Growth Hacking with Digital Marketing (Now with AI!) Course Syllabus

An actionable growth hacking masterclass that equips marketers and founders with the frameworks, tactics, and automations needed to rapidly scale user acquisition and retention. This course spans approximately 8 hours of content across 10 focused modules, blending strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You’ll learn to run data-driven experiments, optimize every stage of the AARRR funnel, and implement no-code automations powered by AI—ideal for early-stage startups and lean marketing teams.

Module 1: Growth Hacking Mindset & Frameworks

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Define “growth hacker” vs. “marketer”
• Embrace cross-functional experimentation
• Learn Pirate Metrics (AARRR)
• Apply ICE scoring and North Star metrics

Module 2: Audience Research & Value Proposition

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Conduct rapid surveys and interviews
• Perform social listening to uncover pain points
• Craft value propositions
• Test with landing page prototypes and user feedback

Module 3: Acquisition Channels & Tactics

Estimated time: 1.25 hours

• Explore SEO and content marketing
• Leverage influencer partnerships
• Launch micro-budget Facebook Ads
• Run small-scale Google Ads and display campaigns

Module 4: Activation & Onboarding Optimization

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Map user onboarding flows
• Identify drop-off points
• Use in-app messaging and tooltips
• Set up email triggers for engagement

Module 5: Retention & Engagement Strategies

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Implement email drip campaigns
• Use push notifications and SMS reminders
• Apply gamification and loyalty programs
• Build community forums for stickiness

Module 6: Referral & Viral Growth Mechanics

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Design two-sided referral programs
• Integrate social sharing widgets
• Use embeddable invites and contest mechanics

Module 7: Revenue Optimization & Monetization

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Test pricing tiers and models
• Compare free trials vs. freemium
• Analyze LTV, CAC, and payback periods

Module 8: Growth Automation & No-Code Tools

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Automate lead capture and nurturing
• Use Zapier and Integromat for workflows
• Deploy chatbots and build real-time dashboards

Module 9: Experimentation & Analytics

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Set up A/B tests with Optimizely or Google Optimize
• Interpret statistical significance
• Analyze heatmaps and user behavior
• Iterate based on data findings

Module 10: Scaling Growth Teams & Processes

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Establish growth OKRs
• Run cross-functional sprints
• Align product, marketing, data, and engineering

Prerequisites

• Basic familiarity with digital marketing concepts
• Understanding of web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Access to common SaaS tools (free tiers acceptable)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Identify high-impact growth channels and prioritize experiments
• Conduct audience research and refine value propositions
• Design and execute full-funnel AARRR strategies
• Implement low-budget paid acquisition campaigns
• Automate growth workflows using no-code tools