The AUG v3 framework — 7-factor SaaS growth methodology
Every SaaS funnel has 7 measurable factors. Diagnose each individually; the composite tells you which one to fix this week.
Each factor scored 1-10. Composite via geometric mean × 10 — multiplicative, so a zero in any factor near-zeros the whole. You cannot acquire your way out of a retention hole. You cannot retain your way out of a monetization hole. Every factor compounds.
The 7 factors
Factor 1 of 7
Acquisition
Are real people finding your product? SEO depth, GEO/LLM-citation readiness, referral channels, the 12 fastest-compounding channels for solo founders.
Read the deep dive →Factor 2 of 7
Activation
Do first-time visitors hit the aha moment within 10 seconds? Time-to-first-value, empty-state UX, signup friction, the 10 patterns that flip 15% → 45% activation.
Read the deep dive →Factor 3 of 7
Engagement
Are activated users actually using the product weekly? 10 measurable signals — bounce, PV/session, time, scroll, events — and the 15 highest-leverage engagement lifts.
Read the deep dive →Factor 4 of 7
Retention
Do users come back without notification pressure? D1/D7/D30 return rates, cohort decay, core-loop recurrence, and the 10 retention-driving tactics ranked by D30 lift.
Read the deep dive →Factor 5 of 7
Advocacy
Do users bring more users? k-factor, share triggers, embed loops. The only acquisition channel that doesn’t deplete — compounds for years if seeded right.
Read the deep dive →Factor 6 of 7
Monetization
Does the product earn? Pricing-page conversion, trial-to-paid rate, churn-to-LTV ratio, and the math floor below which acquisition spend cannot recover.
Read the deep dive →Factor 7 of 7
Performance
Does the product feel fast? Core Web Vitals (LCP/INP/CLS/TTFB) measured under real conditions. A growth multiplier, not a technical concern — every 1s LCP = 7% conversion lost.
Read the deep dive →Deeper methodology
Discipline
Funnel order + math floor
Why you can't optimize Monetization before Acquisition. The revenue-ceiling formula that catches funnel-skip-ahead before it wastes 8 weeks.
Hard rejects
Dark patterns AUG rejects
12 retention hacks the framework refuses to credit. Why short-term retention spikes net-negative long-term — and what to ship instead.
Want your AUG score?
Run the full 7-factor audit on your own SaaS — get the composite score plus the single biggest friction to fix this week.