Inbound marketing is a 4-step process to attract potential customers when they are ready to buy: 1) Attract customers through content marketing, 2) Convert visitors into leads by gathering contact information, 3) Close leads by transforming them into customers through relationship building, and 4) Delight customers by continuing engagement to create loyal advocates. The process draws attention through online content and aims to have potential customers find the brand directly through search engines and social media.