“What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in digital marketing? What key lesson have you learned that you wish you knew when you were starting?” Here is what 24 thought leaders have to say.
- Master One Thing at a Time
- Prioritize Idea Validation
- Track and Analyze Real Data
- Focus on Real Industry Connections
- Master One Marketing Channel
- Never Stop Learning
- Understand Audience’s Complete Journey
- Don’t Get Caught Up in Noise
- Be Curious and Proactive
- Audience is Your Priority
- Understand Target Audience and Needs
- Embrace Power of SEO
- Nail the Fundamentals First
- Understand Your Audience
- Foundations in SEO and Content Marketing
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Know Your Audience
- Get Hands-On Experience
- Learn Broad Range of Skills
- Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
- Focus on What You Love
- Build a Strong Brand Identity
- Embrace Testing and Failure
- Stay Consistent with Efforts
Master One Thing at a Time
If I could give just one piece of advice to someone starting out in digital marketing, it would be this: Focus on mastering one thing at a time. Digital marketing is HUGE, and trying to learn SEO, paid ads, social media, email marketing, and analytics all at once is a recipe for overwhelm.
Instead, pick one area-something that excites you-and dive deep. Trust me, becoming great at one thing will get you further than being mediocre at everything.
When I first started, I tried to do it all. I wanted to be the jack-of-all-trades, thinking it would make me more valuable. Spoiler: it didn’t. I felt scattered, and my results were all over the place.
It wasn’t until I focused on paid ads that things clicked. I poured my energy into understanding targeting, ad creatives, and data analysis. And guess what? That’s when I started seeing real success-and more importantly, confidence in my skills.
Another big lesson I’ve learned? Test, fail, and test again. Your first campaign might flop, and that’s okay. Every failure is a stepping stone to improvement. The key is to learn, adjust, and keep going.
Digital marketing is a game of patience, persistence, and a LOT of trial and error.
If I could go back to newbie-me, I’d say: “Start small, learn the fundamentals of digital marketing (and marketing in general), focus on one thing, and don’t be afraid to fail.”
So, if you’re just starting out, give yourself permission to not know everything and take it one step at a time. The results will come-and when they do, it’s SO worth it.
Georgi Petrov, CMO, AIG MARKETER
Prioritize Idea Validation
With Website Planet we have built several 6-figures websites, and if there was one thing I would have spent 50% more time on, it would be the Idea Validation stage.
Early on, we focused heavily on execution-building products that looked great and included features we assumed users wanted. However, over time, we realized that even the best-designed website or business model is futile if you don’t first validate your assumptions about your target audience and the problems you’re solving for them.
One of our earliest projects taught us this lesson the hard way. We skipped thorough validation and jumped straight into building a feature-packed site. When we launched, engagement fell far below expectations. It was evident that we hadn’t fully understood our audience’s needs. We had to redesign most elements based on user feedback, delaying the project and increasing costs.
Now, we prioritize validation through experiments, A/B testing, and direct user feedback. This ensures our foundations are solid, minimizes unnecessary pivots, and helps us deliver products that truly resonate with users.
Roberto Popolizio, SEO Manager, Website Planet
Track and Analyze Real Data
The most crucial advice I’d give to digital marketing beginners is to become obsessive about tracking and analyzing real data rather than blindly following “best practices.” What worked for others or what’s trending on marketing blogs may not work for your specific situation.
When I think about what I wish I knew starting out, I was initially caught up in trying to be everywhere at once – running campaigns across every social platform, trying every new marketing tactic I read about, and spreading resources too thin. This scattered approach led to mediocre results across the board.
The key lesson I learned is that it’s far more effective to master one channel completely before expanding to others. This means:
- Pick a single channel (like Google Ads or Instagram)
- Set up proper tracking to measure everything
- Learn to read and understand the data
- Make small, measured changes based on that data
- Document what works and what doesn’t
- Only expand to new channels once you’ve truly optimized the first one
For example, dig deep into search intent data rather than just setting up essential Google Ads campaigns and moving on to the next platform. Analyze which keywords lead to conversions, not just clicks. Study your Quality Scores. Test different ad copy variations methodically. Before moving on, I understood the platform’s nuances.
This focused approach leads to better results and builds a solid foundation of analytical thinking that transfers to all other marketing channels. It’s better to be excellent at one thing than mediocre at everything.
Lisa Benson, Marketing Strategist, DeBella DeBall Designs
Focus on Real Industry Connections
It’s important that you focus on real connections in the industry. Network!
Do not walk around trading business cards or LinkedIn introductions. You have to develop connections, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other’s mistakes. At the beginning of my career, I was making a habit of attending local marketing events and talking to people that meant something, not something purely financial. In that way, I met people who went on to be my peers, collaborators, even customers. I learnt from these friendships because each one of them gave me a perspective or a chance to grow my work.
