How to Succeed in Digital Marketing: Lessons From 20 Years

Episode 509

How to Succeed in Digital Marketing: Lessons From 20 Years of Experience

After two decades in marketing, I’ve witnessed countless trends come and go, but some principles remain timeless. If you’re overwhelmed by the ever-changing digital marketing landscape in 2025, you’re not alone. Many content creators burn out while trying to be everywhere at once, targeting the wrong audience, and ultimately failing to achieve their goals. The good news? You can bypass these common pitfalls by focusing on three fundamental pillars that will help you succeed in digital marketing, no matter what changes come your way.

Here’s my reaction video to realizing I’ve been studying marketing in some form for 20 years!

Pillar One: Embracing Storytelling – It’s Your Superpower!

In an age where AI can generate content at scale, your unique stories will differentiate you from competitors and machines. Claude and ChatGPT might craft grammatically perfect content, but they cannot replicate your journey, the mistakes you’ve made, or the milestones you’ve achieved. These authentic narratives create connections that algorithms cannot match.

I’ve been weaving storytelling through every aspect of my content since I started, from podcast episodes to YouTube videos, email newsletters to social media captions. This approach has consistently helped me stand out in increasingly crowded marketplaces and is a crucial element in how to succeed in digital marketing today.

Pillar Two: Proven Systems Create Sustainability

James Clear wisely notes, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” In my business, we rely on the PREP’M method—Plan, Record, Edit, Publish, and Market—for every content we create. This framework provides scalability, focus, and most importantly, enables consistent content batching.

Without such systems, even the most talented marketers flounder. Your system doesn’t need to be complicated; it must be consistent and aligned with your business objectives. A reliable framework eliminates guesswork, reduces decision fatigue, and transforms occasional inspiration into sustained success, making it a key strategy for how to succeed in digital marketing long term.

Pillar Three: A Clear Roadmap (The Focus-Learn-Practice Cycle)

The third and final pillar is following a simplified roadmap to success through three steps: focus, learn, and practice. Focus requires identifying what truly matters to your customers—their pain points, challenges, and desires. Learning means continually investing in your education; I’ve invested over $20,000 in courses and training throughout my career. But knowledge isn’t enough—you must practice and implement what you’ve learned.

As Marie Forleo wisely states, “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.” This quote has saved my business (and sanity!) more than once…just this year! No amount of planning can replace the insights gained from taking action. This cycle of focusing, learning, and practicing creates a flywheel effect that accelerates your marketing expertise and business growth.

The Long Game of Digital Marketing

Remember that digital marketing isn’t a sprint but a marathon—one I’ve been running enthusiastically for two decades. You don’t need to be everywhere at once; you just need to be strategic and consistent with your message. If you’re wondering how to succeed in digital marketing in 2025 (and beyond), the answer lies in embracing storytelling, implementing proven systems, and following a clear roadmap. The digital world will continue evolving, but these principles will remain your foundation for standing out, connecting with your audience, and building a thriving business that lasts.