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What Is Digital Marketing? A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

  • Writer: INDU PRAKASH SENGAR
    INDU PRAKASH SENGAR
  • Jul 25
  • 3 min read

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Hey, So What Exactly Is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is basically any kind of marketing that uses the internet or electronic devices. Think of it as promoting your business, product, or service online—whether through search engines like Google, social media platforms like Instagram, or even emails in your customer’s inbox.

In 2025, it's no longer optional—it’s essential. If you're not marketing your business online, you're practically invisible to a massive portion of your potential audience.

But don’t worry! If you're new to the game, this guide will walk you through the basics step by step.


Why Digital Marketing Matters More Than Ever in 2025

Still wondering if you really need it? Here's why digital marketing is a non-negotiable in today's world:

  • People live online – Over 5.4 billion people use the internet globally.

  • Cost-effective – Unlike traditional ads, you can run campaigns for as little as $5/day.

  • Highly targeted – You can reach your exact audience based on interests, location, and behavior.

  • Real-time results – Track everything instantly—no more guessing!


Fun stat: Businesses that use digital marketing strategies grow revenue 2.8x faster than those that don’t. (Source: HubSpot)


The Core Components of Digital Marketing

So, what’s included under the big digital marketing umbrella? Let’s break it down into manageable pieces:


1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

This is the art (and science) of getting your website to rank higher on Google. More visibility = more traffic = more customers.

How SEO helps:

  • Brings in free (organic) traffic

  • Builds trust and credibility

  • Long-term investment with lasting results

👉 Keyword tip: If you’re a bakery in NYC, you want to rank for terms like “best cupcakes in NYC.”


2. Content Marketing

Content is everything from blog posts and YouTube videos to infographics and eBooks. It helps educate, entertain, or inspire your audience while gently nudging them toward your brand.

Examples:

  • Blog articles (like this one)

  • How-to guides

  • Explainer videos


3. Social Media Marketing

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok are goldmines for connecting with your audience and building a community.

Benefits:

  • Engages users in real time

  • Humanizes your brand

  • Boosts brand loyalty and awareness


4. Email Marketing

Still one of the highest ROI channels out there. It's personal, direct, and insanely effective when done right.

What you can send:

  • Newsletters

  • Product updates

  • Discount offers

  • Abandoned cart reminders


5. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

These are paid ads on platforms like Google Ads or Meta Ads. You only pay when someone clicks—nice, right?

Great for:

  • Quick traffic boosts

  • Promoting launches

  • Targeting specific buyer intent


6. Affiliate & Influencer Marketing

Work with people who already have your audience. Whether it’s an influencer on Instagram or a blogger reviewing your product, it can give you massive reach without the heavy lifting.


How to Get Started with Digital Marketing (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

Starting from scratch? Here's a simple step-by-step plan to get you going:

  1. Define Your Goals Are you trying to get more leads? Sell products? Build a community?

  2. Know Your Audience Who are you speaking to? Get crystal clear on their pain points, needs, and desires.

  3. Build Your Online Presence

    • Start with a professional website

    • Optimize your Google Business Profile

    • Create business accounts on key social platforms

  4. Choose the Right Channels You don’t have to be everywhere. Focus on where your audience actually hangs out.

  5. Create Valuable Content Don’t just post for the sake of it. Provide real value—educate, entertain, or solve a problem.

  6. Track, Analyze, Improve Use tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Meta Insights to measure what’s working.


Common Digital Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned marketers mess up sometimes. Here’s what beginners should definitely avoid:

  • ❌ Ignoring mobile optimization

  • ❌ Posting without a strategy

  • ❌ Focusing only on followers, not engagement

  • ❌ Forgetting to track data and analytics

  • ❌ Trying to do everything at once


Real-World Example: How a Local Café Tripled Their Foot Traffic

Let’s talk results. One of our clients, a cozy little café in Brooklyn, started from zero—no website, no social media, nada.

Here’s what we did:

  • Built a fast-loading website with local SEO

  • Ran Instagram ads targeting people within 5 miles

  • Created a “Free Coffee for First Visit” offer

Result? Their walk-ins went up by 300% in just 60 days.


Ready to Go Digital?

Digital marketing might seem like a beast, but once you break it down, it's totally manageable. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll start seeing results before you know it.

And hey, if you’re ready to level up your strategy or need a partner to guide you through it—Digiternal Media has your back. Let’s build your digital empire together!

Wanna see how we can help?


Contact Digiternal Media for a free digital strategy session.

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