Starting a new business is exciting, but also challenging. One of the most important things for any startup is visibility – people need to know about your business. That’s where digital marketing comes in.
This blog will guide you step-by-step with easy and effective digital marketing tips for startups. Whether you run a clothing brand, food delivery service, software company, or coaching class, this guide is for you.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Understand Your Target Audience
Before you start any marketing, know who your customers are.
Ask Yourself:
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Who will buy your product or service?
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What problems do they face?
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Where do they spend time online (Instagram, Google, YouTube)?
Knowing this helps you make better ads, content, and website.
Step 2: Build a Professional Website
Your website is your digital shop.
Key Features to Include:
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Clean design
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Mobile-friendly layout
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Fast loading speed
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Clear contact information
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Call-to-action (CTA) buttons (like “Buy Now”, “Call Us”, or “Book a Demo”)
You can use WordPress, Wix, Shopify, or hire a web developer to create it.
Bonus Tip: Add a blog section to your website. It helps with SEO and builds trust.
Step 3: Set Up Google My Business (GMB)
If your startup serves local customers, Google My Business is a must.
Why it matters:
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You appear in Google Maps
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You get customer reviews
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It’s free!
Make sure to:
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Add photos
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Write a good business description
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Update your working hours
Step 4: Focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO means helping your website appear on Google search results.
Simple SEO Tips:
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Use keywords that your audience is searching for
Example: “affordable catering service in Kochi” -
Write blog posts to answer common customer questions
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Optimize titles, meta descriptions, and images
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Get backlinks (other websites linking to your site)
You don’t have to be an expert. Start with basic on-page SEO and grow from there.
Step 5: Start Posting on Social Media
Choose the platforms where your audience spends time. For most startups:
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Instagram & Facebook for B2C
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LinkedIn for B2B
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YouTube for tutorials or behind-the-scenes
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WhatsApp Business for direct chat
What to Post:
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Product photos
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Customer testimonials
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Offers & discounts
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Educational posts (e.g., “3 Tips to Save Money on Packaging”)
Be consistent. Post at least 3-4 times a week.
Step 6: Run Paid Ads (Small Budget)
Organic reach is slow. To grow faster, use paid ads on:
Platforms:
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Google Ads (search, display, YouTube)
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Facebook & Instagram Ads
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LinkedIn Ads (if you’re targeting professionals)
Start with a small budget (₹300–₹500/day) and test:
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Different audiences
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Multiple creatives
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Clear offers
Tip: Learn how to install Meta Pixel and Google Analytics to track conversions.
Step 7: Create Useful Content
Good content builds trust and helps convert visitors into customers.
Types of Content:
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Blogs
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How-to videos
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Infographics
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Case studies
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Email newsletters
Example:
If you sell eco-friendly bags, write a blog like:
“5 Reasons to Switch to Eco-Friendly Bags for Your Business”
Content also boosts SEO and keeps people longer on your website.
Step 8: Collect Emails and Phone Numbers
Don’t depend only on social media followers. Build your own database.
How:
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Offer free resources (ebooks, checklists, discounts)
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Use popups on your website
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Collect leads through WhatsApp or Google Forms
Then use tools like Mailchimp or Sender.net to send:
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Promotions
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Updates
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Tips
This is called email marketing – very useful for startups.
Step 9: Monitor and Improve
What gets measured, gets improved.
Use Tools Like:
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Google Analytics – to track website visitors
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Search Console – to monitor Google rankings
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Meta Ads Manager – for Facebook/Instagram ads
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Hotjar – to see user behavior on your website
Check:
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Which pages perform well?
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Which ads convert more?
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Where do people drop off?
Adjust your strategy based on real data.
Step 10: Build Trust with Reviews & Testimonials
Social proof builds confidence in your brand.
Ask Happy Customers To:
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Leave a Google review
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Share testimonials for your website or Instagram
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Tag your brand in stories or posts
Show real photos, names, or videos if possible. It adds credibility.
Bonus Tips for Startups:
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🌐 Buy a good domain name (short, brandable)
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📈 List your business on online directories (Justdial, Sulekha, etc.)
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🤝 Collaborate with micro-influencers for promotions
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🧑🎓 Take help from a digital marketing trainer in Calicut if you’re unsure where to begin
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🧪 Test everything: headlines, CTAs, visuals—what works for one business may not work for another
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to succeed in digital marketing. You just need to be:
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Consistent
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Creative
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Data-driven
Use this step-by-step guide to build your online presence, attract the right audience, and grow your startup in 2025 and beyond.
Need help?
Whether you’re a startup founder, student, or freelancer—learning digital marketing properly can make a huge difference. Join hands with an expert digital marketing trainer in kerala to learn hands-on skills that you can apply to your startup.