Bullseye Framework
Systematically testing traction channels to find the one or two that work best for your specific business. Prevents spreading resources too thin across channels.
When to Use
Use when you're exploring which marketing and distribution channels will work for your company. Best for early-stage startups pre-product-market fit or when entering new markets.
Origin & Background
Created by Gabriel Weinberg (DuckDuckGo) and Justin Mares in their book "Traction." Based on the observation that most startups over-invest in channels that don't work.
Framework Steps
Brainstorm (Outer Ring)
List all 19 traction channels. Don't dismiss any yet.
Rank (Middle Ring)
Pick your top 6 most promising channels based on intuition and data.
Test (Inner Ring)
Run cheap, fast tests on your top 3 channels. Spend $500-2K each.
Focus
Double down on the 1-2 channels that show real traction.
Scale
Pour resources into your winning channel until it saturates.
Applied Scenarios
Bullseye Framework for AI Startups
Find the best traction channel for AI/ML startups using the Bullseye Framework.
View application →Bullseye for B2B SaaS
Adapting the Bullseye Framework for B2B SaaS companies where sales cycles are longer and channel dynamics differ from consumer products.
View application →Bullseye for Consumer Apps
Finding traction channels for consumer applications where viral mechanics, app store optimization, and influencer marketing play key roles.
View application →Bullseye for Developer Tools
Finding the right traction channels for developer-facing products where traditional marketing often backfires.
View application →Bullseye for Marketplace Startups
Apply Bullseye to find traction channels for two-sided marketplaces.
View application →Bullseye for New Market Entry
Using Bullseye when expanding into a new geographic or vertical market where your existing traction channels may not work.
View application →Bullseye for Pre-PMF Startups
Using the Bullseye Framework to find your first traction channel before product-market fit, when resources are extremely limited.
View application →Ehsan Jahandarpour
AI Growth Strategist & Fractional CMO
Forbes Top 20 Growth Hacker · TEDx Speaker · 716 Academic Citations · Ex-Microsoft · CMO at FirstWave (ASX:FCT) · Forbes Communications Council