The Bold Marketing Lessons of Dmitriy Makarov Every Startup Should Know
When it comes to launching a business from the ground up, Dmitriy Makarov understands just how tough the journey can be. The founder of an international marketing agency, he has built his approach on adaptability and experimentation. For him, no grand plan survives first contact with reality without adjustments. As he puts it: “Do not be afraid to experiment.”
For many startups, the real strength lies not in having deep pockets, but in being able to act quickly and pivot when needed. Makarov believes that trying new channels, testing different audiences, and experimenting with fresh formats are what help founders eventually discover what works. “Successful startup marketing is always the result of a series of failed attempts that lead to a working solution,” he says.
Learning beyond borders
But trial and error alone are not enough. Another central part of Dmitriy Makarov’s thinking is learning from others. He has long encouraged founders to look outside their own industries for inspiration. “I have always been an advocate of studying the cases of international companies,” he explains. By analysing how businesses succeed or stumble, entrepreneurs can uncover valuable lessons that apply across sectors.
He points out that with today’s wealth of case studies, podcasts, and blogs, knowledge is more accessible than ever. Drawing on that collective wisdom, startups can save time and avoid pitfalls. Yet Makarov also stresses that marketing should not be an add-on, but part of the product itself. Whether it is a distinctive brand identity, a feature that naturally invites sharing, or values that resonate with a community, design and vision can make a product its own best marketing tool.
Listening, too, plays a vital role. “If you sincerely listen to customers, adapt to their feedback, and create value for them, marketing begins to work naturally,” he explains. For Makarov, customers often hold the answers, if founders take the time to pay attention.
Building a resilient team
Behind every successful business is a strong team, and Makarov is frank about the challenges in building one. In the early days, he relied on friends and acquaintances, choosing shared values and potential over polished CVs. “We went through this journey together, and many grew with me from interns to team leaders,” he recalls.
Conflicts inevitably arose, but rather than viewing them as setbacks, he treated them as chances to improve communication and refine approaches. “Conflicts often gave a point for growth, reassessing approaches, and improving communication,” he says. Training was equally hands-on. Mistakes were not failures but steps on the path to growth, helping create a culture of trust and resilience.
The GMG framework
At the heart of Dmitriy Makarov’s philosophy is what he calls GMG: Grind, Mastery, Growth. The principle, rooted in his teenage years in the capital of Ukraine, underpins everything he does. “GMG is more than a motto, it is a mindset,” he explains. For him, success is not about shortcuts or flashy wins, but about steady progress through effort and continuous learning.
From shaping teams to running campaigns, his lessons remain clear: resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to listen are the cornerstones of growth. Startups that embrace these values, Makarov believes, will always find a way forward.
