Table of content
- What Is Digital Marketing?
- How Digital Marketing Works?
- Traditional Marketing vs Digital Marketing (With Examples)
- Traditional Marketing vs Digital Marketing Examples
- Types of Digital Marketing
- Why Digital Marketing Is Important for Businesses
- Top Careers in Digital Marketing
- Key Digital Marketing Roles
- Digital Marketing Salary in India and Abroad
- How to Start a Career in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is the way businesses promote products and services using the internet and digital tools. It includes building websites, running social media ads, sending marketing emails, and more.
Did you know?
58% of small businesses already use digital marketing, and most plan to increase their spending on it. This makes it a strong career choice. In fact, digital marketing is now among the top 10 most in-demand jobs.
So, what is digital marketing? How does it work? Is it a smart career option? And how much can you earn in this field?
We will answer all these questions and more in this blog.
What Is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing means promoting products or services using digital platforms like websites, apps, search engines, social media and email. It helps brands connect with people online.
The use of digital marketing started in the 1990s when the internet became more common. At first, it was mostly emails and simple websites. Later, search engines and social media made it grow even more.
Today, digital marketing has become so important that companies now spend around 53.8% of their total marketing budgets on it, according to The CMO Survey.
Examples of Digital Marketing
Here are some common examples of digital marketing –
How Digital Marketing Works?
Digital marketing works by using the internet to connect with people who may be interested in a product or service. Here’s how the process works –
1. Know your audience
The first step is to understand who you want to reach. Think about their age, interests, location and the platforms they use – like Google or Instagram.
2. Choose the right platforms
Once you know where your audience spends time, pick the best channels. This could be a website, email, social media or search engines.
3. Create and share content
Next, you create content that speaks to your audience. This might be blog posts, videos, ads or emails. The goal is to grab attention and drive action.
4. Run campaigns
Businesses often run campaigns around a goal – like promoting a sale or growing followers. These campaigns are shared on the selected platforms to reach as many people as possible.
5. Track and measure results
Every click, visit, and purchase can be tracked using digital tools. This helps businesses see what is working and what is not.
6. Improve and repeat
Based on the results, strategies are adjusted. If something works well, do more of it. If not, try a different approach.
Traditional Marketing vs Digital Marketing (With Examples)
Both are used to promote products or services – but they work in different ways. Here’s a detailed comparison on traditional marketing vs digital marketing.
Traditional Marketing vs Digital Marketing Examples
Here are some examples of traditional marketing and digital marketing channels.
Types of Digital Marketing
Digital marketing includes many different methods to reach people online. Each type has its own purpose and works in a different way. Here are the most common types of digital marketing channels.
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is the process of improving your website so it appears higher in search results. It helps people find your site when they search for something related to your business. This includes using the right keywords, writing helpful content, improving website speed and making your site mobile-friendly. A well-optimized website brings in free and consistent traffic over time.
2. Content Marketing
This focuses on creating useful content to attract and keep visitors. It can be in the form of blogs, videos, infographics or guides. The goal is not to sell right away but to build trust and help people. Over time, this content brings traffic and leads that can turn into customers.
3. Social Media Marketing (SMM)
Social media marketing means using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to promote your business. It involves sharing posts, running ads and engaging with followers. This helps increase brand awareness, get feedback and build a community around your product or service.
4. Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most direct ways to talk to customers. You can send updates, offers, or useful tips straight to their inbox. The goal is to stay in touch and encourage them to take action, like visiting your website or buying something.
5. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)
PPC means you pay each time someone clicks on your online ad. Google Ads is the most common platform for this. It allows you to show your ad at the top of search results. You set a budget and target specific keywords or audience groups.
6. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing works by partnering with people who already have an audience. They promote your product on their social media or YouTube. This works well when the influencer’s followers trust them and are likely to listen to their suggestions.
7. Affiliate Marketing
In affiliate marketing, other people promote your product and earn a small amount when someone buys through their link. It is a win-win. You get sales and they get paid for each sale they help make.
8. Mobile Marketing
Mobile marketing reaches people on their smartphones through SMS, app notifications or mobile-optimized websites. Since most people use phones for everything, mobile-friendly marketing can help you reach users anytime and anywhere.
Why Digital Marketing Is Important for Businesses
Most people now search online before making a purchase. If your business is not visible there, you are missing real customers. Here are some points highlighting digital marketing importance –
- Reaches more people at lower cost
- Helps target the right audience
- Builds trust through useful content
- Works for businesses of all sizes
- Improves visibility on search engines
- Supports faster communication with customers
- Increases website traffic and leads
- Adapts quickly to market changes
- Helps small businesses compete with big brands
- Boosts customer engagement and loyalty
Digital marketing importance continues to grow because that’s where your audience already is – online.
Top Careers in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is growing fast in India, with over 2 lakh job openings listed on Naukri.com. According to LinkedIn, the industry is expected to grow at 30.2% annually and reach $20 billion by 2032.
As more businesses go online, the demand for digital skills is rising. Digital Marketing Specialist is now among the top 10 most in-demand jobs, as per LinkedIn data.
Key Digital Marketing Roles
There are many career paths within digital marketing. Some of the top roles include –
- SEO Specialist
- Content Marketer
- Social Media Manager
- PPC Expert (Google Ads Specialist)
- Email Marketing Executive
- Digital Marketing Analyst
- Influencer Marketing Manager
- Affiliate Marketing Manager
- Web Analytics Specialist
- E-commerce Marketing Manager
- Marketing Automation Expert
- Copywriter or Ad Content Creator
Digital Marketing Salary in India and Abroad
According to AmbitionBox, the average Digital Marketer salary in India is ₹5.4 LPA. The salary package typically ranges between ₹1.2 Lakh – ₹10 LPA.
Average Salary as Per Experience Level
Here is the salary as per the experience level.
Average Salary as Per the Location
Here is the salary data for different locations in India.
Average Salary as Per the Industry
Here is the salary as per different industries.
Average Digital Marketing Salary Abroad
Here is a table showing the average digital marketing salaries abroad.
Average Digital Marketing Salaries in India for Different Roles
Here is a quick look at the average salary range for some of the most common digital marketing roles in India.
How to Start a Career in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a skill-based field. You don’t need a specific degree to begin – just the right knowledge and hands-on practice.
- Learn the basics through free or paid online courses
- Choose an area you enjoy like SEO, content or ads
- Build your own blog or social media page to practice
- Get certified with platforms like Google
- Take internships or freelance projects to gain experience
- Stay updated with trends and tools in the industry
- Apply for entry-level jobs or assistant roles
- Keep learning and improving your skills over time
FAQs
What is a digital marketing plan?
A digital marketing plan is a step-by-step outline of how a business will use digital channels to reach its goals. It includes platforms, budgets, target audience, and content ideas.
How to create a digital marketing strategy?
Follow these steps to create a digital marketing strategy –
- Start by setting clear goals
- Understand your audience
- Choose the right channels
- Create content
- Run campaigns
- Measure results and adjust as needed
How to improve your digital marketing skills?
Here are some helpful tips to improve your digital marketing skills –
- Practice regularly
- Follow top marketing blogs
- Take online courses
- Experiment with tools like Google Ads, Canva, or Mailchimp
- Stay updated with trends
What skills do you need for digital marketing?
Key digital marketing skills include –
- SEO
- Content writing
- Social media management
- Basic analytics
- Email marketing
- Ability to adapt and learn quickly
What are the best certifications for digital marketing?
Some popular ones are –
- Google Digital Garage
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing
- Meta (Facebook) Blueprint
- SEMrush Academy
- LinkedIn Learning Digital Marketing Certificate