What Exactly is Digital Marketing? Why You Need It and How to Start (With Examples)

Introduction: So… What’s All the Digital Fuss About?

If you’ve been anywhere near the internet in the past decade (and I’m guessing you have, since you’re here), you’ve probably heard the phrase digital marketing tossed around like confetti at a wedding.

Some people think it’s just “posting stuff online.” Others imagine it as some mysterious, high-tech wizardry where marketers in dark rooms watch your every click. The truth? It’s somewhere in between… minus the dark rooms (hopefully).

At its core, digital marketing is how you use the internet to connect with the right people, build trust, and gently guide them toward buying what you offer.

Think of it like dating in the online age: instead of flowers and awkward small talk, you’re using blog posts, social media, and ads to impress your audience and make them say, “Yes, I’ll go out with you… and buy your product.”

Part 1: What Exactly Is Digital Marketing?

The textbook definition goes like this:

Digital marketing is the use of online channels, platforms, and strategies to promote products, services, or brands to a target audience.

Boring, right? Here’s mine:

Digital marketing is shouting from the internet’s rooftop — but instead of annoying people, you attract the exact ones who actually want to hear from you.

Key Types of Digital Marketing (Explained with Simple Examples)

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• What it is: Tweaking your website so Google says, “This site is amazing — let’s put it at the top.”
• Example: A bakery in Lagos optimizes their site for “best cakes in Lagos” so cake lovers find them instantly.
• Here’s why it matters: 75% of people stop at Google’s first page and never look further. Being on page two is like having a store with no sign.

2. Content Marketing

• What it is: Creating valuable articles, videos, podcasts, or guides that attract and educate your audience.
• Example: A fitness coach shares free workout tips and healthy recipes on their blog and Instagram.
• Why it matters: Content builds trust — and trust is the currency of the internet.

3. Social Media Marketing

• What it is: Using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) to build an audience and engage with them.
• Example: A clothing brand posts Instagram Reels of new arrivals, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Why it matters: Your audience is already scrolling — meet them where they hang out.

4. Email Marketing

• What it is: Sending valuable and relevant messages straight to someone’s inbox.
• Example: A bookstore emails “Book of the Month” recommendations with special discounts.
• Why it matters: Email still has one of the highest ROIs of any marketing channel. Cheap + effective = win-win.

5. Paid Advertising (PPC)

• What it is: Paying for ads on Google or social media platforms.
• Example: A travel agency runs ads for “cheap flights to Dubai” and only pays when someone clicks.
• Why it matters: Instant visibility, especially for new businesses.

6. Affiliate Marketing

• What it is: Partnering with influencers or websites to promote your product for a commission.
• Example: A tech blogger suggests a laptop and earns a commission for every purchase made through their affiliate link.
• Why it matters: It’s like having a sales team you don’t have to hire.

Part 2: Why You Need Digital Marketing (Even if You Think You Don’t)

You might think, “My business is fine without it.”
Sure, so was Blockbuster — until Netflix showed up in pajamas with snacks.

Here’s why skipping digital marketing is like refusing to use GPS in a new city — technically possible, but unnecessarily painful.

1. Your Customers Are Online All the Time

They’re Googling “best sneakers near me,” scrolling TikTok for outfit ideas, and checking reviews before buying a blender. Without an online presence, you’re practically invisible to the world.

2. It’s Cheaper and Smarter Than Old-School Marketing

Billboards and TV ads cost a fortune — and you can’t even track who saw them. Digital marketing allows you to begin on a small scale and track every single click.

3. You Can Target Exactly Who You Want

Want to reach left-handed guitarists in Nairobi who love jazz? Done.
Try asking a TV ad to do that.

4. You Build Relationships, Not Just Sales

Through emails, blogs, and social media, you can keep in touch with customers, educate them, and become their go-to brand.

5. Your Competition is Already Doing It

If you’re not, you’re leaving the digital playground wide open for them to win your customers.

Part 3: How to Start Digital Marketing (Beginner’s Step-by-Step)

Starting can feel overwhelming, like staring at a buffet and not knowing what to put on your plate. Here’s the beginner-friendly roadmap:

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Ask: What do I want? More sales, more traffic, brand awareness, or community building?

Step 2: Know Your Audience

Build a customer persona — age, location, interests, problems.

Step 3: Choose Your Platforms

Go where your audience is.

Step 4: Make a Content Plan

Mix posts: tips, behind-the-scenes, tutorials, customer stories, and memes.

Step 5: Start Small with Ads

Test with $10–$20 budgets. Compare results and scale the winner.

Step 6: Track and Adjust

Use analytics to see what’s working and tweak the rest.

Part 4: Deep Dive into the Major Platforms

Now let’s go platform by platform so you know where to start and how to avoid rookie mistakes.

1. Facebook & Instagram (Meta Ads)

• Best for: Broad audiences, community engagement, and storytelling.
• Strengths: Affordable ads, advanced targeting, visual storytelling.
• Beginner tip: Start with boosted posts to test engagement before running full campaigns.
• Example: A restaurant runs a short video ad showing sizzling dishes with a “Book Now” button.

2. TikTok

• Best for: Younger audiences, viral trends, fun content.
• Strengths: Massive organic reach potential.
• Beginner tip: Use trending sounds and hashtags. Keep videos under 30 seconds.
• Example: A skincare brand shows a “before and after” transformation in under 15 seconds.

3. LinkedIn

• Best for: B2B marketing, professional networking.
• Strengths: High-value leads, industry credibility.
• Beginner tip: Share insights, industry news, and case studies instead of hard sales pitches.
• Example: A software company posts a case study on how they saved a client $50k.

4. Google Ads

• Best for: Immediate search-based visibility.
• Strengths: Catch people when they’re actively searching for what you offer.
• Beginner tip: Start with “exact match” keywords to avoid wasting money on unrelated searches.
• Example: A locksmith runs an ad for “emergency locksmith near me” targeting a 10-mile radius.

5. SEO Tools (Free & Paid)

• Free tools: Google Search Console, Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic.
• Paid tools: SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz.
• Beginner tip: Start with free tools until you understand what you’re looking at.
• Example: Use Ubersuggest to find keywords people are searching for in your niche.

Part 5: A Real-Life Beginner’s Experiment

I once promoted custom-designed notebooks:

1. Posted daily on Instagram with hashtags.
2. Ran a $15 Facebook ad targeting stationery lovers.
3. Wrote a blog post on “5 Reasons Handwritten Notes Still Matter.”

Results:

• 1,200 followers in two months.
• 300 clicks from the ad.
• 25 notebook sales in month one.

Lesson: Small steps + consistency = results.

Part 6: Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Trying to be everywhere → Burnout.
2. Ignoring analytics → You’re flying blind.
3. Only posting sales pitches → People want value first.
4. Quitting too soon → Digital marketing takes time.

Part 7: Your Quick Digital Marketing Starter Kit

• A simple website (WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace).
• One social media platform to start with.
• A free analytics tool (Google Analytics, Meta Insights).
• Basic design tool (Canva).
• Patience (seriously, lots of it).

The Takeaway

Digital marketing isn’t optional anymore. It’s the bridge between your business and billions of people online.

Start small, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your first post might flop, your first ad might be a dud, but every pro once stood exactly where you are now — with too many open tabs and a “What am I doing?” look.