Startup glossary

What is startup traction?

Traction is evidence that people are taking meaningful action around a business, such as adopting, paying, returning, or committing to a useful next step. The appropriate evidence depends on the business model and stage.

Explore the startup guides

How to use this concept

Define the behavior and its context. A signup, active customer, paid contract, and repeat purchase are different events. Distinguish a one-time win from a repeatable pattern, and explain how customers were acquired and served. Avoid presenting interest as revenue or a conversation as a committed customer. Use dated measures with clear denominators.