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Digital Marketing Beginner Course

Digital Marketing Beginner Course

This course is designed for small business owners, who are new to the world of digital marketing. For 10 days, participants will learn practical, easy-to-understand strategies for promoting their businesses online. The course covers key topics such as using popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach customers, creating high-quality photos and videos for social media, and designing eye-catching marketing materials with free tools like Canva. Each day includes hands-on activities to ensure participants not only learn but also apply these skills to their businesses, empowering them to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Responsible Valarie Waswa
Last Update 12/12/2024
Completion Time 1 day 6 hours
Members 40
Beginner Digital Marketing Students
Week 1
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Day 1: Introduction to Digital Marketing
Day 1: Introduction to Digital Marketing
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Course Objective: Learn how to effectively use Facebook and Instagram to promote and engage with customers.

Topics: 

  1. Using Facebook for your business
  2. Instagram for your business: Everything you need to know. 

What is Digital Marketing?

Yes, we offer both physical and digital gift cards in various amounts. Physical gift cards can be purchased in-store or online and shipped to the recipient, while digital gift cards are sent instantly via email. Both types can be used for online and in-store purchases.

We’re committed to providing prompt and effective solutions to ensure your satisfaction.

Absolutely! If a book is out of stock, you can place a special order through our website or by visiting the store. We'll notify you once the book is back in stock, and you can choose to pick it up in-store or have it shipped to your address. Special orders typically take 1-2 weeks to fulfill, depending on availability.

 Digital marketing is the use of online platforms and digital tools to promote products and services to potential customers. Unlike traditional marketing, which relies on physical means like flyers or billboards, digital marketing takes place on the internet. This could be through social media, email, websites, or even online ads.

Simple Example: When you see an ad for a product while scrolling on Facebook or Instagram, that’s digital marketing in action.

 
 


Importance of Digital Marketing For Small Businesses

  • Cost-Effective: Traditional methods like TV ads are expensive, but with digital marketing, you can reach many people at a lower cost. Even with a small budget, you can promote your business online.
  • Wider Reach: Digital marketing allows you to reach customers beyond your local area, even across the country or the world.
  • Builds Relationships: You can engage directly with customers through social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp. This helps build trust and loyalty.
  • Measurable Results: You can track how many people saw your ad, clicked on it, or bought something. This helps you see what’s working and what’s not.

Example: If you have a small business selling clothes, you can post photos of your products on Instagram or Facebook, and people can contact you to make purchases. You don’t need a big budget, just a phone and internet access.

Overview of Digital Marketing Channels


Social Media Marketing: Using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to connect with your customers.

Email Marketing: Sending personalized emails to customers with offers or updates.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Using Google Ads or similar platforms to make sure people find your business when they search online.

Content Marketing: Creating helpful content like blog posts or videos that educate your audience and build trust.

Influencer Marketing: Collaborating with people who have a lot of followers to promote your products. 


Activity: Group discussion on current marketing practices and expectations

1. Digital Marketing Basics: Interactive Overview (15m)
  • Activity: Start with a group brainstorming session where participants identify what they think digital marketing is and list any online tools they use or have heard of.
  • Purpose: This will create engagement from the get-go and set a foundation of familiarity with the concept. It also brings a local context to the discussion, which helps make digital marketing feel accessible.
2. Exploring Customer Journeys Online (15m)
  • Activity: Run a customer journey mapping activity. Split the participants into small groups, and ask them to think of a typical path a customer might take in discovering and buying from a small business online. For example, finding the business on social media, visiting its profile, asking questions, and making a purchase.
  • Purpose: Helps participants visualize the stages of engagement and gives context to how digital marketing influences each step.
3. Social Media Familiarization Workshop (15m)
  • Activity: Set up a guided social media exploration, specifically Facebook or Instagram, if they aren’t already familiar. Show them how a professional profile looks versus a personal one, emphasizing the importance of branding.
  • Hands-On Task: Have them create a sample post or practice navigating a business profile. This can serve as a preview for the in-depth social media strategies you’ll cover on Day 2.
  • Purpose: Provides immediate hands-on experience and establishes a connection to social media, likely their most familiar digital platform.
4. Digital Marketing Tools Mini-Demo (15m)
  • Activity: Give an overview of essential tools, like Canva for graphics or Linktree for managing bio links. Use a projector to demonstrate each tool briefly and provide examples of how each can help small businesses.
  • Hands-On Task: Let participants create a simple graphic on Canva or explore Linktree if devices are available.
  • Purpose: This serves as a light introduction to tools they’ll use later in the course and gives them confidence in digital tools from day one.
5. Goal Setting and Personal Branding Exercise (15m)
  • Activity: Each participant writes down one specific goal they have for their business online (e.g., "Increase Facebook engagement" or "Sell three items a week via Instagram").
  • Guided Task: Pair up participants to discuss how they might achieve these goals and encourage them to focus on creating a basic personal brand.
  • Purpose: It personalizes their digital marketing journey, helping them align course learnings with their business objectives.


