Write like you code: The right way to set goals for growth

Write like you code: The right way to set goals for growth

In both writing and coding, simplicity, efficiency, and structure are key. Just as good code is understandable by a junior engineer and great code can be grasped by a first-year CS freshman, good writing should be easily comprehensible by any reader. And just as the best code is no code at all, the best writing does not include unnecessary information.

When it comes to writing, it is important to consider the mental resources of the reader. Similar to how a computer has limited CPU cycles and RAM, a reader has limited attention span and memory. To combat reader boredom, good writing incorporates elements of humor or provides insightful observations. One effective technique to keep readers engaged is to ensure they have an epiphany every 250 words, a concept known as the "Raymond Chandler rule" coined by David Perell.

Now, let's shift our focus to setting goals for growth. The best approach is to set absolute goals, such as the number of active users and a decrease in churned users. These are the metrics that truly matter in achieving growth. It is important for teams to take credit for their actions and not rely solely on natural occurrences. For example, if a team focuses on growing traffic in a country with lower conversion rates, such as Germany, instead of a country with higher conversion rates, like the United States, they may achieve their traffic goals but fall short on signup goals.

When it comes to measuring growth, one significant metric is the activation rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of activated users by the total number of users. To move this metric in either direction, there are two approaches: changing the number of activated users or changing the total number of users.

In conclusion, writing and coding share similarities in terms of simplicity, efficiency, and structure. Both require considering the limitations of their respective audiences in terms of attention span and memory. Additionally, when setting goals for growth, it is crucial to focus on absolute metrics, such as active users and a decrease in churned users. Lastly, the activation rate is a key metric to measure growth and can be influenced by either changing the number of activated users or the total number of users.

Actionable advice:

1. Keep your writing simple, efficient, and well-structured. Avoid unnecessary complexity that might confuse your readers.
2. Incorporate humor or provide insightful observations to keep your readers engaged and prevent boredom.
3. When setting goals for growth, focus on absolute metrics that truly indicate progress. Take credit for your team's actions and avoid relying solely on natural occurrences.

By following these guidelines, you can write like you code and set effective goals for growth. Remember, the best writing and the best code are those that achieve their purpose with simplicity and efficiency.