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Digital Marketing For Dummies (For Dummies

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Does your digital marketing pack a punch? Written with the marketer's best interests in mind, this friendly, down-to-earth guide shows you how to use proven digital marketing strategies and tactics to expand the reach of your brand, increase audience engagement, and acquire and monetize customers. From current best practices in SEO and SEM to the latest ways to effectively use content marketing and influencer marketing―and everything in between― Digital Marketing For Dummies helps you get the most out of all your digital marketing efforts. What worked in digital marketing just a few years ago is quickly losing relevance as electronic platforms―and the people who use them―continue to evolve. So how do you keep afloat in this fast-paced and ultra-competitive environment? Don't sweat it! Digital Marketing For Dummies takes the guesswork out of marketing in the digital age, offering the latest tips and techniques for utilizing technology to get your product or services out to the masses. Whether you're looking to craft a killer campaign from scratch or just want to beef up your social media presence, you'll find everything you need to meet your business goals―and boost your bottom line. If you're ready to benefit from the latest and greatest digital marketing has to offer, this no-nonsense guide sets you up for success.

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2016

327 people are currently reading
1426 people want to read

About the author

Ryan Deiss

17 books25 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Chad.
1,253 reviews1,028 followers
September 10, 2021
A practical guide to digital marketing for small and medium businesses. It covers the major types of digital marketing, including SEO, social media, advertising, and email marketing. It also describes how to succeed at digital marketing, by explaining goals, offers, analytics, and more. It's broad, but not very deep. If you want to become an expert in any area, you'll need other resources, but this will give you a solid start. Plenty of lists and examples (text and screenshots) make it easy to follow.

The authors, Ryan Deiss and Russ Henneberry, are with DigitalMarketer, a recognized name in the digital marketing industry. They understand and clearly explain the concepts, and also have a lot of experience. They go far beyond the technical aspects of digital marketing to explain goals, ROI, psychology, and behavior.

Some Dummies books are better than others, and I was impressed with this one.

Notes
Understanding the Customer Journey
Components of customer avatar (representation of your ideal customer)
• Goals and values: What are they trying to achieve? What do they value?
• Sources of information: What books, magazines, blogs, news stations, etc. do they reference?
• Demographics: What's their age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, income, employment status, nationality, political preference?
• Challenges and pain points: What's holding them back from achieving their goals?
• Objections: Why would they choose not to buy your product/service?

To find niche books, magazines, blogs, conferences, celebrities, etc. that your ideal customer would be attracted to, but no one else would, complete sentences like "My ideal customer would read [book], subscribe to [magazine], attend [conference], but no one else would."

Tailor your marketing messages to fit your avatar.

What customer is buying is shift from Before state (e.g., sad, out of shape, bored.) to After state (e.g., happier, healthier, more excited). Your product/service provides the shift.

Statement of Value: [Product/service name] enables [customer] to experience [after state].

Stages of Customer Journey
1. Generating awareness. Tell problem you solve, products you sell, or what your brand stands for. Use advertising, social media marketing, search marketing.
2. Driving engagement. Capture attention, engage. Offer free, valuable content such as blog posts, podcasts, videos.
3. Building subscribers. Get prospect to give permission to have a conversation. Get subscribers via email, social media, podcasts, and leads via webinars, requests for sales call, requests for demos.
4. Increasing conversions. Get prospect to give you small amount of time or money. Offer low-priced but valuable products/services, webinars, product demos.
5. Building excitement. Encourage prospect to use what you provided in step 4.
6: Making the core offer sale and more. Encourage customer to buy more and buy repeatedly. Offer high-ticket products/services and monthly subscriptions.
7. Developing brand advocates. Turn customer into advocate. Add value, deliver on promise of your product/service, give responsive customer service.
8. Growing brand promoters. Turn advocate into active promoter of your business. Repeatedly deliver exceptional value.