Day 2: Leveraging Facebook & Instagram for Business
Day 2: Leveraging Facebook & Instagram for Business
Preview

Course Objective: 

Learn how to effectively use Facebook and Instagram to promote and engage with customers.

Topics: 

  1. Using Facebook for your business
  2. Instagram for your business: Everything you need to know. 

1. ​Using Facebook For Your Business


Overview: Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms with millions of users. It allows businesses to create a dedicated "Facebook Page" where they can post updates, share offers, and engage with their customers. Facebook also provides tools to run targeted ads and see how well your posts and ads are performing. 



1. Using Facebook for Your Business

Overview: Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms with millions of users. It allows businesses to create a dedicated "Facebook Page" where they can post updates, share offers, and engage with their customers. Facebook also provides tools to run targeted ads and see how well your posts and ads are performing.

Steps to Create a Facebook Business Page:

  1. Sign Up for Facebook (If You Don’t Have an Account): You need a personal Facebook account to create a business page.
  2. Create a Facebook Business Page:
    • Go to Facebook and click on “Pages” from the menu.
    • Select “Create New Page.”
    • Fill in your business name, category (e.g., clothing store, restaurant), and description.
  3. Customize Your Page:
    • Add a profile picture (this could be your logo) and a cover photo (an image representing your business).
    • Fill out important information like your address, business hours, and contact details.
  4. Post Regularly: Share updates about your business, promotions, or behind-the-scenes content. Aim for a mix of engaging content—images, videos, polls, and links.

Why Facebook Matters for Small Businesses:

  • Wide Reach: Facebook is used by people of all ages and in all regions, so it helps you reach a large audience.
  • Affordable Advertising: Facebook Ads allow you to target specific audiences based on age, location, interests, and more, ensuring you get the most value from your marketing budget.
  • Customer Engagement: You can directly interact with customers through comments, likes, and messages, making it easier to build relationships.

Tips for Effective Facebook Marketing:

  • Use Facebook Stories: Stories are short, engaging posts that disappear after 24 hours. You can use them to show promotions or product demos.
  • Join Local Groups: Participating in Facebook groups where your target customers hang out can help you connect with them without spending on ads.
  • Schedule Posts: You can use tools like Facebook’s publishing tools to schedule posts for times when your audience is most active.


 
 

2. ​Instagram For Your Business: Everything You Need to Know. 


Overview: Instagram is a visual platform where users share images and videos. It’s especially popular among younger audiences and is perfect for businesses that want to showcase products, build a brand, or connect with customers through engaging visual content.
 

Steps to Set Up an Instagram Business Account:

  1. Download Instagram: Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store if you don’t have it yet.
  2. Create an Instagram Account:
    • Sign up with your email or phone number.
    • After creating the account, go to settings and switch to a “Professional Account.”
  3. Optimize Your Profile:
    • Add a profile picture (your business logo) and a bio that explains what your business does.
    • Include a link to your website or Facebook page in the bio.
  4. Start Posting: Share high-quality photos of your products, behind-the-scenes images, and customer testimonials. Try to post regularly (at least 3-4 times a week).

