Father of Digital Marketing: Meet the Visionary Behind Modern Marketing

There are over 6 million digital marketers worldwide, and more than 800,000 in India alone, hustling through SEO reports, ad campaigns, email funnels, and social media strategies. We see the term “digital marketing” everywhere on job boards, LinkedIn bios, and startup pitch decks. But have you ever stopped to wonder: who actually coined the term? Who’s the brain behind this digital revolution?

In today’s fast-scrolling world, we’re so used to smartphones flashing us personalized ads that seem to know our guilty pleasures better than our best friends. From analyzing audience behavior to crafting content that hits just right, digital marketing feels like a modern superpower. But it wasn’t always this way.

Before we get swept up in the now, let’s rewind. Let’s take a step back to when marketing was mostly flyers, radio jingles, and billboards. We’ll walk through the timeline of how it all evolved from the early days of online presence, through the rise of search engines, to the birth of social media dominance.

And yes, we’ll meet the man often referred to as the father of digital marketing Philip Kotler. Why him? And what exactly did he do to earn that title?

Let’s dig deep.

Main Point of this blog are:

What is Digital Marketing?
Who Started Digital Marketing, and Who’s Known as the Father of It?
Who is the Father of Digital Marketing?
Why Philip Kotler Is Called the Father of Digital Marketing and What He Contributed
Who Began Digital Marketing?
Defining Digital Marketing?
Father of Digital Marketing in India
What are the Top 7 Types of Digital Marketing?
Conclusion: Why Knowing the Father of Digital Marketing Matters
FAQ

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is all about promoting products and services through digital channels like search engines, websites, social media platforms, emails, and mobile apps. Unlike traditional marketing, it gives real-time insights, performance metrics, and the power to personalize communication.

Think about the last time you looked up a product online and saw ads following you on YouTube, Instagram, or a blog that’s digital marketing doing its job. For today’s generation of students and SEO managers, understanding this core concept is crucial. Whether it’s SEO, PPC, or social media, the goal remains the same: reach the right people at the right time with the right message.

Who Started Digital Marketing, and Who’s Known as the Father of It?

Whether you’re a curious student, a budding SEO manager, or just someone diving into the vast world of digital marketing, this blog will take you on a fascinating journey. We’ll explore the origins of digital marketing, uncover who’s credited as the “father” of it all, and bring you up to speed on the types of digital marketing you actually need to know today.
So grab your chai or coffee, and let’s rewind the clock before we fast-forward into the now!

Who is the Father of Digital Marketing?

The father of digital marketing is widely considered as Philip Kotler. Yes, the same marketing genius behind several textbooks and models you’ve probably read during your studies. Although Kotler did not directly invent digital tools, he laid down the foundational principles of modern marketing that continue to guide digital marketing strategies even today.

His theories on consumer behavior, marketing mix, and segmentation became the base on which digital strategies were later built. Hence, he is often referred to as both the father of marketing and by extension, the father of digital marketing.

Why Philip Kotler Is Called the Father of Digital Marketing and What He Contributed

Philip Kotler, often hailed as the father of modern marketing, laid the foundation for many principles that still guide digital strategies today. His groundbreaking work on consumer behavior, market segmentation, targeting, and the famous 4Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) revolutionized how brands understood and reached their audience. 

Although digital marketing as we know it came much later, Kotler’s theories provided the intellectual framework that digital marketers now apply across platforms like search engines, social media, email, and beyond. His ability to adapt classical marketing principles to the evolving digital landscape is why many consider him not just the father of marketing but also a key figure behind the rise of digital marketing.

Who Began Digital Marketing?

Philip Kotler is labeled the father, whereas Ray Tomlinson who sent the first email in 1971 ranks among the first founders of digital communication. 

It was from that single event that email marketing originated. Flash forward to the 1990s: after the internet was available to the public, digital marketing began. The first clickable banner ad was launched in 1994, and by the end of the 1990s, brands became aware of how powerful online promotion could be.

Philip Kotler: Father of digital marketing (principles)

Ray Tomlinson: Founder of digital communication (email)

HotWired (1994): Kickstarted banner advertising

Defining Digital Marketing?

Marketing refers to the act of promoting a product or service online through various digital-based paths. Digital marketing involves different digital platforms such as search engines, websites, and social media platforms, as well as email and mobile apps.

There can be both organic pathways (search engines optimized) and paid pathways (Google ads, Facebook ads, etc.). The key difference between digital marketing and traditional forms of marketing is that organizations can:

Target specific audiences

Optimize content based on data

Digital marketing is a must-have tool for a brand, startup, or agency in the present time and also offers many different career opportunities for students and young professionals.

Let’s take a quick trip back in time.

The phrase digital marketing started floating around in the early 1990s, but the seeds were planted much earlier. It wasn’t the brainchild of one single person—it was more like a slow wave of innovation that built up over the years. Still, there are a few names and moments that really stand out.

