If you are reading this text, chances are you’ve already wondered: “What is internet marketing and which one does my business need?” The online promotion sphere is changing so rapidly that trends from just six months ago are already considered old news by 2025. So, let’s be honest: even if you have some basic knowledge about this topic and your business is already online, it’s important to keep up with new realities. In this article, let’s talk about the main types of internet marketing that remain essential today (and will for some time) and a few additional interesting formats.
Main types of internet marketing
SEO
Have you heard the phrase, “Whoever is first on Google wins”? That’s the idea behind SEO, or search engine optimization. If your website ranks at the top of search engine results, customers will find you faster than your competitors. That’s basically the essence of SEO: to make your website a “favorite” of Google.
But in 2025, it’s no longer about “playing around” with keywords and waiting for a miracle. Search engine algorithms have become much smarter. Poor content, a slow website, or technical errors will push you far from that desired top spot. This includes mobile optimization (yes, most of your clients are looking at you from their phones), providing truly valuable content, and more. Local SEO is also getting a lot of attention — people need to find a restaurant or service “here and now.”
Content
Content is your way to not only talk about yourself but to show that you truly know your stuff. Articles, videos, podcasts, guides, infographics — all this builds authority. Why does it work? Because today’s audience wants more than just a product or service. They seek value. For example, not just buying a car but learning how to choose the best option for family road trips. Short videos, detailed analytical articles — these not only grab attention but also help the client remember your brand. You become their expert and friend, and friends always choose friends.
SMM
If your business is still not on social media… well, honestly, you already know you’re losing. Some people look for you on Instagram or TikTok, others read your Telegram channel, while some see your ads on Facebook.
In 2025, social media is a full-fledged marketplace. People go there not just for entertainment but also to learn something, find useful information, or shop. The logic is simple: the more active and interesting you look on social media, the higher the chances people will notice and remember you. With the rise of TikTok and Reels, even a “one-minute video” can sell more than a dozen banners. You tell a story, spark curiosity — and then the magnet pulls in the right audience.
PPC Advertising (Pay-Per-Click)
Fast, more expensive, but straight to the point — that’s how PPC advertising works. You type “buy sneakers” in Google, and a few suggestions with the “Ad” tag pop up right away. That’s PPC — your moment in the spotlight.
A classic option: PPC is perfect for those who want immediate results. But in 2025, it has become even smarter. Ad algorithms now consider your habits, interests, and even the time of day. The speed and precision can significantly boost traffic — all with just a few clicks.
Email Marketing
Someone might tell you: “Emails are a thing of the past.” But if you ever received a discount email for your favorite product and used it, you know that emails will stay relevant for a long time.
It’s the direct connection between your business and the customer. In 2025, emails are more personalized than ever. They know what you like, when to motivate you to act, and even remind you of your birthday. After all, who doesn’t love discounts or gifts?
Additional types and tools in internet marketing
Some of our colleagues might not highlight these activities as separate types, but we still want to emphasize that these options exist and can be utilized to grow your business.
- Affiliate Marketing (Partnership Programs). How many times have you bought something after a blogger’s recommendation? Many people rely on such tips because they seem natural. You no longer need to work with just celebrities: micro-influencers — bloggers with a small but very loyal audience — are trending. Plus, the brand feels closer to people when it’s recommended by someone “real.” Affiliate marketing is a model where other people or companies promote your products or services in exchange for a percentage of sales or other types of payment.
- User-Generated Content (UGC). UGC is content created by users around your brand. This could include reviews, videos, photos, or social media posts. This format works best for audiences that like a sense of community. People are more likely to trust UGC — it’s content from real users of the brand, not professional marketers. (P.S. It can also be commissioned.)
- YouTube, Reels, TikTok. Visual content has become the main language businesses use to communicate with their clients in recent years. But video marketing is only gaining momentum. In 2025, it’s not just classic videos on YouTube or short clips on TikTok. We’re talking about high-tech interactive videos, tutorials, webinars, and even immersive augmented reality (AR) content. Many brands create funny, simple content to be closer to their audience.
Why is this important? Videos evoke emotion. People remember stories told in videos, product announcements they can see and feel, as well as demonstrations showing the product in action.
In 2025, success is about combining proven tools that continue to work with new technologies that expand our perception. SEO Smart implements most of these options in its practice, so feel free to explore our internet marketing services.
Staying in trend means being where your customers are looking for you. And this is the main marketing rule that will not change even decades from now.