Introduction
Ever noticed how most people today don’t look at newspaper ads or hoardings anymore? They’re busy scrolling Instagram, searching on Google, or watching something on YouTube. That’s where all the attention is now.
So, if you’ve recently opened a small business — perhaps you bake out of your home, retail clothes over the internet, or provide home tutoring — it becomes far more intuitive to advertise it where people are already searching: online.You don’t need to introduce yourself and your product to every single person in person or print out fancy patterning on it, you simply whip out your phone, take a few pictures of your product, write a good caption and voilà, you’ve just participated in content selling.
Table of Contents
1. What Exactly Is Digital Marketing?
2. Why Traditional Marketing Is Fading.
3. How Digital Marketing Actually Works.
3. How Digital Marketing Actually Works.
4. Common Types of Digital Marketing.
5. Why Small Businesses Should Use It.
6. Real-Life Example You Can Relate To.
7. Simple Tools to Get Started.
1. What Exactly Is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is just advertising your product or service on the internet. It might be a post on Facebook or a short reel on Instagram, a blog you wrote or even a message forwarded on WhatsApp. If it’s getting the word out online about your business — it’s digital marketing. You don’t have to know big words or technical jargon to get it. When someone sees your product on their phone — your digital marketing is happening.
2. Why Traditional Marketing Is Fading.
Think of how people used to advertise earlier — by putting ads in newspapers, sending flyers, putting posters on walls, or paying for TV commercials. Those methods still exist, but they’re not as powerful as before.
Now, people skip newspaper ads, fast-forward TV commercials, and barely look at flyers. On the other hand, they spend hours scrolling online — and that’s where digital marketing wins.
It’s cheaper, faster, and more direct.
3. How Digital Marketing Actually Works.
Let’s say you sell handmade soaps.
You take a few photos, post them on Instagram with a short video showing how they’re made. You add a few hashtags. Maybe you boost the post by paying ₹100 for two days.
Now someone who was just scrolling for skincare tips sees your post. They message you. They place an order. That’s it — marketing done.
The best part? You didn’t go anywhere. Just your phone and your creativity.
4. Common Types of Digital Marketing.
Here are some ways people use digital marketing:
Social Media Marketing: Posting on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.
Search Engine Marketing: Showing up on Google when someone searches something.
Content Marketing: Sharing useful posts, blogs, or videos related to your work.
Email Marketing: Sending updates or offers to customers via email.
You don’t need to use all of them. Even using just one properly can bring great results.
5. Why Small Businesses Should Use It.
Digital marketing levels the playing field.
Even with ₹200–500, you can reach hundreds of people in your city who may become your customers.
It’s perfect for:
- Home bakers
- Tuition teachers
- Artists
- Freelancers
- Online sellers
- Local service provider
6. Real-Life Example You Can Relate To.
Riya, a college student from Lucknow, started making candles at home.
She made a simple Instagram page, posted videos while making her candles, and asked her friends to share it.
But her videos started getting views. People messaged her. Within a few months, she started earning enough to cover her expenses — all through her phone.
That’s the power of digital marketing — no shop needed.
7. Simple Tools to Get Started.
You don’t need expensive tools or software. Here’s what most people use to begin:
- Canva: To make simple designs and posters
- Instagram/Facebook: To post and connect with your audience
- Google Forms: To take orders or get feedback
- WhatsApp Business: To chat with customers and send updates
- YouTube Shorts or Reels: For short videos to show your work.