Choosing the Right Marketing Campaign
3 major types of campaigns
• Acquisition: acquire new prospects and customers
• Monetization: generate revenue from existing leads and customers
• Engagement: create communities of brand advocates and promoters

Acquisition campaign stages
1. Make Aware. Make prospect aware of problem you solve, solutions you provide.
2. Engage. Provide value in form of entertainment, inspiration, or educational content, before asking to buy something or commit time. Use content marketing (blogging, videos, social media posts, images, etc.).
3. Subscribe. Get prospect to follow you on social media or subscribe to emails.
4. Convert. Sell something with low risk (inexpensive, simple).

Acquisition campaigns are about acquiring prospects, not profit/ROI.

Most acquisition campaigns can also be used as activation campaigns, to activate those who have never purchased or haven't purchased in a while.

Monetization campaign stages
1. Excite. Encourage prospect/customer to get more value out of what they've already gotten from you (information, product/service).
2. Cause customers to ascend. Offer more, and more expensive, products/services.

Engagement campaign stages
1. Advocate. Give customers ability to recommend you through testimonials and customer stories.
2. Promote. Encourage customers to promote you via social media, blogs, videos, etc.

Crafting Winning Offers
Form relationship with prospect by offering value with entry point offers (EPOs).

3 types of entry point offers (EPOs)
• Ungated: blog post, video, podcast, etc. that doesn't require prospect's contact information or purchase to get value.
• Gated: blog post, video, podcast, etc. that requires prospect's contact information or purchase to get value.
• Deep discount: offers extreme discount (50%+) for purchase.

Ungated offer value propositions
• Entertainment: make prospect laugh or remember you
• Inspiration: move prospect to feel something with sentiments, testimonials, before-and-after photos
• Education: teach prospect how to do something (easier than entertainment or inspiration)

Ungated and gated offers, though free, must still be high-quality and high-value to impress prospect.

Gated offer aspects (include 1 or more)
• Specific promise. Specifically communicate benefit the offer will provide. What are your target audience's concerns, fears, or desires?
• Specific example. Clearly state benefit, prove it with case study. E.g., "How State University Reduced Campus Crime by 73 Percent."
• Specific shortcut. Save prospect time.
• Answer a specific question. Give a valuable answer that establishes you as an authority on the subject.
• Deliver a specific discount. Ask prospect to opt in to receive discount.

5 forms of educational gated offers: report/guide, white paper, primary research, webinar training, sales material. Make easy to consume and act on within minutes.

Tools as gated offers: resource list, template, software, discount and coupon clubs, quizzes and surveys, assessment.

8-point checklist for effective gated offers
1. Is your offer ultraspecific?
2. Are you offering too much? Focus on 1 topic/theme; provide 1 path for lead to take.
3. Does the offer speak to a desired end result?
4. Does the offer deliver immediate gratification?
5. Does the offer shift the relationship? Change state and mind-set of prospects so they're primed to buy from you.
6. Does the offer have a high perceived value? Use professional design and imagery to make offer look valuable.
7. Does the offer have a high actual value? Deliver the promised value.
8. Does the offer allow for rapid consumption?

5 types of deep-discount offers
• Physical premiums: deeply discounted physical product
• Book: deeply discounted physical book to establish authority and trust offering complex or high-ticket items
• Webinar: deeply discounted live or recorded webinar; call it teleclass, online training, or boot camp because webinars are generally free
• Software
• Splinter of service: low-priced small piece of high-dollar product/service

5-point checklist for effective deep-discount offers
1. Does it lower the barrier to entry? Make it inexpensive (<$20), require little time, easy to understand.
2. Is the value clear?
3. Is it useful but incomplete?
4. Does it have a high perceived value? Use professional design, imagery, copy to make offer look valuable.
5. Does it have a high actual value? Deliver the promised value.

How to think of a deep-discount offer
• What can you splinter off your core product/service and still deliver value with that piece?
• What's the cool gadget that your market wants, but doesn't necessarily need? What's your impulse buy?
• What's the one thing everyone needs, but doesn't necessarily want?
• What's a valuable service that you can perform quickly and inexpensively, one that will deliver results in advance and get your foot in the door (e.g., roofer offering gutter cleaning)?
• What little victory or victories does your deep-discount offer provide? How do you help the customer overcome self-doubt?

