6️⃣ Practical Guides for Beginners
👉 You don’t need big budgets or advanced skills— you just need basic tools, small consistency, and smart follow-up.
Digital marketing may sound technical, but the truth is this: Every business—small or big—can start with simple steps. You don’t need a huge budget, fancy equipment, or special skills. You only need a basic plan and consistency.
This guide will help you understand exactly what to do first, how to set up a simple digital funnel, what to do daily/weekly, and how to grow even with limited time and money.
1️⃣ What Every Business Should Do First
Before you think about ads or social media strategy, start with the foundation.
✔️ Step 1: Create or update your Google Business Profile
This is the fastest and easiest way to appear when people search:
- “near me”
- “best _ in my area”
- “open now”
Add:
- Business name
- Proper category
- Photos & videos
- Location
- Phone number
- Working hours
- Services
This alone can bring you customers within days.
✔️ Step 2: Create a simple website or landing page
It doesn’t need to be complicated. Just include:
- What you sell
- Prices or packages
- Photos (before/after if possible)
- Contact buttons
- WhatsApp button
- Testimonials
People feel safer when they see a proper website.
✔️ Step 3: Set up WhatsApp Business
It allows:
- Quick replies
- Product catalog
- Auto messages
- Labels for lead management
Most customers prefer WhatsApp today—make it easy for them.
✔️ Step 4: Choose one main social platform
- If your customers are youth → Instagram
- If they are local families → Facebook
- If they are professionals → LinkedIn
Start with just one. You don’t need all platforms at once.
2️⃣ How to Set Up a Basic Digital Funnel (Simple + Powerful)
A digital funnel is simply the path a customer follows:
See you → Trust you → Contact you → Buy from you
Here is the simplest funnel any small business can use:
🔹 Step 1: Attract
Use:
- Instagram/Facebook posts
- Google Business updates
- Simple ads (budget ₹50–₹100/day is enough to start)
Goal: Let people know you exist.
🔹 Step 2: Engage
Share things that build trust:
- Tips
- Before/after photos
- Customer reviews
- Small demos
- Behind-the-scenes
Goal: Make people feel confident about your work.
🔹 Step 3: Convert
When someone messages or comments, guide them to:
- Website
- Booking link
- Call button
Goal: Turn interest into actual sales or appointments.
🔹 Step 4: Follow Up
Most sales come from follow-up.
Use:
- WhatsApp labels
- Auto messages
- Reminders
- Offers
- Thank-you notes
Goal: Make sure no lead is forgotten.
🔹 Step 5: Retain & Grow
Your happiest customers bring repeat business and referrals.
Use:
- Feedback
- Referral offers
- Memberships/packages
- Festival discounts
Goal: Keep customers coming back.
3️⃣ Simple Daily/Weekly Marketing Checklist
Small business owners don’t have time to post every day. That’s okay — follow this easy routine.
🟢 Daily (5–10 minutes)
- Reply to messages & comments
- Update your status/story
- Share 1 photo/video if possible
- Send quick follow-up messages
- Ask a customer for feedback or photo
🟡 Weekly (20–30 minutes)
- Post 1–2 reels or promo posts
- Upload 2–3 new photos to Google Business Profile
- Write a short offer or announcement
- Check your website/WhatsApp messages
- Analyze what content performed best
🔵 Monthly (30–60 minutes)
- Update pricing or service list
- Create next month’s offers
- Record 1–2 high-quality videos
- Review your online reviews
- Plan next month’s posts
This system keeps your business active without overwhelming you.
4️⃣ How to Grow With Limited Time & Budget
Most small business owners think: “Marketing is expensive.” But the truth is—digital marketing is the cheapest way to grow today.
Here’s how to grow even with very little time and money.
✔️ Start with free tools
- Google Business Profile
- WhatsApp Business
- Facebook/Instagram page
- Simple website (even 1 page)
These alone can double your visibility.
✔️ Use small-budget ads
₹50–₹100 per day on Facebook/Instagram ads can reach thousands of people.
You don’t need expensive campaigns.
✔️ Reuse your content
One video can become:
- A reel
- A YouTube short
- A Facebook post
- A Google Business update
No need to create new content daily.
✔️ Focus on one platform at a time
Don’t try to be everywhere. Start with the platform where your customers spend time.
✔️ Automate simple tasks
- Auto WhatsApp replies
- Auto follow-up messages
- Auto reminders
- Auto feedback requests
Automation helps you grow even when you’re busy.
Final Words
Digital marketing is not complicated. It’s simply the online version of what your business already does:
- ✔️ Show what you offer
- ✔️ Build trust
- ✔️ Talk to customers
- ✔️ Sell products or services
- ✔️ Stay connected
You don’t need big budgets or advanced skills— you just need basic tools, small consistency, and smart follow-up.