Instagram Features for Businesses:

  • Instagram Stories: Just like Facebook Stories, you can share time-sensitive posts. These are great for promotions or daily updates.
  • Instagram Reels: Short, fun videos that can be used to promote products or showcase customer experiences. Reels get a lot of engagement.
  • Instagram Ads: You can create ads directly in the app that target users based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics.
  • Hashtags: Using relevant hashtags helps more people discover your posts. Use popular ones like #smallbusiness, #KakamegaBusiness, or #ShopLocal.

Why Instagram is Important:

  • Visual Appeal: If your business relies on showing products (like fashion, food, or beauty), Instagram is an excellent platform to grab attention.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Many people in Kenya use Instagram on their phones, making it easier to reach your audience.
  • Strong Engagement: Users on Instagram often engage more with posts compared to other platforms, meaning more likes, shares, and comments.

Tips for Effective Instagram Marketing:

  • Use High-Quality Images: Clear, bright images work best on Instagram. Invest time in good photos of your products or services.
  • Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and messages to create a personal connection with your audience.
  • Collaborate with Influencers: Find local influencers who have a large following in Kakamega and ask them to promote your business.


3. ​Group Activity: Facebook and Instagram Marketing


1. Creating a Facebook Business Page (Hands-On Activity)

    • Objective: Set up a Facebook business page.
    • Activity Steps:
      • Each participant signs into their personal Facebook account.
      • Guide them step-by-step in creating a business page (selecting business category, adding profile picture, description, contact info).
      • Have them post their first update—whether it's a brief “About Us” post, a product picture, or a welcome message.
    • Materials Needed: Smartphone or laptop with internet access, business photos or logos (if available).
    • Goal: By the end, every participant has a functional Facebook page they can start using for their business.

2. Creating Engaging Content for Facebook

    • Objective: Learn content strategies that capture customer interest.
    • Activity Steps:
      • Discuss the types of posts that perform well on Facebook (polls, behind-the-scenes shots, offers).
      • Each participant writes a brief plan for three posts they’ll publish in the next week, including captions, images, and any hashtags.
      • Pair participants up to share and receive feedback on their content ideas.
    • Goal: Participants leave with a content plan tailored to their business niche.

3. Setting Up an Instagram Business Account (Hands-On Activity)

    • Objective: Get comfortable with the essentials of an Instagram business profile.
    • Activity Steps:
      • Guide participants through creating a professional account or converting an existing account into a business profile.
      • Help them optimize their bio with a brief, engaging description and a link to their website or Facebook page.
      • Have them post a welcome image, product picture, or promotional image with a short caption.
    • Materials Needed: Smartphone or tablet, business logo, or photo.
    • Goal: Each participant finishes the session with an Instagram business account that reflects their brand.

4. Using Hashtags Effectively on Instagram

    • Objective: Understand the importance of hashtags for discoverability.
    • Activity Steps:
      • Explain hashtag basics and why they're effective for reaching local customers.
      • Guide them to research and write down 5-10 hashtags relevant to their business or location.
      • Have each participant create an Instagram post with a caption and add the hashtags they’ve identified.
    • Goal: Participants leave knowing which hashtags to use for increased reach.

5. Facebook and Instagram Stories Workshop

    • Objective: Gain familiarity with Stories as a promotional tool.
    • Activity Steps:
      • Show participants how to create a simple Story on both Facebook and Instagram.
      • Guide them to share a short video introducing their business or show an informal product demonstration.
      • Discuss best practices for using Stories, such as adding text, stickers, or interactive elements like polls.
    • Goal: Participants create and post a Story, learning how Stories engage audiences in a personal way.

6. Facebook vs. Instagram: Choosing the Right Platform (Group Discussion)

    • Objective: Help participants decide which platform aligns best with their business.
    • Activity Steps:
      • Divide participants into groups based on their familiarity with Facebook or Instagram.
      • Have each group discuss which platform would be most effective for their business, why, and what kind of content they think would work best.
      • Groups present their conclusions, comparing ideas and identifying strategies for each platform.
    • Goal: By sharing insights, participants will develop a strategic approach to using both Facebook and Instagram effectively.

