Did you know that Bangladesh had 66.94 million internet users in January 2023? (Source: Datareportal). Moreover, 44.7 million people in the country are active on social media platforms. 

These numbers show how digital spaces have become crucial to everyday life here.

Now, what does this mean for businesses? This is where digital marketing comes in. Digital marketing uses the internet to promote products, services, or brands. It includes social media, search engines, email, and more. 

For businesses in Bangladesh, it’s the key to reaching this massive online audience effectively.

What is Digital Marketing in Bangladesh?

Digital marketing is the use of online platforms and technologies to promote products, services, or ideas. 

It changed the entire business scenario for businesses in Bangladesh, where internet access and smartphone usage are rapidly increasing. 

With over 66.94 million internet users in the country, digital marketing helps brands connect with a massive audience effectively and interactively.

Take Grameenphone, for example. They actively use social media platforms like Facebook to launch campaigns and engage with their customers. 

Similarly, Bikroy.com has mastered the art of digital advertising and search engine optimization to make its platform the go-to marketplace for buyers and sellers. 

Types of Digital Marketing:

Social Media Marketing

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Content Marketing

Email Marketing

Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

Affiliate Marketing

Influencer Marketing

Mobile Marketing

If you don’t know how to start digital marketing here is our guide on How To Start Digital Marketing​?

Why Digital Marketing Matters in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is experiencing a digital transformation like never before. With a booming number of internet users and a sharp rise in smartphone adoption, businesses have a unique chance to engage with an expansive audience online. 

Digital marketing is not just an option anymore; it’s the key to staying relevant and competitive.

Reaching a Rapidly Growing Digital Audience

Bangladesh is witnessing a remarkable shift towards digital connectivity. With almost 140 million internet users, as reported by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the digital landscape is expanding at an impressive rate. 

Social media platforms like Facebook dominate, with 52.9 million users leading the way in 2024. 

This massive audience presents an unparalleled opportunity for businesses to engage, advertise, and build meaningful connections with customers through digital marketing.

Companies can now tailor content and deliver personalized experiences directly to their target market. Social media campaigns, online advertisements, and content strategies are turning into indispensable tools for staying relevant in this dynamic environment.

Platforms like Facebook are transforming how organizations communicate, reach, and establish trust with their audience.

To learn more about the latest statistics on social media usage, check out this article from The Daily Star.

Benefits for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, making up about 25% of the country’s GDP. 

Digital marketing is opening new doors for these businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. 

Read More: Why Small Businesses in Bangladesh Need to Prioritize Local SEO

One of the most striking statistics is that e-commerce in Bangladesh, which includes over 2,500 SMEs, is growing at a rate of 72% every month, as reported by The Business Post. 

This growth underlines the vital role digital marketing plays in driving SME success.

With digital marketing, SMEs can reach customers far beyond their local areas, broaden their audience, and gain a level playing field with larger corporations. 

Strategies like social media advertising and search engine optimization (SEO) allow smaller businesses to enhance visibility and boost online engagement. 

Additionally, personalized marketing campaigns offer an affordable way to build customer loyalty, ensuring long-term business growth.

How Digital Marketing Stands Out from Traditional Marketing

The marketing landscape in Bangladesh is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional marketing methods like TV, radio, and print advertisements have long been the norm. 

However, businesses are now shifting towards digital marketing, and for good reason. Digital marketing offers benefits that traditional methods simply can’t match, especially in a rapidly digitizing country like Bangladesh.

One of the main advantages is cost-effectiveness. Traditional marketing often requires hefty budgets for airtime or print space, which can be out of reach for small businesses. 

Digital marketing, on the other hand, provides affordable alternatives like social media advertising or email campaigns, enabling even small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to compete.

The reach of digital marketing is also unparalleled. With over 140 million internet users in Bangladesh, as reported by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, businesses can now connect with vast audiences in ways traditional marketing never could.

Platforms like Facebook make it easier to engage with customers directly, boosting visibility and interaction.

Another key aspect is the ability to leverage data. Unlike traditional methods, digital marketing allows for real-time tracking of campaign performance. Businesses can adjust their strategies based on customer behaviors, preferences, and feedback, ensuring better outcomes. 

For example, AI-powered tools are now helping marketers in Bangladesh make data-driven decisions, according to The Financial Express. 

Types of Digital Marketing and Their Use in Bangladesh

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is taking over the Bangladeshi business scene, and you’ve probably seen it in action. 

With millions of people scrolling through Facebook and Instagram daily, these platforms have become more than just places to connect—they’re game-changers for brands. 

