. It’s a lack of strategic interpretation.
When a product truly works
A digital product works when:
- the team understands what makes it valuable
- metrics guide decisions
- improvements are continuous
- users get real value
Measuring well isn’t about controlling more — it’s about understanding better.
When these layers align, the product evolves.
A good product isn’t the one that’s used the most — it’s the one that solves problems best.
📩 Want to evaluate whether your digital product is actually working?
Schedule a meeting and let’s analyze metrics, real usage, and improvement opportunities.
