What is Digital Marketing? A Simple Guide for Absolute Beginners
- Sorametrics
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 2
If you've ever searched for something on Google, watched an ad on YouTube, or seen a sponsored post on Instagram, you've experienced digital marketing firsthand. But what exactly is digital marketing? And how can you, as a beginner, understand and start using it for your career or business? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about digital marketing in a clear, practical, and beginner-friendly way.
Table of Contents
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is the promotion of products or services using digital channels such as websites, social media, search engines, emails, and mobile apps. Unlike traditional marketing such as TV, radio, and billboards, digital marketing is data-driven, interactive, and measurable. Put simply: If you're using the internet to reach people and promote something, you're doing digital marketing.
Why Digital Marketing Matters in 2025
According to Statista, In 2025, nearly 67.9% of the world’s population is on the internet, and more people are shopping, learning, and engaging on the internet than ever before. Businesses and individuals need digital marketing skills to:
Reach their audience where they spend most of their time
Grow visibility in a competitive digital world
Track and improve performance with analytics
Drive more sales, traffic, or sign-ups
Whether you’re a business owner, a student, a job seeker, or a freelancer, digital marketing can open several doors of opportunities. What do you have to do to leverage digital marketing superpower? Simple. First off, make sure you have a good mastery of some of the main channels of digital marketing. Here are the core areas you should understand as a beginner:
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is the process of optimizing your website and content to rank higher on Google and other search engines. For example, When you search "best coffee shop near me," the results you see on top didn’t get there by accident. They used SEO strategies. You too can bring your website to appear on top of the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) with appropriate SEO strategies. The following tools will help you get started:
Yoast SEO (for WordPress users)
2. Content Marketing
Content marketing means creating valuable content (blogs, videos, guides, etc.) to attract and engage your audience. For instance, a fitness brand posting daily workout tips on Instagram or publishing blog articles like "10 Foods to Boost Your Metabolism." To effectively kick start your content marketing the following tools will come in handy:
3. Social Media Marketing
Using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to promote your brand and connect with your audience. For example, a local bakery posting behind-the-scenes Reels or running Instagram ads for a new cupcake flavor. For a smooth start into social media marketing, check out the following tools:
CapCut (for creating social media videos)
4. Email Marketing
Email marketing is still one of the highest-ROI digital channels. It involves sending newsletters, promotions, or updates to a list of subscribers. Consider a bookstore sending monthly reading lists and discount codes to customers. The store is using email marketing to engage customers. As a beginner in digital marketing, consider trying out the following tools will be a great idea:
ConvertKit (great for creators)
5. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Also known as paid search or PPC (pay-per-click), SEM involves placing ads on search engines like Google to appear in front of customers actively searching for related products or services. A good example is a skincare brand bidding on the keyword "best face cream for oily skin." So anytime people search enter related terms in the search engine the brands shows up. Common tools you can use to plan keyword research for paid search are:
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people's products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
For example, a YouTuber linking to a laptop on Amazon and earning money every time someone buys it using their link. below are a few beginner platforms to kick start your affiliate marketing journey:
7. Influencer Marketing
This involves partnering with influencers (people with an engaged online following) to promote products or services. Influencers have specific niche (industry) such as fashion, health, and entertainment that best resonate with their followers. For instance, a fashion influencer wearing and promoting a clothing brand’s new collection. Or a health influencer promoting a health brand's protein supplement on their platform. The following tools are a good start point to find influencers:
How to Start Learning Digital Marketing (For Free or Cheap)
Choose an Area of Interest: Don’t try to master everything at once. Pick one channel (like SEO or social media) and start there.
Take Free Courses:
Practice What You Learn:
Create a blog, Instagram page, or YouTube channel.
Promote a fictional or real product.
Run a small ad campaign with a tiny budget.
Follow Industry Experts:
Neil Patel
Ann Handley
Rand Fishkin
Marketing podcasts like Marketing School or Social Media Marketing Podcast
Join Communities:
Reddit: r/marketing or r/digital_marketing
LinkedIn groups
Facebook groups for digital marketers
Real-Life Examples of Digital Marketing
Netflix uses data to recommend content, send personalized emails, and run targeted ads across devices.
Nike leverages influencer marketing, compelling content, and social media storytelling to connect with younger audiences.
Local entrepreneurs use WhatsApp broadcast lists, Facebook pages, and TikTok videos to grow their business in real time.
Career Opportunities in Digital Marketing
The demand for digital marketing professionals is booming. Common entry-level roles include:
Social Media Manager
Content Writer
SEO Specialist
Email Marketing Assistant
Paid Ads Manager
Estimated Average Salary for Digital Marketer in 2025
According to ZipRecruiter, as of July 2025, the average salary of a digital marketer in the United States is $87,719 per year. Below are more estimated average salary of digital marketing:
Entry Level: $30,000 - $50,000/year
Mid-Level: $50,000 - $80,000/year
Freelancers: $20 - $100/hour (depending on niche & experience)
Common Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner
Trying to be on every platform at once
Ignoring your audience’s actual needs
Focusing on vanity metrics (likes/followers) instead of results
Not testing or analyzing campaigns
Giving up too early—results take time
Final Thoughts
Digital marketing can seem overwhelming at first, but it's one of the most empowering skills you can learn today. Whether you want to build a brand, grow a business, or launch a new career, the tools, platforms, and opportunities are within your reach. Start small, stay curious, and keep experimenting.
Ready to Learn Digital Marketing the Smart Way?
Sorametrics offers hands-on, beginner-friendly digital marketing training designed to equip you with the real-world skills you need to grow a career or start a business. Whether you want to specialize in SEO, social media, content, or paid advertising, we help you learn by doing—with expert mentorship and practical projects. Get started with Sorametrics today and join a community of future-ready digital marketers!
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