And my experience has taught me that digital marketing is a lot more effective when done in teams than on your own. Co-operation means having the same audiences, new perspectives, and support that can help your work more than you realize. For example, joining forces with a content creator or co-hosting a webinar can share your content with an entirely new demographic and enhance your visibility.
Patrick Beltran, Marketing Director, Ardoz Digital
Master One Marketing Channel
Focus on mastering one marketing channel before expanding. When I started, I tried tackling SEO, social media, PPC and email marketing simultaneously. The result? Mediocre performance across the board because my attention was too divided.
Everything changed when I decided to focus solely on SEO for the first year. By immersing myself completely in search optimization, I developed deep expertise that delivered real results. Our agency went from ranking for zero keywords to dominating local search terms for “web design Brampton.”
Now whenever I mentor new marketers, I tell them: Pick one channel that aligns with your goals and master it completely. It’s better to be exceptional at one thing than average at everything.
Harmanjit Singh, Founder and CEO, Origin Web Studios
Never Stop Learning
Never stop learning. First off, digital marketing is constantly changing. Whether it’s the technology of artificial intelligence (AI) or Google doing a core update, you have to keep up with it.
When I started my business 13 years ago, it was humbling. I realized that though I knew a lot, I didn’t know everything. There were many “experts” who knew (and know) more than I did.
Find your niche. I started out teaching small business owners how to market themselves effectively on social media. Though I still do that, I soon learned that social media doesn’t work if the website isn’t converting visitors into leads or sales. Then, why were sites coming up in search but people weren’t clicking through? Many people were overwhelmed because they didn’t start with goals and strategic marketing plans. I saw the problems people were having and aimed to help them solve them. It meant I had to educate myself on specific tactics and tools to best help my clients.
Marketing basics have not changed — the media, tools, and tactics have. Furthermore, they will continue to change so, never stop learning!
Giselle Aguiar, Digital Marketing Consultant, AZ Social Media Wiz
Understand Audience’s Complete Journey
The lesson I wish I learned early on is that blindly following trending SEO tactics often leads nowhere. Instead, deeply understanding your audience’s complete journey – their questions, concerns, and related topics – creates lasting results. I spent my early years chasing algorithm updates when I should have been mapping out comprehensive content strategies that naturally aligned with search intent.
For newcomers, I’d recommend mastering one specific aspect of digital marketing before expanding. Whether it’s technical SEO, content strategy, or analytics, becoming an expert in a focused area builds a stronger foundation than trying to do everything at once. This depth-first approach helped me develop my unique perspective on topical authority that now drives our client success.
Yoyao Hsueh, Founder, Topical Maps
Don’t Get Caught Up in Noise
My advice for anyone just starting out in digital marketing is pretty straightforward: don’t get caught up in the noise. Sure, there’s always a new trend or shiny tool to try, but if you don’t have a strong grasp of the basics-like knowing your audience, crafting killer content, and understanding SEO-you’re just spinning your wheels. Get those down first, and you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Once you’ve got a handle on the essentials, then you can dive into the cool stuff-like AI and other fancy tools-without feeling lost.
One thing I wish I’d learned earlier is how crucial data is. When I started, I was going off gut instinct a lot, and while I like to think I have a pretty good gut, it’s way better when you’re using actual numbers to guide your decisions. These days, we let data drive everything from ad spend to content tweaks, and the results are way better.
So here’s my tip: stay grounded, keep it simple, and use data like your best friend. It’ll help you stand out in the crazy world of digital marketing while keeping things fun and fresh.
Josh Bluman, Co-Founder, Hoppy Copy
Be Curious and Proactive
Be curious and proactive in experimenting, testing and learning.
Digital marketing evolves rapidly, and the skills that set you apart tomorrow are the ones you start developing today.
So test different strategies, analyse data and analytics to understand what works and learn from your failures. Use tools and resources to explore different areas like SEO, paid ads, and content marketing. Employers and clients value adaptability, problem-solving and a mindset of continuous improvement.
Early on, I wish I’d understood that failing fast and learning quickly is key to growth!
Ajay Mistry, Founder, Gambit Partners
Audience is Your Priority
Always remember that the audience is your priority, and it’s better to focus on their needs and wants instead of the methods you’re going to use.
Digital marketing is not just about placing ads or using SEO; it is about finding real-life solutions to the needs of your target market. Understand the customer and try to look at the situation from their point of view in order to use the right measures. Knowing your audience will be a key determinant of the content to be produced and the channel on which it will be posted.
Do not grab every opportunity – get the basics right first.
