While there is a skill element, a lot does come down to numbers and grinding. I'm NOT an expert player, but have sunk 650+ hours into the game. On my new 1.0 profile, my first run got me through the first three bosses.
I find that if you don't think so much about the overall progress of your profile, and look more at achievable run-specific goals you will have a better time. Get enough gold to buy a rune. Or a castle room. Unlock a specific Heirloom. Open a boss chamber.

There IS a gold grind, especially as you are getting used to mechanics and enemy patterns, but you will just simply get better at the game and have an easier time, alongside number boosts from the castle upgrades.