Digital Marketing 101: What It Is, How It Works, and If AI Will Replace It
Digital Marketing 101: A Beginner's Guide (With an Eye on the Future)
If you've ever wondered how brands appear everywhere (on your phone, laptop, or even on your favorite YouTube videos), you've already seen digital marketing in action. At Orange Slice Marketing, we hear this all the time from curious business owners:
"What exactly IS digital marketing? Why is everyone talking about it? And isn't AI just going to take it all over anyway?"
Today, let's answer these questions together, one by one, and take some of the mystery out of this essential business tool.
What Does Digital Marketing Do?
At its core, digital marketing is simply marketing that happens online. Think of it as the art (and science!) of helping people discover and connect with your business through digital channels.
Instead of a billboard on the highway, a digital ad might show up as:
A post on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn).
A Google search result (those top results labeled "sponsored").
A video ad on YouTube.
An email campaign in your inbox.
What it does is get the right message to the right people at the right time—online.
Why Is Digital Marketing Important?
In Alaska, where our communities are spread out over a vast area, digital marketing has become a great equalizer. A single Instagram post can reach customers in Barrow, Bethel, and Anchorage simultaneously—no matter how remote.
Digital marketing:
Expands your reach: You're not limited to foot traffic or local word of mouth.
Builds relationships: Through email, social, and even text, businesses can stay connected with their customers.
Provides insights: Unlike old-school advertising, you can measure clicks, views, and sales in real-time.
If traditional marketing is like fishing with a net, digital marketing is like fishing with sonar—you see exactly where the fish are and drop your line right there.
What Does "Digital Marketing" Mean?
The term itself covers all the strategies and tools businesses use online. It mixes creative content (photos, videos, blogs) and data-driven techniques (ads, analytics, SEO).
SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization," which simply means creating content that makes your business easier to find on Google.
PPC stands for "Pay Per Click," a type of ad where you only pay when someone actually clicks on it.
It may sound technical, but at its heart, digital marketing just means being present where your customers are spending their time: online.
How Does Digital Marketing Work?
Digital marketing works by combining three key pieces:
Attract: Create interesting, helpful content that draws people in (blogs, videos, ads).
Engage: Build a relationship through social media comments, newsletters, and direct messages.
Convert: Give people an easy way to take the next step: buy, book, call, sign up.
For example, a local coffee shop in Anchorage might:
Post a fun video about their new summer drink (attract).
Share behind-the-scenes clips on Instagram Stories (engage).
Use a simple "Order Online" button to make it easy for customers to buy (convert).
When done well, these steps create a flywheel of connection and growth.
Will Digital Marketing Be Replaced by AI?
Short answer? No. At least, not entirely.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is already making marketing smarter by automating tasks like scheduling posts or analyzing data. It's like having a really fast, really efficient assistant.
But digital marketing is still about people. It's about understanding human behavior, building trust, and creating authentic connections.
AI can help us deliver messages more efficiently, but it can't replace:
Creative storytelling
Deep understanding of Alaska's unique culture and communities
The human touch that makes a brand feel genuine
If anything, AI will make digital marketing more effective by freeing up time so creative humans (like us at Orange Slice Marketing!) can focus on strategy and big ideas.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a small family-run shop or a large company with a full marketing team, digital marketing isn't just a trend—it's how businesses in Alaska can thrive in a big, spread-out state.
And as for AI? We see it as a helpful partner, not a replacement. The future of digital marketing will still be written by people, for people.
Ready to explore how digital marketing could work for you?
Let's talk. We'll help you make a plan that fits your goals, your team, and your budget.