When beginning, it is always exciting to try all the available tools or platforms to avoid getting bored. Yet, I have realized that skills such as content marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing, and analytics create the core of digital marketing strategies. These basics are very important even as trends change from one level to another.
If I could go back, I’d focus more on:
- Building analytical skills: Of course, knowing how to assess performance and use numbers as a tool is incredibly useful at a workplace.
- Creating evergreen content: It accumulates with time and pays dividend even after the paper has been printed.
- Networking and collaboration: Being with people within the same field enhances learning and offers one a direct line to career advancement.
Just bear in mind that digital marketing is a creative science. Continue to be interested, continue to tinker, but don’t forget what you learned in school.
Harendra Kumar, Seo Expert, cogent digital marketing agency
Understand Target Audience and Needs
Start from a deep understanding of the target audience and their needs. The whole digital marketing runs on connection, and hence the success depends upon directly talking to the right set of people with the right message. Do not jump for trends or tools but for solidifying strategy, make it first. Understand who the target audience is and then understand what pains he carries and create a solution set for him. With clarity, every campaign that runs will be purposeful and impactful.
One thing I would have learned earlier is the power of automation and AI to streamline processes. I wasted so much time as a young person doing repetitive things and not doing strategy and growth. Now, I prioritize systems that save time while enhancing precision, like automated email campaigns and predictive analytics for ad targeting. These tools don’t replace strategy-they amplify it.
Ask yourself, how can you create sustainable systems that free up your time for high-value activities? Digital marketing is as much about efficiency as creativity. Embrace data, tools, and experimentation while staying grounded in the principles of value and connection. That balance will position you for long-term success.
Kellianne Fedio, Founder, Kellianne.Me
Embrace Power of SEO
If I could offer one piece of advice to someone starting out in digital marketing, it would be this: embrace the power of SEO, and do it right. It’s not about quick fixes or chasing fleeting trends; it’s about building a solid foundation that will drive sustainable growth for years to come.
When I first started, I underestimated the true value of SEO. I focused on flashy campaigns and instant gratification, neglecting the long-term benefits of organic search. But I soon learned that a well-executed SEO strategy is like a gift that keeps on giving. It attracts qualified leads, builds brand authority, and drives consistent traffic to your website. It’s not always the most glamorous aspect of digital marketing, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. So, invest the time and effort to learn SEO, build a strong strategy, and watch your online presence flourish.
David Abraham, CEO, Bluesoft Design
Nail the Fundamentals First
My biggest advice for anyone starting in digital marketing is to nail the fundamentals first. Learn SEO, understand analytics, and get comfortable with creating campaigns that deliver measurable results. Trends come and go, but the basics are your foundation, and they’ll never go out of style.
One lesson I wish I knew when I started is that testing and failure are part of the process. Early on, I was so focused on getting everything perfect that I missed opportunities to learn and grow. Now, I embrace experimenting with new strategies-some work, some don’t, but the insights are always valuable. For example, I’ve run campaigns where the initial approach didn’t hit, but tweaking the targeting or messaging turned them into major wins. Don’t be afraid to fail; be afraid of standing still.
Kyle Morris, CEO / Founder, LawTurbo
Understand Your Audience
One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out in digital marketing is to focus on understanding your audience.
It’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of digital marketing, like SEO, social media algorithms, and email marketing platforms. But ultimately, digital marketing is about connecting with people. If you don’t understand who your audience is, what they need, and where they spend their time online, it will be difficult to reach them effectively.
Key Lesson: Data analysis is crucial. I wish I had known earlier how important it is to track your results, analyze the data, and use those insights to continuously improve your campaigns. Digital marketing is a constantly evolving field, and what works today might not work tomorrow. By paying close attention to your data, you can identify what’s working, what’s not, and adapt your strategies accordingly. This data-driven approach is essential for long-term success in digital marketing.
Daniel Rivas, CEO, Digital Media Ninja
Foundations in SEO and Content Marketing
When I started in digital marketing, I tried to do too much too fast. My advice? Keep it simple. Focus on understanding your audience and crafting a clear message. Success comes with consistency and learning.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how important it is to build real relationships with customers. It’s not just about selling-it’s about earning trust and connecting with people. That’s where growth happens.
Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Data-Driven Decision-Making
One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out in digital marketing is to focus on understanding the fundamentals of your audience. Before diving into tactics like SEO, paid ads, or content creation, take the time to research and analyze who your target audience is, what they care about, and where they spend their time online. Tailoring your strategy to meet the needs of your specific audience is key to long-term success.
The key lesson I wish I knew when I was starting is that marketing is about experimentation and learning from failure. Not every campaign or tactic will work perfectly on the first try, but each one is an opportunity to gather insights and improve. Be prepared to test, optimize, and adjust your approach continuously. Don’t be afraid to fail – it’s part of the process that leads to real growth.
