Client LTV by Acquisition Channel
Which channel brings the best lifetime value?
Channel A — SEO/Organic
Channel B — Paid Ads
Channel C — Referrals
Channel D — Outbound
📚 Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide Click to expand
Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide
Click to expand
Client LTV by Acquisition Channel
Not all customers are equal. SEO, Paid Ads, Referrals, Outbound deliver wildly different LTV — and CAC. This tool compares LTV/CAC ratio per channel to allocate budget where it pays back.
How to use this tool
- 1
Per-channel cost
CAC for each acquisition channel.
- 2
Lifetime metrics
ARPU + retention months per channel.
- 3
See LTV/CAC
Healthy: 3:1+. Below 1:1 = unprofitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a healthy LTV:CAC?
3:1 is the SaaS rule of thumb (1 dollar acquisition → 3 dollars lifetime). Below 1:1 = losing money on every customer. Above 5:1 = under-spending on growth.
Why does retention vary by channel?
Referrals retain 20-40% longer (pre-vetted by friend). Paid social often worst (low-intent traffic). SEO middle (matched intent). Outbound varies wildly by ICP fit.
Is gross margin needed?
Yes — true LTV = ARPU × retention × gross margin. 70% margin SaaS counts more lifetime value than 30% margin marketplace.
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