Digital marketing, what is it?

Your Ultimate Guide to Digital Marketing: What Is It, Really?

Do you know how Google gives an exact answer to every query and how brands pop up in your social media feed?

Well, in this environment where people scroll more than they stroll, the magic of digital marketing is happening all around us. However, if you are still wondering “what digital marketing is in actuality,” then believe us—you are not alone. Many people have been asking this question, but don’t worry, we are here with an in-depth guide, and we will clear all your doubts regarding digital marketing, like what, why, and how of digital marketing in the simplest way possible. Additionally, we will end up with possible career prospects in this.

So, without further delay, let’s dive in!

So, Digital Marketing—What Is It?

Let’s break it down.

Digital marketing is just marketing done online. Simple, right?

In a simple manner, Digital Marketing is nothing but a marketing method like other marketing methods, but the thing that makes it different from other ways is that done online. Like when we talk about the conventional marketing method, in this, our target audience is offline, whereas in digital marketing, we target and reach them online, that’s why we also call digital marketing as online marketing. 

In Internet marketing, we promote goods and services using websites, emails, Facebook, Instagram, Google, and other platforms rather than through billboards or newspapers.

It’s how businesses connect with people online — be it to inform, engage, sell, or support.

Why Is Digital Marketing So Important?

Today, almost everyone is online, scrolling, searching, shopping — and that’s where businesses want to be.

Do you remember when we used to wait for the newspaper and watch advertisements during ad breaks on TV? Well, that time has gone, now we are more engaged with our smartphones and spending most time there. That is the reason that we end up watching advertisements on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram or Facebook. 

Here’s why digital marketing matters:

  • Global reach – You can reach people across the world at the click of a button

  • Cost-effective – Much cheaper than traditional marketing methods

  • Instant feedback & results – You know what’s working in real-time

  • Highly targeted – Show your ads only to people who are likely to buy

  • Two-way communication – You can actually talk to your audience!

In short, we can say digital marketing allows you to target the right people on the right platform at the right moment without disturbing your budget. 

What Exactly Does a Digital Marketer Do?

Someone who plans, creates, develops, and most importantly implements the online marketing strategy is a digital marketer. Their job is to assist organisations in getting visible online through a variety of platforms to boost traffic, generate leads, and increase ROI. 

Here is a glimpse of what a digital marketer could do because the field is very they might be:

  • Writing SEO blogs

  • Managing Instagram campaigns

  • Running Facebook or Google Ads

  • Sending marketing emails

  • Tracking campaign performance using tools like Google Analytics

It’s a mix of creativity, strategy, and technology. 

And guess what? It’s one of the fastest-growing career fields today!

What Are the 4 Main Types of Digital Marketing?

There are many forms, but these are the top four:

1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Seo (Search Engine Optimisation) is all related to Google SERP (Search Engine Result Page). Basically, it all comes down to enhancing your ranking on Google. It becomes essential for brands to show up on top of the search page because it means nothing if you won’t show up to your target audience.  

SEO helps you get more organic (free) traffic to your website by optimising content, keywords, and site structure.

2. Social Media Marketing (SMM)

Social media at present is not just a platform for entertainment purposes, but has gone beyond this. Now, the power of social media is immense, and those who understand its value and know how to use it can boost their brand identity significantly on online channels such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and many more. 

It’s where people hang out, and smart brands know how to join the conversation.

3. Content Marketing

Blogs, videos, eBooks, infographics — all designed to educate, entertain, or solve problems. It’s not about selling directly — it’s about building trust with your audience.

4. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

You pay every time someone clicks on your ad. Google Ads is the most popular example.

Great for instant visibility and leads, especially when you're just starting out.

Thinking About Learning It? Here’s Why You Should

If you’re looking to upskill, change careers, or grow your business, learning digital marketing is a smart move.

Why?

  • The demand for skilled digital marketers is booming

  • You don’t need a tech background to get started

  • You can even freelance or work remotely

  • It’s useful across all industries — from fashion to finance!