Pursuing Content Marketing Perfection
3 marketing funnel stages
1. Awareness. Prospect becomes aware of problem and that you can solve. Provide ungated content.
2. Evaluation: Prospect evaluates choices, including your solution, competitors' solutions, and doing nothing. Provide gated content.
3. Conversion: Prospect purchases. Help prospect buy with demos, customer stories, comparison/spec sheets, webinars/events, mini-classes.

Blogging for Business
6 categories of great blog headlines
• Tap into self-interest. Speak to specific benefit that audience will gain by reading. Start to answer "What's in it for me?" e.g., "Grow Your Website Traffic with the 3-Step Content Marketing Plan."
• Pique curiosity. Combine with benefit. E.g., "25 Things You Didn't Know Your iPhone Could Do."
• Employ urgency and scarcity. Use only when you truly have a deadline, limited quantity, or limited availability. E.g., "Free Photography Classes: Last Chance for Open Enrollment."
• Issue a warning. Tell how to protect from threat. E.g., "Warning: Don't Buy Another Ounce of Dog Food Until You Read This."
• Borrow authority. Use social proof; mention a success story, cite familiar and influential names, or highlight how many people are using a product/service. E.g., "What Dr. Oz Eats for a Midnight Snack."
• Reveal the new. Keep audience informed about new developments in your field. E.g., "New Tool Changes Webinars Forever."

Taking Stock of 57 Blog Post Ideas
Blog post ideas: List, case study, how-to, frequently asked question (FAQ), checklist, problem/solution, ultimate guide, interview, review, behind-the-scenes, comparison, project showcase, products tip, reaction, challenge.

Building High-Converting Landing Pages
Lead capture page (squeeze page) contents
• Gated offer
• Headline/subheadline: Text at top of page that compels visitor to read the bullets and consider taking gated offer
• Bullets: Strong statements that outline benefits of gated offer
• Product image: Show visual representation of gated offer if possible
• Proof: Trust icons such as logos of associations you're a member of, reputable brands you're associated with, testimonials from customers
• Lead form: Collects contact information

Capturing Traffic with Search Marketing
Consider using calls to action in meta descriptions, such as "Shop now!" "Click here for free shipping."

Leveraging the Social Web
3 steps to dealing with upset customer on public social media
1. Respond in a timely manner. Let customer know they've been heard ASAP, ideally within 12 hrs.
2. Empathize. Let customer know you realize the situation is frustrating.
3. Move the conversation to a private channel.

Tapping into Paid Traffic
"If you want traffic, you need to go to the traffic store." A "traffic store" is a paid advertising platform, such as Google Ads and social media advertising.

Paid traffic lets you start and stop traffic, making it quicker for testing new offers, landing pages, and content without waiting for SEO and organic social media.

Google Ads copy tips
• Include call to action (e.g., "call now," "download your free report," "order today")
• Include keyword
• Ask a question (e.g., "Termite infestation?" or "Looking for a reliable St. Louis plumber?")
• Reference holidays, local events
• Focus on benefits, speak to prospects' pain points

"With paid traffic, a lot of trial and error is involved in a campaign, even if you've done everything right. At our company, for example, for every ten paid campaigns that we run, only one to two break even or turn a profit."

Following Up with Email Marketing
Email has an average 4,300% ROI for US businesses.

Most emails you send should be triggered by prospect's/customer's action, not broadcast emails.

Indoctrination campaign
Send to new subscribers.
• Welcome and introduce to your brand.
• Restate benefits of being subscriber.
• Tell what to expect.
• Tell what to do next.
• Introduce subscriber to your brand voice/ personality.

Reengage or remove subscribers that aren't engaging, to improve email deliverability.

