Growth funnels, loops & lifecycle · Core
Top of funnel
Also called: TOFU
ELI5
Early awareness or acquisition stages before deeper evaluation.
Used in conversation
“Can we separate sustainable movement in top of funnel from a one-off campaign effect?”
Pitch context
You will see “Top of funnel” in brand decks, campaign plans, research reports and performance reviews when the discussion reaches growth funnels, loops & lifecycle.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret growth funnels, loops & lifecycle without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Connected terms
- Awareness stageThe search label “top of funnel” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 5
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- American Marketing Association — Definitions of Marketing and BrandSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Advertising and Marketing GuidanceSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Analytics Help — Google Analytics dimensions and metricsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Ads Help — Google Ads metrics and reportingSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Interactive Advertising Bureau — Measurement guidelines and standardsSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16