Online Marketing Dublin: How To Actually Get Customers Without Crying Into Your Coffee
Let’s be honest for a second.
Online marketing can feel like trying to do a backflip on a trampoline. Blindfolded. While someone throws ping pong balls at your head.
And the trampoline’s on fire.
If you’re running a small business in Ireland, you already have more than enough to deal with. You’re juggling sales, emails, stock, taxes, suppliers, the plumber who still hasn’t shown up, and that one customer who swears they sent a deposit but mysteriously hasn’t.
And now, someone’s telling you that online marketing is the answer to everything.
“Just build a funnel.”
“Start a TikTok.”
“Write a blog post every day before sunrise.”
It’s exhausting. And let’s be real - you didn’t start your business to become a full-time content creator. You started it to do what you’re good at and make a living doing it.
You don’t want jargon.
You don’t want a digital marketing strategy that takes a three-hour workshop to understand.
You just want more customers.
More people booking in.
More people finding you online.
More people clicking that “buy now” button instead of scrolling past.
And if we’re being honest, you’d also like a cup of tea that isn’t cold for once. That would be great.
So let’s make this easy.
No buzzwords. No marketing fluff. No telling you to “leverage your content ecosystem to build brand synergy” (whatever that means).
Just clear, practical advice that helps your business show up online and get noticed - without making you want to throw your laptop into the Liffey.
What Even Is Online Marketing? And Why Should You Care?
Let’s not overcomplicate it.
If you’ve ever posted something on Instagram and heard nothing but tumbleweed...
If you’ve tried a few Google Ads and seen your budget vanish without a single phone call...
Or if you once paid your cousin’s friend €500 to build a website that now looks like it time-travelled from 2003...
You’ve already dabbled in online marketing.
You’ve just been doing it without a plan.
Or with the wrong advice.
Or worse, with no idea whether it was working or not.
But here’s the good news - you’re not alone.
Most small business owners start exactly the same way. You know you should be online, but no one really tells you what that means. And when you do look it up, it’s all acronyms, algorithms, and people on LinkedIn calling themselves “growth hackers.”
Let’s cut through that noise.
Online marketing, when you boil it down, is just this:
Put your business online. Make it easy to find. Help people take the next step.
That’s it.
It’s not about chasing trends or making viral videos. It’s about putting your business where your customers already are - on their phones, on AI search, on Google, on Facebook, maybe even on TikTok if you’re feeling brave - and making sure they can find you, trust you, and buy from you.
Think of it like shouting about your business from the rooftops.
Except the rooftops are now the internet.
And instead of shouting, you’ve got tools like AI, SEO, social media, email, Google Maps, websites, and online ads doing the talking for you.
The trick is learning how to use those tools properly - without losing your mind in the process.
That’s where I come in.
Why Online Marketing Matters (Especially in Dublin)
Let’s get one thing straight - your customers are online.
Even your uncle John, who still insists on using a flip phone, is probably lurking on Facebook after dinner.
People might be walking down Grafton Street or popping into shops in their neighbourhood, sure. But before they get there?
They’re Googling.
They’re scrolling.
They’re checking reviews.
They’re clicking around online to see who’s worth their time.
So, if your business isn’t showing up when they do that?
You might as well be invisible.
That’s not meant to scare you - it’s just the truth.
People trust what they see online. If they can’t find your website, your opening hours, or even just a few photos of what you do, they’ll move on to someone else who is visible.
In Dublin, where there’s so much competition and so many options, showing up online isn’t a nice-to-have - it’s a must.
The good news?
You don’t need to be everywhere.
You just need to be in the right places.
We’ll talk about what that looks like in a second. But for now, just know this - being online is no longer optional.
It’s how people find you.
It’s how they trust you.
And it’s how they choose you.
Is Digital Marketing in Demand in Ireland?
In one word? Yes.
In five words? More than ever right now.
Customers in Ireland are shopping, searching, and booking online more than ever before - and businesses are racing to catch up.
