The DTC Playbook
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What is LTV?

Lifetime Value
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The total contribution margin a customer generates across their whole relationship with you, not their total revenue. Revenue-based LTV flatters you; margin-based LTV tells the truth. LTV only means something next to CAC, which is why the LTV:CAC ratio is the number investors and acquirers actually look at.

Benchmark. An LTV:CAC ratio of 3:1 is the rule of thumb for a healthy business. Below 1:1 you lose money on every customer; above 5:1 usually means you are underinvesting in growth.

Read Finance & Unit Economics Term Customer Acquisition Cost Term Contribution Margin Term Cohort Analysis Term Average Order Value
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