4 questions to answer in email copy
• Why now? Consider whether promotion should offer new or on-sale items. Consider whether it's seasonal or timely.
• Who cares? Decide who in target audience is most affected by having your product/service.
• Why should they care? Tell customers how their lives will be different with your product/service.
• Can you prove it? Provide case studies, testimonials, news stories to prove that customers' lives will be improved if they engage with your product/service.

4 reasons people buy
Address motivations in email copy.
• Personal gain: Product/service will help them reach personal goals/desires.
• Logic and research: Customers have researched, and it seems product will meet a need.
• Social proof or third-party influence: Customers' friends have recommended product/service, or it seems popular.
• Fear of missing out

3 types of subject lines
• Curiosity: Pique interest, encourage to click to find out more. E.g., "Ready for your close up?"
• Benefit: Clearly state reason subscribers should open email and benefits they'll receive. E.g. "38 Employee Engagement Ideas." Sparingly use warning, e.g., "11 Statistics That Will Scare Every Manager."
• Scarcity: Cause subscribers to feel they may miss something important. E.g., "Hurry! Labor Day Savings End Tonight."

The Ten Most Common Digital Marketing Mistakes
Focus on your messaging and offers before focusing on increasing traffic.

There's no shortage of content, but there's always room for remarkable content. Instead of creating 10 blog posts, create 1 remarkable post with 10 times the normal effort.
Profile Image for Amirreza Piw.
131 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2020
کتاب خوبی بود برای شروع ولی خب خیلی هم انتظارات رو برآورده نمیکرده و اینکه زیاد دارای اون حس طنز این سری کتابا نبود
Profile Image for Opal Km.
138 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2018
It's ok for fundamental fun read as I didn't expect much to begin with. I like about 2 chapters (toward the end) out of 14, where they're more technical-oriented. And I find the author's personal experience useful for real-world application in different scenarios. Software recommendations are somewhat useful.

However, the book itself needs update in a lot of places and reorganization. Some parts are redundant (the same information is being placed all over the place). I would recommend this to a person who's never been exposed to digital advertising/ marketing, and is able to get this book for cheap.
Profile Image for Ken Lenoir.
79 reviews11 followers
July 25, 2019
Extraordinary book of digital marketing fundamentals by some of the most successful marketers in the digital marketing industry.

It has checklists and audits for all of the major things one has to create to run effective marketing campaigns, which is very valuable!

This book functions like a handbook for anyone who needs to do most digital marketing tasks, easily accessible and easy to reference for the main things to do.

For the people who use it it will generate a huge roi compared to the ~$20 price tag.
Profile Image for Abdul Wahid Khan.
80 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2021
A must read for any digital marketer or even regular marketers. It starts with the basics of consumer behavior and consumer journey from being unaware about the product to becoming an advocate. All that explained in a digital world. Then it explains step-by-step on how to handhold consumer from one stage of the journey to the next. All major tools and tactics of the digital marketing are explained in detail. Its more like a training book. Overall, its based more on marketing but in digital world.
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3 reviews
April 9, 2025
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1 review
August 8, 2025
Digital Marketing For Dummies is exactly what the title promises — a clear, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow guide for anyone looking to sharpen their online marketing skills.

I’ve read plenty of marketing books that either skim the surface or dive so deep into jargon that they lose the reader. This one strikes the perfect balance — covering everything from SEO and content marketing to social media, email campaigns, analytics, and paid ads, while keeping the language friendly and actionable.

The structure makes it easy to dip into the specific chapters you need, but it’s worth reading cover-to-cover to pick up the little insights and tips scattered throughout. I particularly liked the straightforward explanations of SEO and PPC — no fluff, just what works and why.

