What are vanity metrics? Provide examples.

Vanity metrics are metrics that look impressive and can create a sense of success, but do not actually reflect real progress or product effectiveness. They often do not help in making management decisions as they are not directly related to key business goals.

Examples of vanity metrics:

• Number of app downloads (without considering active users or retention)
• Total number of registered users (without considering activity)
• Number of page views without conversion analysis
• Likes or followers on social media without engagement

Unlike them, useful metrics (actionable metrics) help understand how to improve the product and achieve goals.