Let’s Talk Digital Marketing (Without the Fancy Terms) -

Let’s Talk Digital Marketing (Without the Fancy Terms)

For once, let’s avoid using technical terms. You’re not alone if you’ve ever heard the term “digital marketing” and felt a little confused. Perhaps you were wondering what SEO actually meant when you nodded along in a meeting. Or it might have sounded like a costly guessing game when someone told you, “You must start running ads.”

As a digital marketing expert in Calicut, let me tell you this: digital marketing isn’t some mysterious formula. At its core, it’s simply using the internet to connect with your customers. It’s how you tell people you exist, why you matter, and why they should care.

And in 2025, it’s no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s essential especially if you’re a small business trying to stand out.

So What Is Digital Marketing, Really?

To put it simply:
You upload a picture of a product to Instagram? That’s digital marketing.
Someone visits your store after finding it on Google? Digital marketing again.
You use WhatsApp to quickly message clients? Yes, that counts too.

If you are communicating with your audience online, you’re already engaging in digital marketing. Doing it with a little more purpose is just the next step.

Why Digital Marketing Isn’t About “Going Viral”

One of the biggest myths is that success means getting thousands of likes or followers. But what if I told you that you don’t need to go viral—you just need to connect with the right people?

Here’s a simple truth:
100 real followers who trust you are better than 10,000 who don’t engage.

Let’s say you’re a handmade soap brand in Kerala. If 30 local customers see your reel, love it, and order that’s better than 20,000 views from random places who never buy.

That’s the magic of quality over quantity, and it’s the secret that most viral-hunters forget.

The Case of a Small Store in Calicut

Let me share a quick story. A few months ago, I worked with a small sustainable fashion store based in Calicut. They had great products, but hardly any online presence. They thought they needed flashy videos and big-budget ads.

But we started with something much simpler:

Updated their Google Business Profile
Created a few honest Instagram posts with behind-the-scenes shots
Shared customer feedback (without filters or fluff)
Ran one small, targeted ad campaign just ₹500

Within weeks, footfall picked up. Online inquiries doubled. And the best part? People remembered them.

Why? Because instead of acting like a big brand, they acted like humans talking to humans.

You Don’t Need to Be Everywhere

If you’re a business owner, you’re already doing a lot—managing customers, payments, inventory, maybe even employees. The idea of posting on every platform can feel overwhelming.

So here’s my advice: Pick two platforms and do them well.

If you sell products, try:

Instagram – Great for visuals and stories
WhatsApp Business – Perfect for personal customer care

If you offer services, try:

Google Business Profile – So you show up in searches
Facebook or LinkedIn – Depending on your audience

Don’t burn out trying to be on every new app. Show up where your audience already iand do it consistently.

What Should You Post? Try This Simple List

Still staring at a blank caption box? Start here:

Behind-the-scenes moments – People love seeing how things are made or done.
Customer stories – Real feedback is more powerful than any ad.
Your story – Why did you start? What challenges have you faced?
Tips or advice – Simple how-tos related to your niche.
Celebrations – Got your 100th order? Share it! Small wins build community.

Your content doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back

Many entrepreneurs are reluctant to appear on the internet. Perhaps you’re apprehensive in front of the camera. Perhaps you are concerned about the opinions of others.

But the finest brands online right now aren’t the most well-known they’re the most relatable.

People will connect with your video even if it isn’t flawless if it conveys your story with heart. And from that connection comes trust… and eventually, revenue.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It You

Digital marketing isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about finding your voice and sharing your journey, one post at a time.

You don’t need a viral reel. You don’t need a big budget.
What you do need is clarity, consistency, and the courage to start.