Digital Marketing vs Social Media Marketing: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been exploring marketing courses or thinking about your career path, you’ve probably noticed two terms popping up everywhere: digital marketing and social media marketing. They sound similar and they do overlap, but they’re not the same thing.

Understanding the difference can help you pick the right skills, the right career direction and the right course to study.

Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate both worlds.

Digital Marketing: The Bigger Picture

Digital marketing is like an umbrella. It covers all online channels, not just social media.

Your goal? Promote brands across the digital world. You’ll combine data, creativity and strategy to reach the right audience at the right time.

Key areas in digital marketing include:

• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM) / Google Ads
• Content marketing
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing (just one part!)
• Website analytics & optimisation
• Digital advertising and campaign management

If you enjoy analysing data, running online ads, planning long-term campaigns or improving a brand’s online presence, digital marketing could be your lane.

Social Media Marketing: The Specialised Focus

Social media marketing is more niche. Your work revolves around platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and X.

You’ll be involved in:

• Creating and scheduling content
• Building and managing communities
• Engaging with followers and replying to comments
• Tracking engagement and trends
• Running social media ads
• Collaborating with influencers

If you love storytelling, design, memes, Reels, TikToks and observing how audiences interact online, social media marketing might suit you better.

Which One Should You Study?

1. Want a broad skillset? Go Digital Marketing

The UNIMY Diploma in Digital Marketing is set to give you a strong foundation. You'll master the art of digital storytelling, online branding, and performance marketing. This career-focused diploma equips you with real-world skills, industry exposure, and global certifications preparing you to thrive in today's fast-moving digital economy.

Another option to consider is the IACT Diploma in Digital Media and Communication. This hands-on diploma prepares you to thrive in today’s media, marketing, and communications industries. You'll learn how to craft compelling content, manage digital platforms, and build brand narratives through real-world projects and direct exposure to industry professionals.

2. Want to specialise in social media? Go Social Media Management

The BA (Hons) Social Media Management (University of Sunderland) is a 3+0 programme and is ideal if you want to focus on social platforms. This degree prepares you to become a social media manager, content strategist, community manager or digital creator.

How Both Fields Work Together

Even though they’re different, the two fields complement each other.

• Social media marketing drives awareness and engagement.
• Digital marketing ensures audiences convert, subscribe or purchase.
• Analytics connects everything.
• Content fuels both sides.

When you understand both, you become a highly employable hybrid, something today’s employers really value.

Choosing the Right Path for You

Ask yourself:

• Do you enjoy analysing data and building strategies across multiple channels?
• Or do you love creating content, connecting with audiences and jumping on trends?
• Do you prefer to specialise or gain broad skills first?

No matter the direction you take, you’ll be part of a dynamic, evolving industry with opportunities spanning agencies, brands, start-ups, media companies, and freelance careers.

References

https://www.iact.edu.my/courses/diploma-in-digital-media-communication/
https://www.iact.edu.my/iact/ba-hons-social-media-management-university-of-sunderland/
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-digital-marketing
https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/