7. Creating a Post Calendar (Planning Activity)

  • Objective: Develop a weekly post plan for both platforms.
  • Activity Steps:
    1. Give a brief overview of why consistent posting is critical.
    2. Ask each participant to plan a week’s worth of posts for both Facebook and Instagram, incorporating diverse content types (product highlights, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes).
    3. Encourage them to schedule these posts using Facebook’s publishing tools or any preferred scheduling app.
  • Goal: Participants walk away with a practical content calendar that supports consistent, engaging posting.


Day 3: TikTok Marketing for Small Businesses
Day 3: TikTok Marketing for Small Businesses
Preview


Objective:

Learn how to use TikTok to create engaging content and increase visibility for your business.

Topics: 


1. ​Introduction to TikTok and Its Growing Popularity


Overview: TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, known for its short-form videos, which range from 15 to 60 seconds. TikTok’s audience is young and engaged, but it’s quickly growing to include people of all ages and demographics, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach a wide audience.

Why TikTok is Great for Businesses:

  • Huge Audience: Over 1 billion active users.
  • Viral Potential: Content can go viral quickly, helping you reach thousands or even millions of viewers.
  • Engagement: TikTok users spend a lot of time on the app, and many actively engage with content by liking, commenting, and sharing.

Tips for Businesses on TikTok:

  • Stay authentic—people prefer real, raw content over overly polished videos.
  • Use trending sounds and hashtags to increase your reach.

2. ​Creating Engaging Short-Form Videos


 Overview: Short-form videos (15-60 seconds) are the backbone of TikTok. To stand out, your videos need to be eye-catching, creative, and aligned with your business.

Steps for Creating Engaging TikToks:

  1. Plan Your Content: Know what message you want to deliver, whether it's a product demonstration, behind-the-scenes look, or a funny skit.
  2. Grab Attention Fast: The first few seconds are critical. Use bold visuals, engaging text, or a trending sound.
  3. Use Effects: TikTok offers a variety of effects (like slow motion, filters, and transitions) to make your videos stand out.
  4. Post Consistently: TikTok rewards consistency, so post regularly to increase your chances of reaching more people.

3. Utilizing Trends and Hashtags for Greater Reach


 Overview: TikTok thrives on trends, from popular sounds to viral challenges. Taking advantage of these trends can boost your content’s visibility.

How to Use Trends:

  • Explore the “Discover” Page: This shows the most popular sounds, hashtags, and challenges.
  • Use Trending Sounds: Incorporate popular sounds or music in your videos to increase your chances of being featured.
  • Participate in Challenges: Many businesses join challenges, using their own twist to promote their products.

Hashtags:

Hashtags are crucial on TikTok to get discovered. Use a mix of trending hashtags and niche-specific ones (e.g., #KakamegaBusiness, #SmallBusinessKenya).

4. Activity: Create a TikTok Video

Objective: Help participants create a TikTok video using trending sounds and hashtags that align with their business.

  • Activity Steps:
    1. Explore Trends: Start by guiding participants through the “Discover” page on TikTok, showing them how to identify trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges.
    2. Brainstorm Content Ideas: In small groups, have participants discuss what type of video they could create—whether it’s a product demo, a behind-the-scenes look, or a fun skit relevant to their business.
    3. Plan and Record Video: Each participant will plan and record a 15–30-second video using a trending sound. Encourage them to use effects like transitions or filters to make the video stand out.
    4. Add Hashtags and Post: Show participants how to add a mix of trending and business-specific hashtags (e.g., #SmallBusinessKenya, #ShopKakamega). Each person will upload their video (or practice within the app without publishing, if they’re not ready to post).
  • Materials Needed: Smartphone, TikTok app, sample business ideas or products if they don’t have their own.
  • Goal: By the end of the activity, participants will have created a TikTok video, explored trends and hashtags, and gained confidence in using the app for business marketing.


