Inspiring Conversations with Aram Shirinyan of Digital Footprint LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aram Shirinyan

Hi Aram, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out in business consulting and risk management, which really opened my eyes to how companies, big and small, operate from the inside. This experience was crucial because it shaped my understanding of how businesses navigate challenges and risks, all while having dreams of starting my own venture someday. However, knowing how to grow a business was the real obstacle—especially the marketing side of things- which I found overwhelming at first.

Determined to get a handle on it, I dove into the world of marketing with help from a good friend who’d been in the industry for years. He showed me the ropes, from SEO to website development to running Google Ads campaigns. My first real test came when an acquaintance needed help marketing their business. With my friend’s guidance, I jumped right in and applied everything I was learning in real time.

Fast forward eight years, and here I am running my own marketing company, appropriately named Digital Footprint LA. We work with all kinds of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations, helping them grow their presence and reach their goals. It’s been a crazy ride, with its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth ride. While setting up the business was straightforward, growing our portfolio really tested us and was packed with invaluable life lessons. Running a business is also a journey of self-discovery. It showed me my limitations and capabilities, which was enlightening in many ways.

The biggest challenge, though, has been shifting people’s perceptions about marketing. In recent years, the market has become saturated with agencies promising the moon at bargain prices. Unfortunately, this has set unrealistic expectations because, as we know, quality comes at a cost. The issue is that many agencies use pricing strategies that are appealing enough to try, but not so high that customers will complain if the results don’t meet expectations.

This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many firms’ account executives are salespeople who may not fully understand marketing. They set expectations for spectacular results in just 6-10 months without a real grasp of the strategies involved. Meanwhile, the marketers in the trenches are often out of the loop about these promises, doing their best with the campaigns at hand.

This has fostered a misconception among business owners that marketing will begin to turn a profit within six months. However, true marketing should be considered as more of an investment than just an expense; it’s a critical, ongoing process that compounds over time and yields lasting benefits.

I’m passionate about having honest conversations with business owners to realign their expectations and understanding of marketing. The most successful companies understand this—it’s how they’ve grown. But for those dreaming big, it’s crucial not to be swayed by promises of instant results. Real growth takes time and genuine effort.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Digital Footprint LA, we’re more than just a marketing company; we see ourselves as a partner in growth for businesses. Our expertise shines in sectors like substance abuse treatment, psychotherapy practices, and dental offices.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the challenges in regulatory compliance our healthcare partners face. This experience allows us to provide marketing solutions that are not only compliant with industry standards but also ethically driven and highly effective, ensuring solid returns on investments. And when I say “investments,” I mean it—because that’s exactly what effective marketing should be.

Our commitment goes beyond just achieving quick wins. We aim to build sustainable growth that compounds over time, helping businesses exceed their long-term goals. This approach has not only earned us the trust of our clients but has also positioned us as a leader in healthcare marketing.

Unlike many agencies that might simply deliver leads and step back, we don’t operate that way. We’re invested in our clients’ long-term success because if you succeed, we succeed. To ensure that every lead we provide has the highest potential for conversion, we go a step further by offering tools like tailored sales scripts and strategies designed to overcome common barriers. Our goal is to empower your team to effectively close deals and build your case load ensuring that every marketing effort delivers tangible results.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise people is that I actually hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a field I’ve never formally worked in. I graduated in 2008, right as the markets crashed, making it incredibly difficult to find work in engineering. This challenge led me down an unexpected path into the insurance industry, where I began to learn about managing risks—a skill that turned out to be foundational for my later career transitions.

Moving through different industries, I gained a deep understanding of how businesses function, which paved the way for me to enter the marketing world. Some friends occasionally ask if I regret that my hard work in engineering school didn’t directly apply to my career. I always respond with gratitude. My engineering education taught me how to think critically and solve complex problems, skills that I apply daily in my business. Far from feeling like it was wasted, I see my engineering background as crucial to my success in marketing—it’s given me a unique edge that I cherish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://digitalfootprintla.com