In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, one name stands out as a true innovator—Darrell Stern. Known as the “Digital Marketing Jedi,” Stern has built a reputation for transforming brands through the power of strategic engagement, and cutting-edge marketing techniques. As the founder and CEO of Stern Marketing, he has helped businesses amplify their voices, generate leads, and create emotional connections with their audiences. With a background in acting, voiceovers, and creative storytelling, Stern brings a unique perspective to marketing—one that goes beyond traditional tactics and dives deep into the psychology of consumer engagement. In this exclusive feature, we explore Darrell Stern’s journey, his approach to digital marketing, and the impact he continues to make in the industry.
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Beverly Hills Magazine: Darrell, can you share a little bit about your journey into digital marketing and how you became the “Digital Marketing Jedi”?
Darrell Stern: Sure! My journey actually started in entertainment. I was the voice of Scooter Computer on Schoolhouse Rock in 1983, so my voice is on Disney Plus singing from when I was 11 years old. Before that, I was almost on Broadway twice as a kid. Growing up in New Jersey, I would audition in New York City all the time.
Scooter Computer was actually the first cartoon series to introduce kids to computers. The show explained that a computer is not intelligent; it only runs programs, processes numbers, and plays games, but it does not think. That concept is more relevant today than ever.
From a young age, I was fascinated with computers. I had an Atari 400 and continued my passion for technology while pursuing a career in entertainment. In the ’90s, I even did stand-up comedy five nights a week. However, at a certain point, I decided to transition into a more stable career. I earned a master’s degree in communications in 1997, and around that time, HTML coding was emerging. That was my cue to shift into web design and digital marketing.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is quite the journey! What was the pivotal moment that led you to establish your own digital marketing business?
Darrell Stern: I was working for a large software company, doing website design and corporate marketing. Unfortunately, during that time, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away in 2002 due to medical complications. It was a life-changing event for me. I decided to move to Las Vegas and start my own business.
At the beginning, we were just building websites and hand-coding e-commerce stores—before platforms like Shopify even existed. It was a different era. Then, as video content started gaining traction, I noticed that many people creating videos were not trained performers. When Facebook Live launched, for example, most people did not understand basic broadcasting principles.
That is when I saw an opportunity. I realized I could help business owners create content that was engaging and professionally structured, rather than just random, low-quality videos.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You mentioned that marketing is about giving people hope. Can you expand on that idea?
Darrell Stern: Absolutely. Marketing is about presenting a solution to a problem. When someone searches for a service, they are often in a situation that requires an answer—whether they need their car fixed, heart surgery, or even emotional healing. A landing page or advertisement should give people hope by showing them a path forward. But hope alone is not enough; you must prove your expertise.
In traditional business, people would provide references to verify their credentials. Today, proof comes in the form of content. An influencer, in my opinion, is not just someone with followers, but someone who demonstrates their expertise. Instead of just saying, “I am an expert,” they show it through valuable content.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is a great perspective. How do you leverage video content to boost SEO and generate leads?
Darrell Stern: Google owns YouTube, and they prioritize video content in search results. I tell business owners to search for specific services they provide—if no videos appear at the top of Google, that is a huge opportunity.
For example, in 2016, I worked with an auto mechanic who wanted to be the best in the world. I created 60 different landing pages for every type of car he serviced. Then, instead of him just saying he was a great mechanic, I filmed him fixing different cars. We posted those videos on YouTube, embedded them in blog posts, and transcribed them into articles.
The key was internal linking. If he mentioned “carburetor” in one video, I linked it to another blog post about carburetors. Over time, his website became a vast network of interconnected content that demonstrated his expertise. That strategy led to him ranking number one for luxury car repair.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is a smart strategy! What advice do you have for business owners trying to improve their digital presence?
Darrell Stern: First, focus on a niche. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, target a high-value segment. For instance, we started with luxury cars because Bentley and Rolls-Royce owners are willing to invest in premium service.
Second, create valuable content. Do not just tell people what you do—show them. If you are a chef, record yourself cooking. If you are a financial advisor, explain complex concepts in simple terms. People trust those who demonstrate their knowledge.
Finally, integrate SEO with content strategy. Use blogs, videos, and internal linking to create a strong web presence. The more you prove your expertise online, the more people will trust and seek out your services.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is fantastic advice. Darrell, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us!
Darrell Stern: My pleasure! Thank you for having me.
Darrell Stern’s passion for marketing, storytelling, and innovation has made him a sought-after expert in the digital space. His ability to merge creativity with data-driven strategies sets him apart as a true leader in the industry. Through Stern Marketing, he continues to empower businesses with game-changing content, high-converting campaigns, and brand messaging that resonates. As marketing trends continue to evolve, one thing remains constant—Stern’s unwavering commitment to helping brands grow, connect, and thrive. Whether you’re a startup business or an established business, his expertise offers a roadmap to digital success.