Week 2: Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies
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Day 9: Running Paid Advertising Campaigns
Day 9: Running Paid Advertising Campaigns
Preview

Course Objective: 

Learn how to effectively use Facebook and Instagram to promote and engage with customers.

Topics: 

  1. Using Facebook for your business
  2. Instagram for your business: Everything you need to know. 

1. ​Using Facebook For Your Business


Our intuitive system ensures effortless navigation for users of all skill levels. Its clean interface and logical organization make tasks easy to complete. With tooltips and contextual help, users quickly become productive, enjoying a smooth and efficient experience.



What you see is what you get

Insert text styles like headers, bold, italic, lists, and fonts with a simple WYSIWYG editor. Flexible and easy to use, it lets you design and format documents in real time. No coding knowledge is needed, making content creation straightforward and enjoyable for everyone.



Customization tool

Click and change content directly from the front-end, avoiding complex backend processes. This tool allows quick updates to text, images, and elements right on the page, streamlining your workflow and maintaining control over your content.

2. ​Instagram For Your Business: Everything You Need to Know. 


Our design features offer a range of tools to create visually stunning websites. Utilize WYSIWYG editors, drag-and-drop building blocks, and Bootstrap-based templates for effortless customization. With professional themes and an intuitive system, you can design with ease and precision, ensuring a polished, responsive result.



Building blocks system

Create pages from scratch by dragging and dropping customizable building blocks. This system simplifies web design, making it accessible to all skill levels. Combine headers, images, and text sections to build cohesive layouts quickly and efficiently.



Bootstrap-Based Templates

Design Odoo templates easily with clean HTML and Bootstrap CSS. These templates offer a responsive, mobile-first design, making them simple to customize and perfect for any web project, from corporate sites to personal blogs.

Day 10: Developing a 3-Month Digital Marketing Plan
Day 10: Developing a 3-Month Digital Marketing Plan
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Objective: 

To create a 3-month plan to guide your social media strategy, set goals, and schedule content.

Topics: 

  1. Set simple, clear goals for your business.
  2. Learn how to create a content calendar to plan posts ahead of time.
  3. Track your progress to stay motivated and see results.


1. Setting SMART Goals

  • SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. For example, “Increase followers by 10% in the next 3 months” is a SMART goal.

2. Creating a Content Calendar

  • A content calendar lets you plan posts in advance, so you’re not scrambling last minute. Use a simple calendar to outline what to post each week.

3. Tracking Your Progress

  • Track metrics like followers, comments, and messages to see if you’re reaching your goals.


Activity

  1. Set Your Goals: Write down one main goal for the next three months.
  2. Fill Out Your Calendar: Using a template or paper, create a content calendar with at least one post idea per week.
  3. Share Your Plan: Present your plan to the group for feedback and encouragement.
Day 7: Building an Online Presence with SEO & Hashtags
Day 7: Building an Online Presence with SEO & Hashtags
Preview



 1. What is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?


  • Simple Explanation: SEO helps your business appear in search results when people search for products or services like yours. Using keywords people often search for improves your chances of being seen.
  • Example: If you sell handmade jewelry, keywords like “handmade jewelry,” “unique jewelry,” or “affordable accessories” could help attract people searching for these items.



2. How Hashtags Help Your Social Media Reach

  • What are Hashtags? Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by “#” that group content by topic on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
  • Using Hashtags: Research hashtags relevant to your business. Aim to use a mix of popular and niche hashtags that relate to your products.

3. Finding the Right Hashtags and Keywords

  • Tools and Tips: Use tools like Instagram’s “Search” feature to explore popular hashtags or try free sites like Hashtagify.
  • Creating Your List: Start with 5–10 hashtags related to your business and a few words people might search for on Google to find your product.

Activity

  1. Hashtag Brainstorm: Write down 5–10 hashtags that describe your business. Think about what your customers might be searching for.
  2. SEO Keyword List: Make a list of 3–5 keywords or phrases that could help your business appear in search results.
  3. Create a Social Post: Using these keywords and hashtags, create a short social media post to attract new followers. Share your ideas in the class chat.