What Is Digital Marketing (And Why It Matters)
Digital marketing = how people find you online, discover what you do, and decide to buy from you.
Think of it as your shop sign, flyer, and word-of-mouth, all working 24/7 online.
Even if you don’t sell online, people search before they visit or call. If you’re not visible, you’re missing out.
Why Many Small Businesses Struggle Without It
You’re not alone if you’ve thought:
- “No one knows we exist.”
- “We rely on word of mouth.”
- “We don’t have time or know where to start.”
- “Big agencies are too expensive.”
What if you didn’t need an agency, just a simple plan? That’s exactly what digital marketing – done smart – can deliver.
What You Actually Need (And Why)
You do not need fancy tools or a huge budget. Begin with the basics:
Step 1: A Simple Website (Your Online Shopfront)
Your website is where people decide if you’re real and relevant.
Include:
- Who you are
- What you offer (and where)
- Prices, examples, or case studies
- Contact details
- Reviews/testimonials
You can use builders like Wix, Squarespace or WordPress.com. No design degree needed – just clarity, good photos, and honest words.
Step 2: Google Business Profile (Get Found Locally)
This is free. It helps you appear when people search: “Electrician near me” or “Cafe in [town]”.
Fill in your:
- Business name
- Opening hours
- Photos
- Contact info
- Reviews
Start at google.com/business and ask happy customers for reviews.
Step 3: Social Media (Stay Visible & Build Trust)
You don’t have to post daily. Just show up regularly with:
- Work or product photos
- Customer feedback
- Stories behind your business
- Offers and announcements
Start with the platform your customers already use (Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn).
Step 4: Keep in Touch (Email or Messaging)
Don’t let customers forget you. Collect emails (or phone numbers with consent) and send:
- Helpful tips
- Special offers
- Updates or reminders
Tools like Mailchimp are simple and often free at first.
Step 5: SEO (So People Find You on Google)
You don’t need to be an expert. Just:
- Use clear phrases like “Florist in Leeds” or “Dog Groomer in Brighton”
- Write short blogs or posts answering your customers’ questions
These basics help Google see what you do and where.
Putting It All Together: A Simple Plan
Once you have your website, Google profile, and one social channel, it’s time to build campaigns:
- What to post and when
- How to write captions
- Seasonal offers
- Ideas for blogs and emails
- Templates and checklists
That’s why Indigo One’s Digital Marketing Toolkit is here — step-by-step guides, campaign planners, content templates, and checklists so you never stare at a blank page again.
Use the toolkit to follow a plan, pick what fits your business, and build your presence without overwhelm.
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Set up Google Business Profile |
| Week 2 | Create your simple website |
| Week 3 | Start posting on one social platform |
| Week 4 | Ask for reviews + collect emails |
Then use the Toolkit to plan your next month’s content, offers, and updates. Remember: consistency beats perfection.
Final Thought
Digital marketing isn’t about being flashy. It’s about helping your customers find, trust, and choose you.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start simple, use the right tools, and build confidence. Your business deserves to be seen — and with a smart, clear plan, it will be.
FAQ’s
What is digital marketing?
Digital marketing is using online channels (website, social media, email, search) to attract and convert customers.
Do I need a big budget for digital marketing?
No — you can start small, using free or low-cost tools. Focus on consistency and basic steps.
How long until I see results?
It depends, but for many small businesses you’ll see local visibility and engagement within a few weeks. SEO growth takes a few months.
Can I do this myself, or should I hire help?
You can absolutely start this yourself. The key is to get the basics right. You can bring in help later for scaling or advanced tactics.
Recent Comments