What is digital marketing and what types of it

conversioncatalyst.ca

June 23, 2025

In today’s fast-moving online world, having an internet presence is no longer optional—it’s essential. That’s where digital marketing comes in. If you’ve ever wondered what is digital marketing, how it works, and why it matters, you’re in the right place.

This blog will explain what digital marketing is in simple words, explore its major types, and show how it helps businesses grow. Whether you’re a beginner or just brushing up your knowledge, this guide will make everything crystal clear

What is Digital Marketing?

So, what is digital marketing? In simple terms, digital marketing means promoting products or services using digital channels like websites, social media, search engines, emails, and mobile apps. It’s all about reaching your target audience online where they spend most of their time.

Instead of traditional marketing methods like flyers, newspaper ads, or billboards, digital marketing allows businesses to connect with potential customers using the internet.

Here’s another way to understand what is digital marketing: It’s any form of marketing that involves electronic devices and the internet. From social media posts to Google ads to email newsletters—you name it, it’s all part of digital marketing.

Why is Digital Marketing Important?

Wider Reach – You can reach people across the globe, not just in your local area.
Cost-Effective – Compared to traditional marketing, digital methods are often more affordable.
Targeted Approach – You can reach specific groups of people based on age, interests, location, and more.
Measurable Results – Track what’s working and what’s not using analytics tools.
Better Engagement – Interact with your audience in real-time through comments, messages, and posts.

Types of Digital Marketing

Now that you know what is digital marketing, let’s look at the main types of it.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO helps your website show up higher in search results. The higher you rank, the more people will visit your website.

Example: If someone types “best mobile under 15000” into Google and your site shows up first, that’s SEO working for you.

Key SEO practices include:

Using the right keywords
Creating quality content
Making your website mobile-friendly
Improving page speed

2. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

PPC is a model of online marketing where you pay each time someone clicks your ad. It’s a way to buy visits to your site rather than earning them organically.

Example: Google Ads, Facebook Ads

3. Social Media Marketing (SMM)

SMM means using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote your business. It’s great for building relationships, driving traffic, and increasing brand awareness.

Key Activities:

Posting content regularly
Running ads
Engaging with followers
Influencer partnerships

4. Content Marketing

Content marketing focuses on creating and sharing valuable content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience.

Examples:

Blog posts (like this one!)
Videos
Infographics
E-books

It helps educate your audience and build trust.

5. Email Marketing

Email marketing is a way to reach customers directly by sending newsletters, updates, offers, or promotions.

Why it works:

It’s personal and direct
You can automate emails
It drives conversions

6. Affiliate Marketing

This is a performance-based method where you earn a commission by promoting someone else’s products or services.

Example: Bloggers earning money by promoting Amazon products.

7. Influencer Marketing

Brands partner with influencers (people with a big online following) to promote their products.

Why it’s powerful:

Influencers have loyal audiences
Builds trust quickly
Increases brand visibility

8. Mobile Marketing

Mobile marketing means reaching people through their smartphones via SMS, apps, or mobile-optimized websites.

Includes:

App-based marketing
In-game mobile ads
QR codes

9. Video Marketing

Videos are one of the most engaging types of content online. Whether it’s YouTube tutorials or Instagram Reels, videos drive more attention than plain text.

Why use it?

It boosts engagement
Easy to share
More memorable than text

Benefits of Using Digital Marketing

Now that we’ve discussed what is digital marketing and its types, let’s talk about why it’s a game-changer:

You reach your ideal audience directly
Better conversion rates
Helps build your brand’s credibility
Real-time tracking of performance
High return on investment (ROI)

What is Digital Marketing Strategy?

A digital marketing strategy is a plan that outlines how you’ll use different online marketing channels to reach your goals.

Steps to create a digital marketing strategy:

Define your goals
Know your audience
Choose the right channels
Create high-quality content
Monitor and improve

Common Tools Used in Digital Marketing

Google Analytics – Tracks website traffic
SEMRush or Ahrefs – Helps with SEO and competitor analysis
Canva – For creating social media visuals
Mailchimp – For email campaigns
Meta Business Suite – Manages Facebook and Instagram ads

Future of Digital Marketing

The world of digital marketing is always evolving. Here’s what to watch:

AI and automation
Voice search optimization
Short-form video content
Personalized experiences

Staying updated is key to staying ahead.

So, what is digital marketing? Simply put, it’s the modern way of connecting with customers using the internet. It’s smart, targeted, and effective.

From SEO and social media to emails and videos, each type of digital marketing plays a unique role in growing your business.

Use the right mix, and you’ll see how digital marketing turns browsers into buyers.

Now that you understand what is digital marketing, it’s time to take action and make it work for your brand.

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