What is digital marketing?

Hello and welcome to Website Success in 5 Minutes. I'm Shaun Carvill, CEO of Clickingmad.

And today, we're going to answer a question that is often asked, especially by those new to promoting their businesses online.

What is digital marketing?

Well, you've probably heard the term a lot, but what does it actually mean?

Let's break it down in some very simple terms.

The easiest way to explain it is to say that digital marketing is using the Internet to promote your business. Simple, right?

Instead of handing out Flyers, putting up billboards or running ads in newspapers, you're doing all of that online.

It's about getting your business, product or service in front of people on their computers, smartphones or tablets.

There are lots of different ways to do digital marketing, so let's have a look at a few of the main roles now.

1. Your website. Your website is the heart of your digital marketing.

Think of it as your online shop or office. It's the place people visit to learn more about you, see what you offer and maybe even buy your product or services.

Making sure your website looks good and works well is an important part of digital marketing because it's where most of your customers will land first.

2. Social media

Social media marketing is about using platforms like Facebook, Instagram X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok etc to promote your business.

It's like having a conversation with your customers online.

You can share updates, offers, or just keep your audience engaged by posting photos, videos or stories about your business.

3. E-mail marketing.

This ones really simple. e-mail marketing is about sending out emails to people who might be interested in what you do.

Think of it as delivering news about your business straight to their inbox.

It's a great way to let people know about special deals, new products or services, or important updates.

4. SEO, also known as search engine optimisation.

This might sound a bit technical, but it's really about helping your website show up when people search for things online.

For example, if you run a bakery, you want your website to appear when people type in “Best bakery near Me” into Google.

SEO is what helps your website to get to notice it in search results.

5. Online advertising. This is the paying for ads that shop online.

You can run ads on Google, social media, or other websites.

With digital ads, you can target specific groups of people.

Like those in your local area, or those interested in certain products and services.

You've probably seen these ads while scrolling on Facebook or indeed searching on Google.

6. Content marketing.

Content marketing is all about creating helpful or interesting content like blog posts, videos, or guides.

The idea is to give people useful information so that they trust your business and come back for more.

For example, if you're a plumber, you might write a blog about how to fix a leaky tap or film a video.

This shows your expertise and keeps people coming to your website.

So why is digital marketing important? Why bother?

Well almost everyone is online these days, whether it's on their phone or computer or tablet.

People search the Internet when they're looking for products, services, or answers to their questions.

If your business isn't online or you're not using digital marketing, you’re missing out on reaching potential customers.

Digital marketing helps you reach the right people where they are.

Whether it's showing up in Google search results, catching someone's eye on social media, or landing in their inbox.

It puts your business in front of the people most likely to be interested in what you offer.

To sum up

Digital marketing is all about using the Internet to promote your business that include your website, social media, e-mail marketing, SEO, online ads, and creating content that attracts and engages customers.

It's a powerful way to reach people, grow your business and stay ahead in today's digital world.

That's it for today's episode of Website Success in 5 Minutes. I'm Shaun Carvill.

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See you next time.