[factsaresacred]

Why use the alternative when here we are on the perfectly fine original?

Maybe it can't grow because it's an unnecessary and inferior substitute. I don't mean to sound harsh but if it's difficult to gain traction there's likely a reason.

Which gets to the main point of the original article: you can't 'growth hack' a product that has no market from which to grow from.

Build something people find valuable and it will grow is the only "hack" that truly works.

[anongraddebt]

I agree with you, but would add one caveat. You may have built something valuable, but have yet to find the proper distribution channel. In which case, you experiment selling through different channels until you either grow, die, or pivot.