WHAT EXACTLY IS DIGITAL MARKETING?
You Googled "what is digital marketing" because someone told you that you "need to be doing digital marketing" and now you're drowning in acronyms like SEO, PPC, CTR, and wondering if you need a computer science degree just to post on Instagram.
Here's what nobody tells you: You're already doing digital marketing.
That Google review response you wrote at 11 PM? Digital marketing.
The behind-the-scenes story you shared on Instagram because a client made your day? Digital marketing.
The helpful email you sent explaining your process to a confused customer? Yep, that's digital marketing too.
The problem isn't that digital marketing is complicated. The problem is that the industry has made it sound like rocket science when it's actually more like... having conversations. Just digitally.
In other words: you’re participating in Digital Marketing, even if you don’t call it that.
The Real Definition (That Actually Makes Sense)
Digital marketing is simply being intentional about how you show up online.
That's it. Not flashy, not complicated, just intentional.
It's the difference between randomly posting a blurry photo of your lunch and sharing a story about the local supplier who grows the herbs you use in your restaurant. Both are "content," but one builds your brand while the other just... exists.
The 5Ways You’re Already doing it (And How to Do Them Better)
1. Your Website: Your Modern-day Storefront
You know that feeling when you walk into a beautifully organized, welcoming store versus one where you can't find anything? Your website is the same thing. It's your modern-day storefront—where people go to vet you, decide if they'll trust you, and ultimately buy from you.
But here's what makes your website different from every other digital platform: It's the only one you truly own. Instagram could go down tomorrow (and let's be honest, sometimes it does), so if that's the only place your business lives online—where does that leave you?
Your website isn't just about being fancy—it's about being findable, trustworthy, and helpful when it matters most.
What you're probably already doing right: Having a website that explains what you do.
How to do it better: Make sure someone can understand what you do and how to work with you within 10 seconds of landing on your homepage.
If you're just starting your digital marketing journey, this is the first place to invest your time and energy.
2. Social Media: Your Personality on Display
Stop thinking "content creation" and start thinking "conversation starter." Your social media isn't a billboard—it's your front porch where you chat with neighbors. It can truly be as simple as that.
What you're probably already doing right: Showing glimpses of your work and personality.
How to do it better: Share the "why" behind what you do, not just the "what".
But remember social media is borrowed space. It’s powerful, but it shouldn’t be your only strategy.
3. Email Marketing: Your Direct Line
That newsletter you send "whenever you remember to"? It's actually one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit.
It's a direct line to your people—whether it's a monthly update or a full-blown launch sequence, email consistently delivers some of the highest returns in digital marketing.
Here's what makes email special: It's your chance to speak to an audience that chose to hear from you—keeping them engaged, informed, and ready to take action.
What you're probably already doing right: Staying in touch with past clients.
How to do it better: Send emails your subscribers would miss if they stopped coming.
Just remember: this isn't about bombarding people with daily sales pitches—it's about adding value to their inbox.
4. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) : Being Findable
This isn't about gaming algorithms. It's about showing up when someone needs exactly what you offer.
When someone searches "best pizza near me" at 9 PM on a Tuesday, do you want to be there?
What you're probably already doing right: Having your business listed on Google.
How to do it better: Answer the questions your ideal customers are actually asking.
It’s about being discoverable before they know your name – and building trust from the very first click.
5. Digital Ads — Amplifying What Works
From Google to Instagram, Pinterest to LinkedIn, ads and sponsored content are still one of the fastest ways to increase your reach and get in front of the right people. The targeting power is huge, and the possibilities are endless—but that doesn't mean every platform is right for your product.
Ads aren't about interrupting people. They're about showing up for the right person at the right moment with the right message.
What you're probably already doing right: Understanding who your best customers are.
How to do it better: Put your best content in front of more of those people.
You don't have to be everywhere—just where it counts for your specific audience.
Your Next Step
(It's Smaller Than You Think)
Pick ONE thing you're already doing and do it 10% better for the next month. That's it.
Already posting on social media? Add one story per week that shows the "behind the scenes" of your work.
Already sending occasional emails? Set up a simple monthly newsletter with one helpful tip.
Already getting reviews? Start responding to every single one with a personal message.
Digital marketing isn't about learning a bunch of new complicated things. It's about being more intentional with the things you're already doing.
And if you're ready to stop feeling overwhelmed by all the "shoulds" and start building a digital presence that actually works for YOUR business, that's exactly where we come in.
Because great marketing doesn't feel like marketing at all.
Why It Matters
Digital marketing isn't a luxury anymore—it's a necessity. It's how people discover you. It's how they decide whether you're trustworthy and whether your brand is worth their time.
And the best part? It's scalable. You don't have to do everything to do it well—you just have to do the right things for your brand.
Digital marketing isn't just for big brands or influencers—it's for you. It's for any business that wants to grow, connect, and show up with intention online.
And if you're ready to approach it with a little more strategy (and a little less overwhelm), that's exactly where we come in.