What caused the sudden 30% decrease in API calls to Similarweb's Website Traffic API last week?

Introduction

The sudden 30% decrease in API calls to Similarweb's Website Traffic API last week is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. This significant drop could impact revenue, user satisfaction, and our overall market position. I'll approach this problem systematically, focusing on identifying the root cause, validating hypotheses, and developing both short-term and long-term solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this could be related to a recent product change. Have there been any updates to the API or related systems in the past two weeks?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance issues. Expected answer: Yes, there was a minor update to the API authentication system. Impact on approach: If confirmed, I'd focus on investigating the authentication system first.

• Considering the scale of the decrease, I'm wondering if this affects all users equally. Can you provide a breakdown of the API call decrease by user segment or account type?

Why it matters: Helps identify if the issue is universal or specific to certain users. Expected answer: The decrease is more pronounced among enterprise users. Impact on approach: I'd prioritize investigating enterprise-specific features or usage patterns.

• Given the nature of API usage, I'm curious about any changes in error rates. Has there been an increase in API errors or timeouts coinciding with the decrease in calls?

Why it matters: Error increases could indicate technical issues causing the decrease. Expected answer: Yes, there's been a 15% increase in timeout errors. Impact on approach: I'd focus on performance and infrastructure issues as potential causes.

• Considering potential external factors, have there been any significant changes in our competitors' offerings or pricing in the past month?

Why it matters: Competitive pressures could explain a sudden shift in usage. Expected answer: No major changes from competitors have been observed. Impact on approach: I'd shift focus more towards internal factors and user behavior.