Shreya Jha, Social Media Expert, Appy Pie
Know Your Audience
If you’re just starting out in digital marketing, my advice is to focus on building strong foundations in SEO and content marketing. These two pillars are essential for long-term success. Start by learning the basics of keyword research, on-page SEO, and content creation. As you gain experience, you can explore other areas like social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising.
Another important tip is to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Digital marketing is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments. This can be done by following industry blogs, attending webinars, and networking with other digital marketers.
A key lesson I’ve learned is that consistency is key. Digital marketing is a long-term game. It takes time and effort to see results. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate success. Stay consistent with your efforts, track your progress, and be willing to adapt to changing trends and algorithms.
Greg Walters, Co-Founder, SEO Modify
Get Hands-On Experience
Build a strong foundation of data-driven decision-making. Early on, it’s easy to get swept up in trends and tactics, but the key to long-term success is understanding your audience and using analytics to guide your efforts. Track metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior to determine what’s working and refine your strategies. Testing and iterating based on real data will help you make smarter, more informed decisions.
The key lesson I’ve learned that I wish I knew when starting is the importance of consistency and long-term strategy. It’s tempting to chase quick wins or jump from one new platform to another in the early stages, but digital marketing success requires persistence and a solid, sustained strategy. Building a recognizable brand and creating meaningful connections with your audience takes time. It’s about immediate results and building trust and value over time.
Kristin Marquet, Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Learn Broad Range of Skills
One of the most important pieces of advice for someone starting in digital marketing is to know your audience. Knowing your target market and what they need opens all avenues for creating content and campaigns that will resonate well with them. Having a foundational knowledge strategy and choosing the right channels for communication will guide your decision.
If I had known this earlier, I wouldn’t have waited as long as I did to appreciate the importance of data analysis. However, by regularly reviewing the metrics, you can use tools like Google Analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t and continuously refine your approach. Approach each campaign with an experimental mindset: not every campaign will succeed, but everyone will teach you lessons that you can apply to future efforts. By really understanding your audience and making data-driven decisions, you will be building strong footing for your digital marketing journey.
Sheraz Ali, Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder
Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
Firstly: digital marketing is a huge catch-all for a range of sub-genres, which someone starting out likely isn’t going to have a very deep understanding of. The disciplines all require different skills: SEOs require a deeply analytical and experimental mindset, paid social ads require strong creative analysis skills along with data. CRO requires a mix of experimentation, data, creativity, stakeholder management and more.
For this reason I always suggest newbies look for experience, paid or otherwise, to get their hands dirty and see where their talent connects. That might mean creating a website themselves, and attempting to use free and paid means to promote it; it might mean finding a “Marketing Coordinator” type internship at a start-up, or a not for profit. A generalist, hands on role will be the best starting point to launch a career from.
Russ Macumber, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Impressive USA
Focus on What You Love
My advice to someone just starting out in digital marketing is to learn as much as possible-from mentors, online resources, and by attempting your own campaigns.
I wish I’d known when I was starting out just how many different skills digital marketing professionals are expected to cover. Even as head of a content writing agency, I also have to understand SEO, social media marketing, and more. Covering a wide range of skills rather than narrowly specializing is better when you are just starting out.
Dan Brown, CEO & Founder, Textun
Build a Strong Brand Identity
Don’t be afraid to pivot.
One key lesson that you might learn is that your initial ideas for marketing your products or services will probably need to be adapted to suit market demand.
I.e.: Listen to the Market.
For example, if your company provides education, yet your prospective customers want you to do the work for them, you may need to pivot your business model to adapt to changing markets and new competition.
A good way to deal with competition is to change your lane: for example, if you are a low-cost provider and someone undercuts you, move up the value chain and become a premium provider.
Jeff Sauer, Co-Founder, MeasureU and ProfitSchool
Embrace Testing and Failure
Focus on what you love to do and what works for you. Digital marketing evolves quickly, with trends coming and going almost daily. You’ll see far better results by leaning into what you genuinely enjoy than by chasing every new trend.
By avoiding shiny object syndrome, you can build a deeper, more specialized skill set instead of spreading yourself too thin. This makes you the go-to expert in your network for something you truly love working on.
Delaney Rietveld, Website Copywriter, Dark Roast Copy Co.
Stay Consistent with Efforts
Building a strong brand identity proved to be a transformative catalyst for our business success, though its importance wasn’t immediately apparent. While the concept may seem straightforward, it wasn’t until we deliberately channeled our energy and resources into brand development that we witnessed remarkable growth. The focused attention on crafting and maintaining our brand image became the unexpected driving force that propelled our business to new heights.
Mike Salvaggio, CEO, SEO Brand
