What Is Digital Marketing & How to Get Started (Even as a Beginner)

If you’ve ever dreamed of making money online, working from anywhere, or building a business without showing your face — digital marketing might be your way in. In this post, we’ll break down what digital marketing actually is, how it works, and how you can start (even with no experience, no following, and no fancy tech skills).

10/22/20233 min read

What Is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is the process of promoting and selling products or services using online tools and platforms. These platforms might include:

  • Social media (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok)

  • Blogs and websites

  • Search engines (like Google or YouTube)

  • Email marketing

  • Paid ads (like Facebook Ads)

At its core, digital marketing is simply about helping the right people find the right solution – online.

The best part? You don’t need your own product to get started. You don’t need thousands of followers. You don’t need to be an expert. What you do need is a clear strategy and the willingness to learn and stay consistent.

Ways to Make Money with Digital Marketing

There are many different ways to earn income through digital marketing. Here are some of the most beginner-friendly options:

1. Affiliate Marketing

This is one of the easiest ways to start. You promote someone else’s product, and when someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. Some programs offer commissions as high as 70–85%.

  • No product creation needed

  • You can start for free

  • Ideal for beginners

2. Selling Digital Products

If you have knowledge or skills in a certain area, you can create your own digital product. This could be a guide, ebook, template, or online course.

  • You do the work once and can sell it over and over

  • No shipping or inventory

  • Full creative control

3. Offering Services

If you’re good at writing, design, marketing, or managing social media, you can offer your services online as a freelancer or consultant.

  • Can be started immediately

  • High income potential

  • Great for building experience

4. Content Creation

By building an audience on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, you can eventually monetize through brand partnerships, affiliate links, or your own products.

How to Start Digital Marketing as a Beginner

Here’s a simple step-by-step path to begin your digital marketing journey:

1. Choose Your Niche

Pick a topic you’re passionate about or curious to learn more about. Some popular niches include motherhood, mental wellness, productivity, health, fitness, or travel.

Avoid trying to be everything to everyone. The more specific your niche, the easier it is to connect with the right audience.

2. Choose Your Platform

Start with one platform, such as Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok. Learn how it works and how to create content there. Master one before trying to manage multiple platforms at once.

3. Learn Strategy

Randomly posting without a plan often leads to burnout. You need to understand how to:

  • Clarify your message

  • Attract the right audience

  • Turn followers into leads

  • Use content to drive action

Courses like The Strategy can help you learn these skills in a step-by-step way.

4. Create and Share Content

Start posting helpful, real, and valuable content. Use stories, reels, carousels, or videos to build trust and serve your audience. Don’t focus on perfection — focus on connection.

5. Add an Offer

Once your content starts gaining attention, introduce a product, affiliate link, or lead magnet. This is how you begin turning attention into income.

Why Digital Marketing Works for Beginners

Many people think they need to be tech-savvy, outgoing, or have years of experience. But digital marketing is actually one of the most beginner-friendly ways to build income online.

You don’t need to be loud or confident. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a clear message, the right audience, and a strategy that works.

Final Thoughts

Digital marketing opens up real possibilities for anyone who wants more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment in their life. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, an introvert, or someone tired of the 9-to-5 grind — this path is open to you.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.