Marketing is a form of communication. Digital marketing is any form of marketing that uses the internet, also known as online marketing. In other words, these are communication efforts that take place online. It uses digital channels like search engines, social media, email, and websites to connect with customers and promote brands, products, and services.
What does digital marketing do?
Digital marketing uses the internet to reach an audience about a brand, a product, or a service. It can distribute a message or provide a message (typically an answer to a question or a solution to a problem) to those interested in or looking for what you have to offer. So how do you reach this audience (also known as consumers or shoppers)? By using the internet, you make yourself present and visible to these individuals who are exploring or navigating the web—with a storefront, a billboard, digital flyers, or digital listings in community boards that exist (social networks)—and you have a profile claiming who you are.
Now that we understand what digital marketing does, let’s look at the different types that help businesses get discovered online.
What are types of digital marketing?
There are many types of digital marketing. Ultimately, you are using a tool, service, or platform that allows you to distribute your message to reach people who are using these services to see what you have to show them. You can use public search engines (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc.), social network platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.), or even rely on other people talking about you in a blog, podcast, or vlog. You can partner with another brand and work together on something online.
Overall, when you are online, you are either consuming media, researching/learning, or shopping for something that you want or need. For some, you may need a storefront like a website, a listing like a profile, or at least a method or destination for how people can reach you.
Here are types of digital marketing strategies that are used on these platforms and services:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Content Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Affiliate/Influencer Marketing
AYO! Look at Me—But Make It Digital
Digital marketing is basically how we communicate online—just with a purpose. I got a new car, I’m eating healthy, or “WOW, look at this beautiful place.” For a business or a brand, it’s very similar. It may be Cars for Sale, “Tired of cleaning yourself? Find the BEST house cleaners near you”, “How to fix my lawnmower on a budget?” When you post something on social media, you’re sharing a message, an interest, or even making an announcement. That’s already a form of marketing—and because it’s online, it’s digital.
Digital marketing is all about using tools like websites, social media, email, or search engines to connect with people, share what you’re about, and help them find what they’re looking for—whether that’s a product, service, or idea. There are different types, like SEO, content, email, and social media marketing, but the goal is the same: get seen, get heard, and make it easy for people to reach you online.
There’s a digital marketer in all of us. Don’t let anyone dim your light—there is no “right” way to shine!