Digital marketing has become the cornerstone of modern business growth. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a curious professional pivoting into this field, this guide will give you the clarity and practical knowledge you need to get started with real insights from someone who’s been doing this since 2011.
What Exactly Is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing refers to any marketing activity that uses the internet or electronic devices to promote products, services, or brands.
It encompasses everything from search engines and social media to email campaigns and websites.
Traditional vs. Digital Marketing
Traditional Marketing:
Print ads
Radio and TV commercials
Billboards
Digital Marketing:
SEO and Google Ads
Social Media Marketing
Email Newsletters
Content Creation (Blogs, Videos, Podcasts)
Types of Digital Marketing
Here are some types of digital marketing. I have tried all of these with some success and some failure
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
What is SEO?
SEO is the process of optimizing web content so that it ranks higher on search engines like Google. It includes:
- Keyword research
- On-page optimization (titles, headers, images)
- Link building
- Technical SEO (site speed, mobile responsiveness)
Content Marketing
What is content marketing?
Content marketing focuses on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content. It can be:
- Blog posts
- Videos
- Infographics
- Ebooks
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is a great way to promote and sell products, whether they are yours or affiliate products and services.
Here are some of the social media channels you can pick.
- Instagram & TikTok: Great for brand storytelling
- Facebook: Targeted ads and groups
- LinkedIn: B2B engagement
- YouTube: Video content authority
Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most profitable channels I use. I use ConvertKit and typically make a solid income per subscriber each month.
High ROI
In most niches, you will make about $1 for each subscriber per month. To make $10K per month ( most people’s dream income), you need between 10000 and 20000 subscribers.
Direct connection to your audience
Email marketing gives you access to your subscribers’ email addresses, which will allow you to create a personalized connection between yourself and your audience.
Imagine being in a stadium full of people, and you have access to the microphone, and you can tell them anything you want. This is the power email marketing gives you.
Automation and segmentation options
If you are using a good email marketing tool like Kit, you can create automations, segment users depending on what links they click, and so on. This will give you the power to send emails to people who really want to read them.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Marketing
I do not recommend this for beginners or if you are under budget, but if you have money to invest, this is a great way to grow and scale your online business.
These are some of the PPC networks I tried.
Google Ads
Google is the biggest of all; you can create ads and instantly put your brand in front of thousands of people.
Facebook Ads
Everyone is on Facebook, and Facebook ads work for almost every niche. I will recommend that you test them if you have the budget.
Instagram Ads
Instagram ads almost work the same as Facebook ads since they are owned by the same company.
While you don’t need to start here, it can help scale results once your organic efforts gain traction.
Benefits of Digital Marketing
Here are some of the benefits of digital marketing compared to traditional marketing.
Cost-Effectiveness
You don’t need massive startup capital. You can:
- Buy a domain for $10/year
- Use shared hosting for less than $5/month
- Write content yourself or use AI tools
I started with a blog, and all I needed was a domain and hosting. From there, I built everything else organically.
Data-Driven Results
With tools like Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, and SEO software, you can track:
- Who visited your site
- What they clicked
- How long did they stay
- What led to a sale
Flexibility and Reach
Digital marketing allows you to:
- Reach a global audience
- Target specific demographics
- Run campaigns 24/7
One of the biggest wins for me was realizing I could work from anywhere, at any time, and still grow an audience and a business.
How to Start Digital Marketing (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Pick a Niche
Start by choosing an area of focus — health, finance, beauty, tech, lifestyle, etc.
I started writing under my own name to give myself flexibility. That way, I could pivot to any topic that interested me over time.
Step 2: Buy a Domain & Set Up a Website
Tools You’ll Need:
- Domain registrar: Namecheap, GoDaddy
- Hosting: SiteGround, Bluehost, Hostinger
- Platform: WordPress (recommended)
A domain and basic hosting were all I needed to get going.
Step 3: Learn Basic SEO
Use tools like:
- Google Search Console
- Ubersuggest
- Ahrefs
- Surfer SEO
Step 4: Create Quality Content
Write articles that answer real questions. Use blog posts, videos, or even Instagram carousels.
When I first started, I didn’t overthink it. I picked topics I liked and started writing, sharing, and refining.
Step 5: Build an Email List Early
Use:
- ConvertKit
- Mailchimp
- MailerLite
Offer something valuable (like a free guide) in exchange for emails.
I use ConvertKit, and I make money from each subscriber. Building my list was the best decision I made.
Step 6: Start Promoting Your Content
Share it on:
- Medium
- Reddit (if relevant to your niche)
Step 7: Monetize Your Audience
Ways to make money:
- Affiliate marketing
- Selling digital products
- Sponsorships
- Coaching or services
I used to work as an engineer making $15/day. With digital marketing, I was able to build something that actually gave me financial stability and control.
FAQ: What is Digital Marketing
How long does it take to see results?
Usually 3 to 6 months for SEO, faster for social or paid traffic. Long-term success requires consistency.
Do I need to know coding?
No. Most platforms, like WordPress or ConvertKit, are beginner-friendly.
How much does it cost to start?
As little as $50–$100 to get a basic site up and running.
Can I do this part-time?
Absolutely. Many successful marketers start on nights and weekends.
What’s the best way to learn?
Mix learning with doing. Read blogs, watch YouTube tutorials, but also create your own content and track what works.
Key Takeaways: What is digital marketing?
- Digital marketing is about using the internet to promote businesses and build an audience.
- You can get started with minimal investment — a domain, hosting, and basic SEO knowledge.
- Channels like SEO, content, social media, and email marketing work together to drive traffic and sales.
- The key to success is consistency, learning, testing, and adjusting.
- You don’t need to be a tech expert to succeed just be willing to learn and apply.
I’ve been doing this since 2011, and the freedom and opportunities digital marketing offers are unmatched.
Whether you want side income or to go full-time like I did, this space has endless potential.