• In the 1970s, Ray Tomlinson sent the first-ever email. He probably didn’t know it at the time, but he was setting the stage for one of the most powerful digital marketing channels still used today.
• Then came Guglielmo Marconi, who helped pioneer wireless communication. Without his work, the idea of sending messages through invisible waves might’ve sounded like science fiction

Now fast forward to the 1990s:

• 1990: The term digital marketing begins to appear in conversations.
• 1993: The very first clickable banner ad went live—and yes, people actually clicked it.
• 1994: Yahoo entered the scene and changed how we search online forever.
• 1996: SEO started taking shape as marketers realized websites could be optimized to rank better.
• 2000s: The launch of Google Ads, Facebook, and YouTube gave digital marketing the boost it needed to go mainstream.
• 2010s onwards: Mobile marketing, influencer strategies, and marketing automation became the new normal.

So, if you’re wondering who started digital marketing, it wasn’t one person it was a mix of inventors, coders, and early marketers who paved the way. Together, they turned a handful of technologies into the massive digital ecosystem we use today.

Father of Digital Marketing in India

Father of Digital Marketing in India. In India, Pradeep Chopra who is the co-founder of Digital Vidya, is frequently regarded as the father of digital marketing in India. With over twenty years of experience in the field of digital marketing training, his impact has been a primary driver in creating the market for the online marketing education ecosystem in India.

 Another notable name is Siddharth Rajsekar, who is one of the greatest digital coaches in the world, gaining notoriety by assisting businesses in building an online ecosystem, among other things. Neither are they the “father” in any textbook sense of the word, but both have contributed significantly to the growth of the digital marketing space in India.

What are the Top 7 Types of Digital Marketing?

Having now established who started digital marketing, let’s review each of the top 7 types of digital marketing that every marketer should be aware of:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

What it is: Making your website appear higher in search engine results.
Why it matters: Because when people Google something, they rarely go past page one.

Includes:

• On-page SEO (content, meta tags)
• Off-page SEO (backlinks)
• Technical SEO (loading speed, mobile usability)

2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

What it is: Paid advertising where you pay only when someone clicks on your ad.
Example: Google Ads or Meta Ads campaigns targeting specific keywords or audiences.

3. Content Marketing

What it is: Creating blogs, videos, infographics, and guides that provide real value.
Why it works: When users trust your content, they’re more likely to trust your brand.

4. Social Media Marketing

What it is: Using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter) to engage with your audience.
Example: Brands creating viral campaigns or informative reels to build community.

5. Email Marketing

What it is: Sending newsletters, offers, or reminders to people’s inboxes.
Why it’s powerful: It’s personal and has one of the highest ROI in marketing.

6. Affiliate Marketing

What it is: Partnering with influencers or bloggers who promote your product in exchange for a commission.
Example: A YouTuber recommending a gadget with an affiliate link.

7. Mobile Marketing

What it is: Reaching people on their phones via SMS, app notifications, or mobile-friendly content.
Why it matters: Over 60% of internet traffic now comes from mobile devices.

Each of these channels plays a role in how a business grows online. Some focus on awareness, others on conversion but all are essential in a successful digital strategy.

Conclusion: Why Knowing the Father of Digital Marketing Matters

Knowing who started it all gives us a better appreciation of where we are today. From Philip Kotler’s principles to today’s AI-driven strategies, digital marketing has come a long way and it’s only going to grow further.

Whether you’re a student beginning your journey, or an SEO manager refining your strategy, understanding the roots of digital marketing helps you align better with the future.

So next time someone asks “Who is the father of digital marketing?” you’ll know the story. And better yet, you’ll know how to apply it.

FAQs

Who is called the father of digital marketing?

Philip Kotler is widely regarded as the father of digital marketing. While he is best known for his work in traditional marketing, his principles and frameworks have seamlessly adapted to the digital age, influencing how modern marketers approach strategy today.

Who introduced digital marketing in India?

Digital marketing in India was popularized by thought leaders like Pradeep Chopra, Sorav Jain, and Deepak Kanakaraju, who played a key role in educating people and helping businesses transition to online marketing through training, blogs, and workshops.

When did digital marketing start?

Digital marketing began in the early 1990s, with the first clickable web ad appearing in 1993. It evolved rapidly with the rise of search engines like Yahoo (1994), SEO practices (1996), and platforms like Google Ads and Facebook in the 2000s.

What are the main types of digital marketing?

The top 7 types of digital marketing are:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)
3. Content Marketing
4. Social Media Marketing
5. Email Marketing
6. Affiliate Marketing
7. Mobile Marketing

Each channel helps brands reach, engage, and convert their audience online.

How can I start a career in digital marketing?

You can start by learning the basics of SEO, Google Ads, social media, and content creation. There are plenty of online courses and certifications available. Practice by running your own blog or freelance projects, and stay updated with the latest digital trends.

Mohit Verma

I am an experienced professional with 9+ years of experience in Search Engine Optimization. I am on a mission to provide industry focused job oriented SEO so the students/mentees can get their dream SEO job and and start working from day 1.