Whether it’s restaurants needing better Google visibility, tradespeople wanting to appear on Maps, or retail shops building ecommerce sites, demand is growing across every industry.
Here’s what’s fuelling the surge:
People are researching everything online first - even before visiting a shop or calling a business
Social media and Google Reviews are now part of how people decide who to trust
Businesses who did invest early in digital are now getting most of their leads from it
So yes - digital marketing is absolutely in demand in Ireland.
The only question is whether your business is making the most of it, or letting that traffic go to someone else.
Meet Hello Digital - Your Digital Marketing Mate in Dublin
You don’t need a massive agency that charges ten grand a month and throws buzzwords at you like confetti.
You need someone who actually understands what it’s like to run a small business.
Someone who gets that you’re doing the books at midnight.
That your Wi-Fi drops every time it rains.
And that “strategy sessions” need to fit between school runs, customer emails, and the dog needing to go out.
That’s me.
Hi - I’m Alessandro.
I run Hello Digital, a freelance digital marketing consultancy based right here in Dublin.
I work with small Irish businesses to help them grow online - without the jargon, the fluff, or the corporate nonsense.
I know the local market.
I know what works for businesses like yours.
And I know that most of you are just trying to get more bookings, more calls, and more sales - without hiring a full-time marketing team or spending half your turnover on ads.
With me, you get straight-talking advice, smart online marketing, and practical support that actually makes a difference.
No overwhelm.
No guessing.
Just real results - from someone who’s in it with you.
The Online Marketing Game Plan (Without the Overwhelm)
You don’t need to do everything.
You just need to do the right things - consistently.
This isn’t about hiring a full-time team or learning how to edit videos in your spare time.
It’s about getting the basics sorted so your online presence actually does the heavy lifting for you.
Here’s how to do it - without breaking the bank or your brain.
1. Fix Your Website
If your website takes longer to load than it does to boil a kettle, that’s a problem.
Your website is your online shop window. If it’s clunky, confusing, or slow, most people will leave before they even figure out what you do.
Here’s what a solid website should be:
Mobile-friendly - because most people are browsing on their phones
Easy to read - no tiny fonts or dark text on darker backgrounds
Fast - people won’t wait, and neither will Google
Clear - you should be able to explain what you do in one sentence above the fold
If your website’s missing any of those, it’s time for a refresh.
2. Get Found on Google
This is where SEO comes into play.
Don’t let the term scare you. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is just making sure your website speaks the same language as Google - so when someone searches for what you offer, you actually show up.
Here’s what I help with:
Keyword research — like “online marketing Dublin” and other phrases your customers are actually typing
Google Business Profile setup — crucial for local searches and showing up on maps
On-page and local SEO — so your website turns up for people nearby and ready to buy
If you’re not showing up on page one, your competitors are.
3. Start Email Marketing (Yes, It Still Works)
If you have a customer’s email address and you’re not using it, you’re missing a massive opportunity.
Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay in touch, drive repeat business, and let people know what’s new — without relying on social media algorithms.
Why it works:
It’s cheap to run
You own the audience (unlike social media followers)
It’s personal and direct
Even one monthly email can make a big difference.
Especially if it’s useful, honest, and sounds like you.
4. Use Social Media Without Losing Your Mind
No, you don’t need to go viral.
And no, you don’t need to be on every single platform.
What you do need is a presence that feels human and helpful.
Start simple:
Pick one platform your customers actually use
Show your face or your team - people connect with people
Share what’s happening - updates, wins, offers, behind the scenes
Be yourself - the goal is to build trust, not perform
Social media is about building relationships, not just racking up likes. Show up consistently and talk like a real person. It’ll go further than any slick marketing campaign.
5. Understand AI (Especially AI Search)
This is the new one. And yes - it matters more than you might think.
With AI search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience and ChatGPT starting to answer questions directly, the way people find your business online is changing.