If you’re starting from scratch, this book gives you a roadmap. If you’re already in the game, it’s a great refresher that might spark new ideas. I’ve already recommended it to a few of my own clients at Seo Agency Cardiff because it covers the fundamentals so well.
1 review
December 30, 2024

This is an insightful and engaging overview of Digital Marketing For Dummies! The guide seems perfect for marketers who want to stay ahead in today’s ever-changing digital landscape. I love how it provides practical digital marketing tips, covering everything from SEO and SEM to content and influencer marketing. The focus on staying relevant amidst evolving platforms and user behavior is crucial. It's great to see a resource designed for both beginners and seasoned marketers to refine their strategies and maximize their efforts. Definitely a must-read for anyone aiming to elevate their brand and achieve impactful marketing results!
Profile Image for Periplus.
39 reviews11 followers
September 15, 2021
Buku ini ditulis dengan sederhana. Isi buku ini adalah bagaimana menggunakan strategi dan taktik digital marketing yang sudah terbukti, untuk memperluas jangkauan brand Anda, untuk meningkatkan audience-engagement, dan meningkatkan revenue. Dari best practices dalam dunia SEO dan SEM yang selama ini berjalan, sampai dengan bagaimana menggunakan konten marketing dan influencer marketing terbaru, dan semua yang ada di antaranya. Digital Marketing For Dummies membantu Anda dalam hampir semua usaha digital marketing Anda.
https://blog.periplus.com/digital-mar...
Profile Image for Sukriti .
3,629 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2025
Digital Marketing For Dummies by Ryan Deiss and Russ Henneberry is a practical, beginner-friendly guide that breaks down the fundamentals of online marketing in clear, accessible language. It covers the full customer journey — from building awareness and traffic to converting prospects into loyal customers — and shows how to apply proven digital tactics to grow a brand’s reach and engagement. The book explains key areas such as content marketing, SEO, social media, email marketing, paid traffic, analytics, and campaign optimization, making it a solid foundation for anyone new to digital marketing or looking to update their strategy.
Dummies
+1
Profile Image for California Infotech.
1 review
Read
September 19, 2022
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Profile Image for ‪Mohammed Nadim‬.
6 reviews
September 4, 2025
In a practical way ...This guide to digital marketing fundamentals, created by experienced marketers, offers practical checklists and thorough audits covering essential components for effective campaigns. Its clear and accessible format allows for quick reference, making it an invaluable resource. The insights provided will yield a return on investment far greater than its approximately $20 price.
3 reviews
January 28, 2020
For a drop shipping business, online store, individual/small companies it's alright to get you going with all the basics.

Nothing too in depth though, most of the stuff is common sense and knowledge.

Positives - there are a lot of links and tools referenced that you can start using, both paid and free.
Profile Image for Charluff.
100 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2021
Great introduction to the lingo and tools you need to get you started in the marketing world.

I’ve used this book to design and improve customer journeys with data and question the company’s strategy towards a holistic customer centric business model.

It’s still .. for dummys, so just a great intro to the subject.

Happy read!
2 reviews
August 1, 2024
The Book is great for dummies
But if you want to truly learn Digital marketing then you can take the Digitla marketing Course from PF Skillbuilders. It is the best place to earn digital marketing from zero and become a pro in the field of Digital Marketing. visit site to know more :-
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Profile Image for Ozan.
34 reviews
May 4, 2019
Quick way to catch up with the latest developments

A good modular book, based on your current knowledge and background you can skip chapters. If you want to get the fastest and deepest content, just read the last chapter.
Profile Image for Cuyler Callahan.
Author 1 book
July 6, 2017
Amazing. Learned so much

Amazing. Learned so much. I totally recommend this book for anybody that wants to do any type of digital marketing.
5 reviews
May 25, 2018
Author has given very useful scenarios and examples. This is very helpful for beginners to understand the concepts. I found this useful. Thank you.
Profile Image for Katerina Ioannides.
74 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2021
A little out to date, but these books are so easy to read that a quick skim is usually worth it. I picked up some new ideas.
Profile Image for Mohammed Al araby.
5 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2021
Quite boring for me because it lakes real-life situations, But it hits all the aspects of digital marketing.
Profile Image for Abby Epplett.
267 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2022
A good primer for digital marketers, although it encourages spamming.
Profile Image for Leroy Bheki.
15 reviews
June 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It does become a bit repetitive but overall it was quite informative.
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