What is digital marketing (and why do I need it)?
In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence isn’t optional — it’s how people find you, trust you, and choose you.
Digital marketing is the umbrella term for promoting your business online using channels like Google (search engines), your website, social media, email, and online advertising. Done well, it helps you reach the right people, at the right time, with a message that actually lands.
If you’re a small business, it’s also one of the best ways to compete with bigger brands — without needing a massive budget.
If you’re thinking “we should probably be doing more, but I’m not sure where to start”, that’s exactly what we help with at Thirty Six Digital.
Have a look at our Digital Marketing services or book a quick chat and we’ll point you in the right direction.
What is digital marketing?: the basics (without the jargon)
Digital marketing is about showing up where your customers already are — online — and guiding them towards taking action (enquiry, call, booking, purchase… you name it).
The core pieces usually include:
- Search engines (SEO): helping your site appear when people Google what you do
- Your website: your digital shopfront — where visitors decide if you’re the real deal
- Social media: building trust, visibility, and staying front of mind
- Email marketing: turning “maybe later” into “let’s do this”
- Online ads (PPC/paid social): getting in front of the right people faster
The key isn’t doing everything. It’s doing the right things, consistently, with a plan.
Want us to sense-check what you’ve got in place? Start with a Website review or take a look at our SEO services.
What is digital marketing and why it matters (especially for small businesses)
Digital marketing helps you:
- Get found by people actively searching for your services
- Build credibility (because first impressions happen online now)
- Generate leads more predictably
- Track what’s working so you’re not throwing money at guesswork
- Grow over time with a strategy that compounds
And the best part? You can measure it. Traffic, enquiries, conversions, cost per lead — it’s all there if it’s set up properly.
If you’d like a joined-up plan (website + SEO + content + ads), check out Digital Strategy & Marketing.
The core components of digital marketing (and what they actually do)
Website & web design: your digital shopfront
Your website is often the first proper interaction someone has with your business. It needs to look the part — but it also needs to load fast, work on mobile, and make it obvious what to do next.
If your site’s due a refresh, see Website Design or WordPress Development.
SEO: getting found on Google
SEO helps your website show up in search results when people are looking for what you offer. It’s a long game, but it’s one of the best sources of consistent, high-intent traffic.
Content marketing: building trust before the first call
Helpful blogs, guides, landing pages and case studies do the heavy lifting — answering questions, proving expertise, and building confidence before someone even contacts you.
See Content Creation.
Social media: staying visible and building a community
Social isn’t just “posting for the sake of it”. It’s about showing up consistently, sharing useful stuff, and reminding people you exist (without being annoying).
Email marketing: the follow-up most businesses forget
Email is still one of the best ways to nurture leads and keep customers coming back — especially when it’s automated and written properly.
Paid advertising: PPC, display & retargeting
Ads can be brilliant for quick wins — but they work best when your website, tracking, and offer are solid.
See PPC Advertising
How we can help
At Thirty Six Digital, we help businesses build a proper online presence — the kind that doesn’t just look nice, but brings in enquiries and supports growth.
If you want a hand with your website, SEO, content, ads (or the whole lot working together), we’ve got you.
Next steps:
- Browse our Digital Marketing services
- Take a look at [Website Design and WordPress Website Design
- Or get in touch and we’ll recommend the best next move