Take Olympic’s International Mother Language Day campaign, for example. It tugged at the heartstrings of millions by celebrating something we all hold dear—our cultural pride. The emotional storytelling made it unforgettable and helped Olympic connect with its audience on a deeper level.

And then there’s GoZayaan’s Eid campaign, which was nothing short of brilliant. 

They teamed up with popular influencers to show just how easy online hotel bookings could be. By linking this idea to the rising trend of domestic travel, they didn’t just sell a service—they started a conversation. 

Many people who hadn’t even thought about pre-booking hotels jumped on board, and GoZayaan saw a surge in engagement that solidified their position as a leader in travel tech.

Now imagine what this could do for your business. These campaigns weren’t just about selling—they created moments, built connections, and left lasting impressions. 

With the right approach, you can use social media not just to promote your brand but to truly engage with your audience and spark growth. The opportunities are limitless, and the results? Well, they speak for themselves.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

At WebTech, we’ve seen firsthand how Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can completely reshape the way businesses in Bangladesh connect with their audiences. 

It’s like having your best salesperson working for you 24/7, bringing in leads and driving growth. 

One of the most inspiring cases we’ve come across was a leading interior design firm. They came to us to enhance their online visibility and stand out in their niche. 

By optimizing keywords, speeding up their website, and creating customer-focused content, they climbed higher in search results. The outcome? 

A surge in web traffic, a stream of quality leads, and a significant impact on their bottom line. It was incredible to see how these changes, paired with their vision, made such a difference.

Another success story that inspires us is a gym right in the heart of Dhaka. While they had a stellar reputation offline, their online presence just wasn’t cutting it. 

We helped them redesign their site, fix all the technical hiccups, and target local keywords like “best gym in Dhaka.” Within six months, their website went from almost no visitors to over 750 per month! 

Seeing that growth was like watching someone undergo a full fitness transformation—it was amazing.

These stories remind us why we’re so passionate about SEO. It’s not just about getting your business on Google—it’s about making sure the right people find you at the right time.

If you are a business owner in Bangladesh you should do your Local SEO properly.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is like having a shortcut to your audience. You only pay when someone actually clicks on your ad. It’s simple, effective, and puts you in the spotlight faster than most other methods.

Take 10 Minute School, for example. They’ve nailed PPC. They use it all the time to show up exactly where their audience is looking—on Google. 

With targeted ads, they stay top-of-mind for the people who need their services most. It’s smart, right?

The beauty of PPC is the control it gives you. You decide how much you spend, who sees your ad, and when. Whether it’s targeting by location, interests, or specific keywords, you’re reaching the right people at the right time. 

For businesses in Bangladesh, where the digital marketplace is growing fast, PPC can be your secret weapon to stand out.

Content Marketing 

Content marketing is all about creating and sharing valuable content to connect with your audience. Instead of directly promoting a product or service, you provide information, solve problems, or entertain, which helps build trust and loyalty.

Take Akash DTH, for instance. They jumped on the viral trend about Mount Kangchenjunga’s visibility in Bangladesh, crafting a witty Facebook post tying it to their extensive service coverage. It was timely, and relevant, and earned massive online engagement.

Superstar Lighting grabbed attention with clever, humor-packed copywriting, using local catchphrases like “ক্যামনে কি?” to highlight product features. Their fun and relatable approach kept their audience hooked while subtly promoting their brand.

Lifebuoy showcased agility during a competitor’s PR debacle. They emphasized their methanol-free sanitizers in response to safety concerns around their rival’s product. This thoughtful campaign not only built trust but also won over new customers.

Another example, RFL’s ‘DESH AMAR DOSH AMAR’ Campaign tied its brand to societal responsibility. By addressing pressing local issues, they boosted their image and deepened emotional connections with their audience.

Content marketing does not mean you only produce videos or images. You can write blog posts solving issues people search for online. 

Email Marketing 

Email marketing is a direct and powerful way to connect with your audience right in their inbox. It’s not just about sending updates or promotions—it’s about building relationships.

Whether you’re welcoming a new customer, sharing tips, or offering discounts, emails allow you to engage on a personal level. 

Think of it as having a one-on-one conversation but with the ability to reach thousands of people at once.

One of the key benefits of email marketing is personalization. You can tailor your message to match what your audience needs or wants, based on their preferences or past interactions. 

This makes your communication more meaningful and increases the chances of engagement. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective.

Unlike traditional advertising, email marketing doesn’t require a big budget, making it perfect for businesses of all sizes.

Perhaps the best part is how direct it is. Unlike social media posts that might get buried in a feed, emails land straight in your recipient’s inbox, giving you their full attention—if you craft the message right. 

Email marketing is the cheapest way of digital marketing and it still works. For Bangladesh, it also works as people don’t ignore their emails these days like they used to do. 

