Churn

"Churn" is the rate at which customers or subscribers discontinue their use of a service or product. Learn about how product managers use churn data to make product improvements and increase customer retention.

What is Churn?

Introduction

Churn is a term used in product management to describe the rate at which customers stop using a product or service. It is an important metric for businesses to track as it directly impacts their revenue and growth.

Types of Churn

There are two types of churn: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary churn occurs when customers actively choose to stop using a product or service. This could be due to various reasons such as dissatisfaction with the product, finding a better alternative, or financial constraints. Involuntary churn, on the other hand, occurs when customers are forced to stop using a product or service due to external factors such as a change in their circumstances or the product being discontinued.

Calculating Churn

Churn rate is calculated by dividing the number of customers who stopped using a product or service during a specific time period by the total number of customers at the beginning of that period. For example, if a company had 100 customers at the beginning of the month and 10 of them stopped using the product by the end of the month, the churn rate would be 10%.

Impact of Churn

Churn has a direct impact on a company's revenue and growth. Losing customers means losing revenue, and if the churn rate is high, it can be difficult for a company to sustain its growth. Additionally, acquiring new customers can be more expensive than retaining existing ones, so reducing churn can also help a company save on acquisition costs.

Reducing Churn

Reducing churn should be a priority for any business. One way to do this is by improving the product or service to meet the needs of customers better. This could involve adding new features, improving customer support, or addressing any issues that customers have raised. Another way to reduce churn is by offering incentives to customers who have been with the company for a long time or who refer new customers.

Conclusion

Churn is an essential metric for businesses to track as it directly impacts their revenue and growth. By understanding the types of churn, calculating churn rate, and taking steps to reduce churn, companies can improve their customer retention and overall success.