Which Digital Marketing Course Is Right for You?

There are tons of options out there, but choosing the right course depends on:

  • Your current knowledge level

  • Your learning goal (job, freelancing, business growth)

  • Whether you want certification or practical experience

  • Your budget and available time

Here Are Some Popular Options:

Google Digital Marketing Course (Free):

Offered by Google Digital Garage. This course is totally beginner-friendly, so if you are a complete beginner and don’t know anything about digital marketing, then this course could be your best option. Also, on post-completion, you will be equipped with the certification.

DizitalAdda’s 4-Month to 1-Year Programs:

We provide hands-on training through our live projects, case-study-based sessions and internship support. Our 1-year program is ideal for those who are seeking complete mastery in digital marketing, as we offer in-depth training in every module. Additionally, this is also the best choice as after this course, we provide a placement guarantee to secure your future in this competitive realm. Regardless of your job profession, the knowledge of digital marketing is essential whether you are an entrepreneur, job-seeker or even a student. 

Courses on Coursera, Udemy, HubSpot:
 Flexible, online learning with a wide range of topics.

Digital Marketing Course Fees – What Should You Expect?

Course fees can vary based on length, content, and certification.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Free Courses – Google, HubSpot (basic level)

  • Short-Term Courses (1–3 months) – ₹5,000 to ₹15,000

  • Advanced or Diploma Courses (6 months to 1 year) – ₹25,000 to ₹70,000+

Tip: Don’t take your career decision just based on fees only, because what happens sometimes we often run for a lower price instead of considering the value or quality being provided at the particular institute. So, our advice will be this that do consider every affecting factor that can influence your whole career journey, whether it is fees, course curriculum, environment, and last but not least, your interest base.

Go for courses that offer real-world projects, live sessions, and placement support, which are totally worth the extra investment.

Is a 3-Month Digital Marketing Course Worth It?

Yes, absolutely — if it’s well-structured.

In 3 months, you can cover:

  • Basics of SEO, Google Ads, Social Media

  • Hands-on practice

  • Strategy creation

  • Certification that adds value to your resume

It’s a great option if you’re looking to start fast, gain confidence, and build from there. But if you want in-depth specialisation or career-level mastery, consider a 6-month or 1-year course.

This is too good for those who are looking for early entry in the digital marketing industry and want to experience the work-life. However, if you are not aware of the basic terms of digital marketing, then you might suffer, so it is advised to enroll in this course only when you are already familiar with the foundation, so that it feels easy for you to grasp new topics quickly. 

Key Takeaways

  • Digital marketing is the heartbeat of modern business

  • It’s about using online tools to reach, engage, and convert customers

  • Learning digital marketing can open career, freelance, and business opportunities

  • Start with a good course, practice regularly, and stay updated

FAQS – Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: What exactly is digital marketing?

It involves promoting the brand digitally by using platforms like search engines such as Google and social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and many more). 

Q: What are the 4 types of digital marketing?
 Well, the segment of digital marketing is quite huge, but basically there are 4 marketing ways that are used at a large scale, and these are SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, and PPC.

Q: What does a digital marketer do?
The role of a full-stack digital marketer is to plan and create a solid digital marketing strategy to navigate the business growth in the right direction to generate more sales. This includes creating strong online visibility and making a normal company a brand via its effective marketing steps. 

Q: Is a 3-month digital marketing course worth it?
 Yes! It gives you a solid foundation and is perfect for jump-starting your digital marketing journey.

Q: Which course is best in digital marketing?

When we talk about the best, then there is nothing that can be said best for all, there are variations in interest and preference, so the same thing applies in the question that which digital marketing course is best. Lets understand this through an example, like if you a prior basic knowledge of digital marketing then you should go for more advanced course in order to save your time and money but if you are totally unaware of the tools, tricks and education of this sector then pursuing a full-fledged course like 1-year program is the best choice.