Affiliate Marketing 

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based online earning strategy where you promote a company’s products or services and earn a commission for each sale through your referral. It’s simple, cost-effective for businesses, and profitable for affiliates.

In Bangladesh, this model is thriving, thanks to the growing digital economy. Platforms like Daraz offer up to 12% commissions for promoting products ranging from fashion to electronics. 

Similarly, Bohubrihi helps affiliate marketers earn up to 20% by marketing e-learning courses, opening doors for students and creators to benefit. 

Financial service providers like bKash also use affiliate marketing, rewarding users for bringing in new customers.

With low investment and high accessibility, affiliate marketing is empowering individuals and businesses across Bangladesh to grow and succeed in the digital age.

Influencer marketing in Bangladesh 

Influencer marketing in Bangladesh is thriving, driven by the rise of social media and a digitally-active population. Brands collaborate with influencers to promote products, build trust, and connect with audiences.

Platforms like HypeScout, Bangladesh’s first influencer marketing platform, simplify this process by linking brands with influencers, including those with as few as 1,000 followers. This opens doors for small businesses to reach local audiences affordably.

Popular influencers such as Salman Muqtadir, known for his humor, and Raba Khan, with her relatable posts, have successfully helped brands engage targeted followers. 

Businesses across industries, from fashion to food, benefit by building authentic connections and boosting trust through influencer campaigns.

This strategy has reshaped marketing in Bangladesh, providing a cost-effective way for brands to grow and connect with their audience.

How Small Businesses in Bangladesh Can Benefit from Digital Marketing

1. Reach More Customers Without Spending Too Much

One of the best things about digital marketing is that it’s affordable. Instead of spending a lot of money on TV or newspaper ads, small businesses can use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase their products for free or at a low cost.

For example, Bismillah Handmade Jewelry, a small shop in Dhaka, uses Facebook to share photos of their beautiful designs. 

2. Stay Connected with Your Customers

Digital tools make it easy to talk to your customers. Social media lets you answer their questions instantly, take orders, or listen to their feedback. Engaging with customers builds trust, which is vital for small businesses.

For example, a local bakery in Chittagong called Happy Cakes has a Facebook page where customers can message to place their custom cake orders. Their quick replies and friendly tone have brought in repeat buyers.

3. Don’t Waste, Show Ads to Your Target Audiences Only. 

Small businesses can use Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach specific groups of people.

You can focus on customers based on their location, age, or interests. This helps you reach the right buyers without spending money on people who aren’t interested in your product.

Take Rafsan’s Electronics from Narayanganj, for instance. They ran Facebook ads only for people living in their area who were looking for home appliances. Their sales doubled in just a month.

4. Track Your Growth with Data

Digital marketing also lets you measure results. 

Tools like Google Analytics show how many people visited your site, clicked your ads, or made a purchase. This makes it easy to see what’s working and what needs fixing.

5. Grow Your Brand Online

Having an online presence makes your business look professional and trustworthy. A well-designed website or active social media profiles can leave a lasting impression on customers. 

Posting regularly with appealing photos and updates helps people remember your business.

6. Expand Beyond Your Local Area

Small businesses in Bangladesh are no longer limited to selling only in their neighborhoods. With e-commerce platforms like Daraz or their own online stores, businesses can now reach customers in different cities or even countries.

7. Compete with Bigger Brands

Digital marketing levels the playing field. Even if you’re a small fish in a big pond, you can compete with larger companies using smart strategies. 

Small businesses can grab attention and build loyal followers by sharing stories, posting engaging videos, or hosting fun contests.

Digital Marketing Trends Transforming Bangladesh

Social Commerce is Growing Fast

Social commerce is changing the way people shop in Bangladesh. Local businesses are now selling directly through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. 

For example, many boutique stores in Dhaka,  showcase their collections on Facebook. From housewives to students, many people are doing business using f-commerce. It wouldn’t be possible without the help of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.    

Influencer Marketing is Changing the Game

Bangladeshi influencers are helping brands connect with their audiences in a personal way. For instance, beauty bloggers like Make It Up By Farzana Islamm, Parishop promote local cosmetics brands. 

Their authentic reviews and tutorials help followers trust and try new products. Businesses benefit from this trust as it drives sales and brand awareness.

Videos Are Winning Attention

Video marketing is everywhere in Bangladesh! Brands are using interactive and engaging videos to showcase their products. For example, popular restaurants like Shikdar Shaheb create YouTube and TikTok videos featuring recipes or behind-the-scenes glimpses. 

There are lots of entertainers who draw people’s attention like RnR on YouTube. 

