You don't need a 50-page strategy. You need clarity on the few activities that reliably move pipeline and profit—then consistent execution.
This guide explains what digital marketing actually is, what it revolves around, how to start, and why most SMEs should outsource it to a focused team for speed and ROI.
Whether you're launching your first campaign or rethinking your approach, this practical guide will help you build a digital marketing foundation that delivers measurable results.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
Start Here
Fix SEO basics + claim Google Business + launch content loop + setup email
Start Here
Fix SEO basics + claim Google Business + launch content loop + setup email
Timeline
See local traction in weeks; organic growth compounds over 3–6 months
Timeline
See local traction in weeks; organic growth compounds over 3–6 months
Budget
HTD packages start at €500–€900/mo—well below typical Austrian market rates
Budget
HTD packages start at €500–€900/mo—well below typical Austrian market rates
Start digital marketing with SEO basics—technical fixes, local presence (Google Business Profile), and content that answers customer questions. Add email capture early. Organic growth takes 3–6 months but compounds. Budget €500–€900/mo for professional execution. Skip expensive ads initially; build foundations first that deliver lasting results.
What digital marketing is (in one minute)
Digital marketing is the set of activities that help the right people find you online and choose you: search engine optimization (SEO), local presence, content, social media, email, and paid advertising when it makes sense.
Google's own starter guide frames SEO as helping search engines understand your content so users can find it—which is the bedrock for everything else.
What it revolves around (the core)
Search & Local
Make sure you show up when buyers look. Local results are driven by relevance, distance, and prominence, so complete and maintain your Google Business Profile and gather reviews.
Compounding content
Useful, searchable pages and assets that answer real questions—amplified on social and email.
Owned audience (email)
Email remains one of the highest-ROI channels across industries. Reports in 2024–2025 place median ROI around $36 per $1 (varies by sector and execution).
Personalization & journey fit
Organizations that personalize across channels typically see 5–15% revenue lift and better ROI when executed well.
How to start (a focused 30-day plan)
1Week 1 — Foundation
- Fix basics: title/meta, internal links, fast mobile pages, and an honest services page. Use Google's starter guidance as your checklist.
- Claim/complete Google Business Profile (categories, services, photos); collect first 5–10 reviews.
2Week 2 — Content & Offers
- Publish 2–3 pages or posts that answer real buyer queries (pricing, comparisons, implementation).
- Create one lead magnet or "why us" one-pager for email capture.
3Week 3 — Social & Email cadence
- Pick 1–2 channels where your buyers actually are; post value, not fluff.
- Set up a monthly email newsletter and one automated flow (welcome/onboarding).
4Week 4 — Measure & tune
- Track search impressions/clicks, map form fills and calls, and review local rankings; iterate on pages and posts that start to pull.
- Add simple retargeting only if you have steady traffic.
This is the minimum viable engine. Anything beyond that should pay for itself quickly—or be cut.
Should you build in-house or hire a team?
If you already have seasoned specialists, build. If not, outsourcing execution to a focused team is typically faster and cheaper than hiring multiple roles, especially while you validate channels.
Academic and industry research has long noted that firms frequently outsource marketing functions to access skills at speed; keep strategy ownership in-house but externalize execution until you reach repeatability and scale.
HTD Solutions: below-market packages (Austria)
Our public starters (net, ex-VAT) are deliberately positioned under common 2024–2025 corridors for Austria (SEO retainers of ~€1,000–€3,000+/mo are typical; social management packages range from a few hundred to several thousand depending on scope).
Social Media Management
From €600/mo
Marketing Content Creation
From €800/mo
Google Business Profile Management
From €500/mo
SEO & Search Marketing
From €900/mo
Email Marketing Automation
From €700/mo
All packages include reporting and options to scale. View full details in our services catalogue.
Sources
- •Google Search Central — SEO Starter Guide (foundational best practices). View guide
- •Google Support — Local ranking = relevance, distance, prominence (GBP). Learn more
- •Litmus & other 2025 summaries — Email ROI often ~$36 per $1 (varies by sector). Read report
- •McKinsey — Personalization can lift revenue 5–15% and improve ROI. Read article
- •Austria pricing context — SEO retainers from ~€1,000+/mo; social ranges widely. See benchmarks
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Want traction in 30–60 days without hiring five roles?
We'll run the playbook for you—content, local, social, email, and paid ads where it makes sense. Start with a month-to-month package and scale if the numbers justify it.
