Digital Marketing5 min read

Is Online Marketing Really That Simple? Insights from Two Experts

Discover the real complexity behind online marketing with insights from experts Jarrod Harman and Serena Carli

Discover the real complexity behind online marketing with insights from experts Jarrod Harman and Serena Carli. Learn how to run smarter campaigns in 2026.

73%

Of Businesses Invest In Digital Marketing

5.3x

Average ROI From Digital

68%

Of Experiences Start Online

14.6%

SEO Close Rate vs 1.7% Outbound

At a Glance

Key Takeaways

Online marketing is crucial for any business, and its significance cannot be overstated.
Jarrod and Serena are well-versed in the marketing industry, particularly on social media.
The debate begins with Jarrod asking Serena if online marketing is simple.
Serena has seen a difference when Jarrod does ads and knows how to get them down to the lowest cost possible.
Online marketing requires a lot of knowledge, expertise, and experience to get it right.

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Introduction: The Significance of Online Marketing

Online marketing is crucial for any business, and its significance cannot be overstated. It is a process that involves the promotion and selling of products or services to potential customers, and it entails various strategies and techniques. One of the most popular approaches is the marketing funnel strategy, which focuses on generating more leads, more sales, and more predictability through careful funnel development. However, is marketing as simple as some people make it out to be? Let's explore this topic with insights from two marketing experts, Jarrod Harman and Serena Carli.

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Meet the Marketing Experts: Jarrod and Serena

Jarrod and Serena are well-versed in the marketing industry, particularly on social media. Jarrod has done a lot of Google advertising in the past, while Serena has significant experience with outsourcing. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and their perspectives are invaluable.

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The Complexity of Online Marketing

The debate begins with Jarrod asking Serena if online marketing is simple. Serena replies with a resounding "no," stating that she had to take numerous courses around marketing, SEO, Facebook, social media, and more before getting to where she is today. Serena explains that Facebook, for example, seems to be the easiest, but it turned out to be the hardest. Unless you really know the intricate details of how Facebook works, you can end up paying high amounts for ads.

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Understanding the Value of Leads

Serena has seen a difference when Jarrod does ads and knows how to get them down to the lowest cost possible. Jarrod adds that the secret to Facebook is to get as many leads as possible without paying high amounts for them. The value of a lead depends on the dollar value of your service. For a high-ticket offer, you might pay up to $70 for a lead, while for a product that's $27 to $99, you can get leads down to two, three, or four dollars.

Jarrod further explains that it's not as simple as just setting up an ad in 2026. Corporations have ads tuned to as low as a few cents per lead after months of optimization - something that cannot be achieved overnight.

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The Challenges of Setting up Ads Today

Online marketing requires a lot of knowledge, expertise, and experience to get it right. It's not something that can be learned overnight or by simply taking a course and starting a marketing agency. There are several strategies and techniques involved, and it's crucial to understand the details of each platform.

Set clear goals and objectives: Before embarking on any marketing campaign, it's essential to set clear goals. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or boost sales? Setting clear goals will help you measure the effectiveness of your campaigns and make informed decisions.
Understand your target audience: Knowing your target audience is crucial for any marketing campaign. Who are your potential customers, and what are their needs and preferences? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your messaging and promotions to resonate with them.
Choose the right platform: With so many marketing channels available, it's crucial to choose the right platform for your business. Are your target customers active on social media, or do they prefer email newsletters? Understanding where your audience spends their time online will help you choose the most effective platform.
Create compelling content: Creating engaging and compelling content is vital for any marketing campaign. Whether it's blog posts, social media content, or email newsletters, your content should provide value to your target audience and resonate with their needs.

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Get Expert Help with Your Marketing

If you're struggling to navigate the complexity of digital marketing, you don't have to go it alone. The team at Business Warriors has helped hundreds of businesses across Australia grow their leads and sales through proven PPC advertising and content marketing strategies. Check out our client case studies to see real results, or learn how our AI agents can automate and accelerate your marketing in 2026.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is digital marketing important for businesses?

Digital Marketing is essential for modern businesses because it drives visibility, leads, and revenue. With over 68% of online experiences starting with search, businesses that invest in digital marketing consistently outperform those that don't.

How much should I budget for digital marketing?

Digital marketing budgets typically range from 5-15% of revenue for most businesses. The exact amount depends on your industry, competition, and growth goals. Start with a budget that allows meaningful testing and scale what works.

How long until I see results?

Results timelines vary by channel. Paid advertising can generate leads within days, while SEO and content marketing typically show meaningful results within 3-6 months. The key is consistent investment and optimisation.

Should I hire an agency or do it in-house?

Agencies bring specialised expertise, tools, and experience across multiple industries. For most SMBs, an agency provides better ROI than building an in-house team, especially when starting out or scaling quickly.

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