And short, fun videos grab attention and keep viewers engaged, resulting in more customers visiting their outlets.

Personalized Marketing Keeps It Special

With the rise of e-commerce in Bangladesh, personalization has become essential. Platforms like Pickaboo recommend electronics and gadgets based on a shopper’s preferences and past searches. 

By tailoring experiences for each customer, businesses are making online shopping more enjoyable and efficient, resulting in loyal buyers.

Local SEO Brings Customers Closer

For businesses with physical locations, local SEO is making a big difference. Businesses can improve their Google search visibility with location-focused keywords and customer reviews. 

This helps when someone searches for “best desserts near me,” attracting local traffic right to their door.

Chatbots Simplify Customer Support

Many Bangladeshi businesses now use chatbots to handle customer queries. For example, PandaMart has a chatbot on its app that helps users track orders, answer questions, and even provide suggestions. 

With 24/7 availability, these bots save time for businesses while offering seamless service to customers.

User-Generated Content Builds Credibility

People trust other people. That’s why brands like Banglalink encourage users to share photos or stories about their experiences with their services. 

These customer posts, often reshared on Banglalink’s profiles, make the brand feel genuine, which attracts more users.

Read More: What Is A Sales Funnel In Digital Marketing​

Challenges in Digital Marketing in Bangladesh

Limited Internet Access

Many rural areas still lack reliable internet, making it hard for businesses to reach a nationwide audience. For example, an online store in Dhaka may struggle to engage customers in remote regions due to poor connectivity.

Shortage of Skilled Professionals

There aren’t enough qualified experts to meet the demand for digital marketing in Bangladesh. Small businesses often face difficulties finding skilled professionals to run effective campaigns.

Data Privacy Concerns

Customers are becoming cautious about how their personal data is used. Businesses that fail to follow transparent practices risk losing trust, especially when handling sensitive customer information.

Trust Issues in Online Shopping

Online scams and fraud have created hesitation among customers. Even genuine businesses face challenges in building trust for their digital platforms.

High Competition on Social Media

Social media is crowded with brands. Smaller businesses often get overshadowed by bigger companies with larger budgets for ads and promotions.

Cost of Creating Quality Content

Producing professional content like videos or graphics is expensive. Many small businesses struggle to afford it, which limits the quality of their marketing materials.

What Does the Future Hold for Digital Marketing in Bangladesh?

The future of digital marketing in Bangladesh looks bright with exciting opportunities for businesses to grow online. 

As internet access continues to expand, more people from rural areas can join the digital space. This will open up new markets for businesses, allowing them to reach a wider audience than ever before.

The growing popularity of social media platforms will also play a vital role. Businesses can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to creatively connect with their audience. With engaging posts, videos, and ads, they have the opportunity to win over new customers easily.

Another promising area is e-commerce. Online shopping is gaining traction in Bangladesh, and digital marketing will help businesses stand out in this competitive market.

Personalized ads, special offers, and interactive customer support can make online shopping a more tailored experience, boosting sales.

The rise in digital marketing training programs is another positive sign. More professionals will be equipped with the skills needed to run effective online campaigns. This will help small and large businesses alike to create impactful marketing strategies.

Steps to Begin a Digital Marketing Strategy in Bangladesh

Set Clear Goals

Decide what you want to achieve with digital marketing. For example, do you want more website visitors, increased sales, or boost brand awareness? Make sure your goals are specific and measurable.

Understand Your Target Audience

Identify who your customers are. Think about their age, location, interests, and buying habits. This will help you create content and choose channels that will reach them effectively.

Optimize Your Online Presence

Create a professional website and set up your social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram. Ensure all platforms reflect your brand identity and make it easy for customers to find and contact you.

Choose the Right Digital Channels

Select platforms that your audience uses the most, whether it’s social media, email, or search engines. For example, a clothing business might thrive on Instagram, while a tech company may benefit from Google Ads.

Invest in Quality Content

Develop engaging and informative posts, videos, and blogs. High-quality content builds trust and attracts more customers. Use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to make your content easier to find online.

Measure and Adjust Your Strategy

Regularly check how your campaigns are performing. Use tools like Google Analytics to track website visits or Facebook Insights to monitor social media performance. Adjust your strategy based on the results to improve over time.

Wrapping Up 

If you are from Bangladesh and doing business, digital marketing should be your first choice for marketing. This is the perfect choice for small to medium-sized businesses. 

At Webtech, we specialize in Digital marketing. From SEO to Social media marketing, we have dedicated teams to make your campaign successful. 

We have experience working with local clients from Bangladesh and global clients. If you don’t know how to start digital marketing don’t hesitate to contact us.