What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing would be defined as marketing products or services (or even brands) electronically. With digital marketing you can connect with people online. In essence, what it provides is a modern take on paper or television ads, or banners. The term you’ll hear most is ‘reaching people where they already are,’ meaning it’s about reaching people on Google or Facebook or Instagram or YouTube or sometimes email.
Example:
Imagine this when you begin to type “best smartphones under ₹20,000” on Google. Brands like Samsung, Amazon or Flipkart will show at the top, you will see the results. Those aren’t random—they’ve used digital marketing techniques to make sure you find them. Cool, right?
So Why Is Digital Marketing Important?
Now that the world is online, and India even more so, it’s becoming increasingly digital day in day out. With over 700 million internet users in our country, businesses—big or small—can not afford to miss out. Here’s why digital marketing matters:
Bigger Reach: Digital marketing helps, whether you’re targeting people in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai. It also works for smaller towns like Indore and Coimbatore. It ensures your message reaches the right audience.
Affordable: Unlike TV ads, which cost lakhs, you can start a Facebook or Instagram campaign for just ₹200 a day! Even small businesses like a bakery or tuition center can use this.
Trackable Results: Let’s say you run an ad. The good news is you know exactly how many people clicked on it, opened your phone and went to your site, and who actually bought your product. Tools like Google Analytics make it super easy.
Two-Way Communication: Why are you having a conversation just with your customers rather than being able to converse with them? Like replying to their comments, answering questions, or running Instagram polls.
How Can Someone Start Learning Digital Marketing?
You don’t need a degree or any special background to start with digital marketing. Anyone can learn this skill with the right steps:
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Start by understanding the main topics in digital marketing. Some of these include SEO, to help get your website on top of Google. It involves marketing of Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, you should invest further time in Google Ads and email marketing.
Step 2: Use Free Resources
There’s no need to spend money at first. Use free courses and tutorials. Some good places to start are:
Google Digital Garage: The second is they have a free course called The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing.
HubSpot Academy: It is good for learning things like content marketing and email marketing.
YouTube: Follow Indian creators like Digital Deepak or Sorav Jain for practical advice.
Step 3: Practice What You Learn
Learning theory is fine, but you need to practice. Start small—maybe create a blog or an Instagram page on something you love (like cooking or fitness) and try to grow your followers.
Step 4: Take Affordable Courses (Optional)
When you’ve grasped it, you can invest in a paid course. Internshala and Udemy both have amazing courses designed for beginners that are also affordable.
Step 5: Build a Portfolio
Start working on real projects. You can help your family business, a local shop, or a friend’s startup with their social media or Google Ads. This way, you can show your skills to others.
Step 6: Keep Yourself Updated
Digital marketing keeps changing. One day it’s all about Instagram reels; the next day, people are talking about AI or WhatsApp Business. Follow blogs like Neil Patel or Indian influencers to stay ahead.
What Are the Main Channels Used in Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is made up of multiple aspects. Let’s go over them with real Indian examples so you can understand better.
- Search Engine Optimization
SEO means getting up on Google search without you paying for the ads.
Example:
Then, when you search for best biryani in Hyderabad, you’ll find restaurants like Paradise or Bawarchi listed as top. The reason being is that they have optimized and hence have added keywords like ‘best biryani’ on their website.
- Pay Per Click Advertising (PPC)
Pay per click (PPC) is an ad type.
This will help you get great ranking in google search results or social media. You’re charged only when someone clicks on your ad.
Example:
During sales, Flipkart runs ads on Google saying “Big Billion Days – Up to 70% Off”. These ads grab attention instantly.
- Social Media Marketing
This is all about using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to promote your business.
Example:
Amul posts funny and relatable ads on Instagram during trending events. These posts keep their brand fresh in people’s minds.
- Content Marketing
Sharing helpful content to attract and engage your audience is called content marketing. Basically it’s not so much acting like a salesman and more acting like someone you can build trust with.
Example:
The best of these examples, of course, being Zomato’s quirky Instagram posts about food trends. They don’t directly ask you to order, but their content makes you want to.
- Email Marketing
Sending newsletters or offers directly to someone’s inbox is email marketing. It’s personal and effective.
Example:
You’ve probably received emails from Myntra about sales or new collections. That’s email marketing.
- Affiliate Marketing
This is where your promote someone else’s product and get a commission for every sale through your link.
- Influencer Marketing
Influencers promote brands products. It works well in India since we trust recommendations from familiar faces.
Example:
Mamaearth, along with skincare products, works with Instagram influencers to promote their products.
- Mobile Marketing
This includes SMS marketing, WhatsApp campaigns, and even app notifications.
Example:
Domino’s sends WhatsApp messages like “Get 2 pizzas for ₹199!” That’s mobile marketing at work.
Wrapping It Up
Digital marketing goes beyond even more than just being a homemaker, student, or small business owner. This is something you can learn on your own and may be used in several of ways.
So, start today. Watch free tutorials, experiment with your ideas, and practice. Who knows? You could build a great career in digital marketing or even start your own business.