Definition
Product-led growth means users can find value before they talk to sales: a free tier, a self-serve signup, or a loop that invites the next user. Sales can still exist, but the product does the first convincing. If nobody can succeed without a demo, you are sales-led.
In the room
How the word shows up in a real conversation.
A designer invites two teammates to a board. Those teammates stay and invite their company. The upgrade happens in-app. That is PLG. A 12-slide demo before any login is not.
Common mistake
Adding a “free trial” button and calling the company product-led. If activation is unclear, you added a form, not a motion.
See also
Freemium
A free tier that is useful, plus a paid tier for the people who need more.
Read definition →
Customer acquisition
Process of gaining new customers through marketing and sales efforts.
Read definition →
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Cloud-based software delivery model where applications are hosted and accessed online.
Read definition →
Product-Market fit
Degree to which a product satisfies market demand and customer needs.
Read definition →
Research more
Open the word in an AI tool with a ready prompt. We do not send your data.
Get one word every week
A 3-minute read: 1 word, 1 founder lesson, 1 tool.