API Analytics for Product Managers: Understand key API metrics that can help you grow your business

APIs are still an engineering driven interface and very few business folks including PMs understand what's going on. Deepa puts together in good detail the basics and details around how PMs should look at understanding API usage. Well worth a copy on your desk if you are PM working on APIs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of product management, few resources address the niche yet incredibly essential realm of APIs as effectively as "API Analytics for Product Managers." As a seasoned product leader with a penchant for data-driven decision making, I found this book to be both a timely and enlightening read.From the get-go, the premise of considering APIs not just as utilities but as revenue-generating products is compelling. In my experience, the best product decisions are underpinned by robust analytics, and this book serves as a comprehensive guide to transforming the way we perceive, measure, and optimize APIs. Its structured approach, starting from the foundational concept of an API as a product, to the intricacies of API life cycle and maturity, ensures a step-by-step, layered understanding.A standout feature of this book is its emphasis on metrics. While many resources touch upon standard metrics like activation and retention, this book delves deep. The exploration of often-neglected areas like the effectiveness of documentation and the potential pitfalls of vanity metrics is particularly enlightening. The inclusion of leading and lagging metrics provides a holistic view, allowing readers to understand not just the 'what,' but the 'why' behind their API performance.The sections dedicated to walking in the customer's shoes and understanding their expectations resonate deeply. After all, in the realm of product management, empathy is a North Star. Applying user research principles specifically to APIs is a fresh take and is bound to be invaluable for product managers navigating this space.However, perhaps the most powerful takeaway is the book's commitment to honest metrics. In a world overflowing with data, discerning meaningful insights from noise is a formidable challenge. The chapters on keeping metrics honest and decision-making with data are both a cautionary tale and a guide, steering readers away from potential pitfalls and towards impactful, actionable insights.The book's target audience is spot on. Product managers, engineers, and product executives will find immense value in the insights presented, but even those on the peripheries of SaaS businesses can benefit from understanding the pivotal role APIs play in today's tech ecosystem.

This book was great refernce to add to my library as Im a current product mgr in my organziation. It helped me to build out a game plan for my API long term strategy and really learn on how to use APIs from a product mgt pespective. Great work Deepa! Thanks again so much . Looking forward to your next version!

"API Analytics for Product Managers" is an indispensable resource that every product manager should have. As an API expert and author, I found this book extremely useful for understanding and applying business concepts into API products, define what success means and how to measure it and then execute on a strategy to reach such goals.The book's focus on business metrics and measuring success is exceptional. It provides practical guidance on tracking the right metrics for product growth and making informed decisions. The authors seamlessly connect API analytics with business objectives, improving user experiences and driving growth.I particularly loved the emphasis on measuring metrics and how to interpret them. The authors offer a comprehensive framework for tracking APIs and interpreting data. Real-world examples and case studies enhance the book's practicality.In summary, "API Analytics for Product Managers" is an essential guide that empowers product managers to unlock the value of API analytics in context of business outcomes. Whether you're experienced or starting out, this book provides the knowledge needed to measure success and make informed decisions. I highly recommend it in the evolving world of APIs. Will be permanently in my bookshelf :)

The book covers both in depth and breadth , the API world and the needed metrics to track, interpret and take next steps towards the API / services improvements for great Developer Experience.