What EXACTLY is Digital Marketing?
We’ve all been there – you’re introduced to someone for the first time, and inevitably the question comes up, “So, what do you do?” I generally say something along the lines of, “I do Digital Marketing for small businesses” and without fail, I get the same quizzical look and follow-up: “So, what exactly is digital marketing?”
I’m always happy to explain –and truthfully, it’s not as complicated (or intimidating) as it sounds. In fact, if you’ve ever Googled your own business, posted on Instagram, or followed up with a client via email—congratulations. You’re already dipping your toe into digital marketing.
At its core, digital marketing is simply how your brand shows up online. It’s every digital touchpoint between you and your audience. It’s the website someone stumbles upon at midnight when they’re finally researching the service they need. It’s the Instagram post that makes them giggle – and shows the personality behind your brand. The newsletter they forward to a friend because it just came up in conversation the other day. It’s the blog that answers a question they didn’t know they had.
In other words: you’re participating in Digital Marketing, even if you don’t call it that.
So... What Counts as Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is an umbrella term that covers a lot, but here are a few common forms:
Your Website — This is your modern-day storefront. It's where people go to vet you, decide if they will trust you, and ultimately buy from you. In today’s digital landscape, it’s also the one platform that 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?
If you’re just starting your digital marketing journey and not investing in your website - this is the first place to start!
Social Media — On the flip side, your social presence is often the first place someone meets your brand. Whether you post weekly or daily, your social presence is often the first place someone "meets" your brand.
It’s where your audience gets a feel for who you are, what you do, and how you show up.
It’s your handshake, your elevator pitch, your behind-the-scenes pass—all rolled into one scroll.
But remember social media is borrowed space. It’s powerful, but it shouldn’t be your only strategy.
Email Marketing — 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.
It’s your chance to speak to an audience that chose to hear from you – keeping them engaged, informed and ready to take action.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) —This is how you show up when someone is searching for what you offer. Whether it’s googling the “Best BBQ restaurant in Texas” or “how to write a marketing plan”, strong SEO helps your content find it’s audience (and purchaser).
It’s about being discoverable before they know your name – and building trust from the very first click.
Digital Ads — From Google to Instagram, Pinterest to Linkedin, ads/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.
You don’t have to be everywhere, just where it counts.
Content Marketing — Think blogs (like this one), lead magnets (hello free downloads), videos, etc.— all the flashy things that adds value before the sale. Great content marketing exhibits expertise, builds trust, and grows your audience. It answers questions, solves problems, and keeps your audience coming back for more.
It’s not just about selling. It’s about serving. So, when they are ready to purchase, your brand is already top of mind.
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.
The Takeaway
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.
Let’s find your voice – together.