Instead of just showing ten blue links, search engines are pulling answers straight from websites — which means:
If your content is clear, useful, and well-structured, AI tools are more likely to quote or feature you
If your site has no real content - just a homepage and a contact page — you’ll likely get skipped
What you can do:
Add helpful content to your site. Blogs, FAQs, and how-to guides work really well.
Answer common customer questions in plain language (AI tools love this stuff).
Structure your content clearly - headings, bullet points, and simple formatting help both people and machines.
The businesses that win in AI-powered search aren’t the ones trying to “hack the algorithm” - they’re the ones making their websites genuinely useful.
If that sounds a bit technical, don’t worry - I can help you sort it.
Which Online Marketing Is the Best?
This one’s easy: the best kind of online marketing is the one that works for your business.
Not someone else’s. Not what went viral last week. Just what gets results for you.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what tends to work best:
SEO is great for local service businesses and anyone who wants steady, long-term visibility on Google
Google Ads are brilliant if you need leads fast and have a clear offer
Social media works well for visual brands, local communities, and businesses with personality
Email marketing is ideal for staying in touch with existing customers and driving repeat sales
Content marketing (like blog posts and FAQs) is a great way to rank in AI search and build trust over time
The best strategy is usually a mix - starting with your website and SEO, then layering on ads or socials based on your budget and audience.
If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s something we can figure out together.
Real Talk: What Small Business Owners in Dublin Are Doing Wrong
Let’s talk about the stuff no one likes to admit.
These are the mistakes I see all the time - not because people are lazy or clueless, but because no one’s ever really explained what actually works online.
Here’s what tends to happen:
They post on Instagram once a month and expect it to bring in steady leads
They hit “boost” on a Facebook post and think it’s the same as running an ad campaign
They copy what big brands are doing, without realising those brands have entire marketing teams and million-euro budgets
And then they wonder why nothing’s working.
But here’s the thing: you’re not Coca Cola.
You’re not trying to be a global brand.
You’re better.
You’re local.
You’re real.
You’re the business people trust when they need something done properly - not something mass-produced.
And that’s exactly what people want right now.
Not slick, over-produced campaigns.
Not stock photos and generic slogans.
They want to know who you are.
They want to see the face behind the business.
They want to feel like they’re supporting someone who actually cares.
When your online marketing shows your personality, your story, your voice, your values - that’s when people stop scrolling and start paying attention.
You don’t need to shout.
You just need to show up as you.
How Much Should You Pay for Digital Marketing?
This is the million-euro question. But here’s the honest answer - it depends on what you need, and what stage your business is at.
Here’s a rough idea:
€0 to €500/month - DIY with some professional guidance, basic setup, or help with a single platform
€500 to €1500/month – Ongoing help with SEO, ads, email marketing, or content support
€1500+ – Full-service marketing management across multiple channels
The key is to spend based on return — not just budget.
If €500 a month brings you ten solid leads, it’s worth it.
If you’re spending €2k and hearing crickets, it’s not.
That’s why I offer flexible packages for small Irish businesses - because you shouldn’t have to spend like a big brand just to compete online.
If you want help working out what’s realistic for your business (and what’s actually worth paying for), I’m happy to chat.
How Hello Digital Can Help
Let’s keep it simple. Here’s what I actually do - no fluff, no mystery, and definitely no corporate buzzwords.
✅ I build websites that are easy to use, mobile-friendly, and actually make sense to real people (not just developers).
✅ I help you show up on Google - so when someone searches for your services in your area, it’s your business they find, not your competitors.
✅ I run paid ads that are strategic and measured - no wasted budget, no guessing, just ads that work.
✅ I guide you through social media without overwhelming you. You’ll know what to post, where to show up, and how to make it feel natural.
✅ I track results so you can stop wondering what’s working and start focusing on what’s bringing in leads.
Everything I do is built for small Irish businesses.
No bloated strategies. No 30-page reports you’ll never read.
Just clear, honest work that helps you grow online.
Whether you’re running:
A café in Ranelagh
A hair salon in Rathmines
An electrician gig in Tallaght
Or any other type of business that depends on real people walking through the door or picking up the phone
I’m here to help.
And because I’m based here in Dublin too, I know what makes this market tick. I know what your customers are searching for, and how to make sure you show up when they do.
No one-size-fits-all. Just real results for real businesses.
FAQs About Online Marketing Dublin
1. Do I need to be on every social media platform?
No, definitely not.
In fact, trying to be everywhere usually means you end up doing nothing well.
Pick one platform that your customers actually use.
Show up regularly.
Be consistent.
That’s far more effective than being a ghost on five accounts you forgot the password to.
2. Is SEO really worth it?
Absolutely, yes.
It’s one of the best ways to get free traffic to your website - traffic that’s already looking for what you sell.
Once your SEO is set up properly, it keeps working in the background.
It’s like passive income, but without the dodgy “work from anywhere” sales pitch.
3. What if I don’t have a big budget?
That’s completely fine.
You don’t need thousands to get started. The key is to focus on what works - not what’s shiny.
Start small.
Keep it simple.
Build it up as you go.
I’ll help you create a plan that makes sense for where you’re at - not just where you want to be someday.
4. How long does it take to see results?
If you’re looking for overnight magic, this probably isn’t it.
But if you’re in it for steady, real growth over three to six months, then you’re on the right track.
Think of it like fitness. One gym session won’t change much - but three months of consistency? Totally different story.
5. Can you just do it all for me?
Yes - and I’ll do it without making you feel silly for asking questions, or charging the GDP of a small country.
We’ll figure out what makes the most sense for your business, your time, and your budget.
Whether you want full support or just someone to guide you along the way, I’ve got you.
6. What if I’ve already tried online marketing and it didn’t work?
You’re not alone. I hear this one a lot.
Chances are, you didn’t have the right strategy - or you were following advice meant for someone with a completely different business.
Or maybe you trusted someone who overpromised and underdelivered (or worse, just knew how to use Canva and called it marketing).
Let me take a look.
I’ll be honest with you.
No judgement - just straight answers and a plan that actually works.
Final Word (The Good Kind)
If you’re a small business owner in Ireland, and you’re tired of shouting into the void - you’re not alone.
You’ve tried posting online.
You’ve tried boosting a few ads.
Maybe you’ve even paid for help in the past, and felt like it didn’t quite land.
But here’s the thing - online marketing doesn’t have to be a mystery.
It also doesn’t need to be overcomplicated, overpriced, or full of jargon.
“Online marketing Dublin” isn’t just a buzzword.
It’s the difference between being invisible and being the business that people find first.
The one they remember.
The one they trust.
The one they choose.
At Hello Digital, that’s what I help you build - a steady online presence that actually supports your business, attracts real customers, and grows over time.
No gimmicks.
No fluff.
Just real strategies for real businesses.
So whether you’re just starting out, or looking to level up what you’ve already built, I’m here to help you make sense of it all - and make it work.
Ready to Get Started? Let’s Talk
If any of this sounds like what your business needs - or even if you're still figuring it all out - let's have a chat.
No pressure. No jargon. Just a free, friendly consultation where we talk about:
✅ What’s working (and what’s not) in your current online setup
✅ Quick wins you can act on straight away
✅ How Hello Digital can help you grow, step by step
Whether you need a new website, better SEO, support with ads, or just someone to tell you what to stop doing - I’ve got your back.
Book a free consultation below. Bring your questions, your goals, or even just your frustration - and let’s turn it into a plan.
👉 Click here to book your free consultation
Let’s get your business seen, found, and paid - the way it should be.
Alessandro Boscolo-Conway
Hey, I'm Alessandro Boscolo-Conway! I'm an SEO and digital marketer and founder of Hello Digital. My mission is to help business owners like you grow your business with SEO and digital marketing!
