In this exclusive interview in Chiang Mai SEO Conference 2025, Daily Sparkz speaks with Alexander Ljubinkovican experienced SEO veteran and agency owner.
Alexander shares his journey from life as 18 year old in Serbia with limited access to online payment systems, to build a successful SEO agency and become a leading figure in the industry.
Let’s dive into key takeaways from their conversation about his SEO journey, business growth, and personal reflections.
Early beginnings: From Serbia to SEO
At just 18 years old, Alexander began his SEO career in his native Serbia, where access to resources like PayPal was limited.
Still, he was determined to make a living online. His first experiences included purchasing a $10 domain and launching an affiliate marketing website promoting World of Warcraft guides on ClickBank.
By learning on forums like Black Hat World, he achieved remarkable results, ranking number two for his target keyword.
At that time, he was building links through blog comments and even earning PR4 links, which opened his eyes to the potential of SEO.
The change to agency life: From freelancer to CEO
While Alexander’s income was modest at first, the turning point came when he switched from freelancing to running an SEO agency.
His agency model allowed him to scale and he experienced a huge jump in sales. In one of his best months, he made a profit of $50,000, a milestone that marked his entry into the world of high-level SEO business.
As his team grew, Alexander learned valuable lessons in team management and the importance of fostering a company culture that rewards performance and efficiency.
“The agency model has allowed me to scale faster and focus on delivering real value to clients.”
Navigating SEO and adapting to Google updates
One of Alexander’s biggest challenges is adapting to the ever-changing SEO landscape, especially after Google updates and the rise of AI.
He shares that when he started his career, affiliate websites were easy to rank for.
But over the years, Google’s algorithm changes have made it harder for affiliate websites to succeed without becoming a real brand with tangible products or services.
To remain competitive, Leadspring diversified into lead generation, e-commerce and joint ventures (JV).
Alexander has also taken his business in a new direction by launching a digital PR agency focused on link building to help clients navigate these updates and stay ahead of them.
“Adapting to Google’s changes is critical. We have shifted our focus from pure affiliate marketing to a more diverse business model.”
Customer acquisition and networking strategies
When it comes to acquiring new customers, Alexander doesn’t rely on paid ads like Google Ads or Facebook Ads.
Instead, he leverages organic growth through networking, cold calling, conference attendance, and participation in online communities.
He uses platforms like Facebook groups, podcasts, and YouTube to connect with potential customers and grow his email list.
In the future, Alexander plans to launch a community-based platform with affordable products such as templates and webinars to further expand his customer base.
Life Reflections: Regret and Personal Growth
When asked about his biggest regret, Alexander openly admits that he regrets not starting his secluded lifestyle sooner.
He wishes he had moved to Asia sooner, where he would have found the freedoms and opportunities that did not exist in Serbia.
Alexander reflects on his former life in Connecticut and compares the stressful lifestyle there – characterized by traffic, cold winters and limited options – with his current, much more balanced life in Asia.
“Living in Asia has changed my life. The lifestyle is much more affordable and the work culture is relaxed. It is the ideal environment to grow both personally and professionally.”
Best investments and business growth
For Alexander, the best investments were people and mentorship. Joining a group led by Dan Ray changed his thinking about pricing and selling services.
He learned how to move from offering low-cost services to charging higher prices for higher-value work. Another important turning point was learning to understand results – such as: B. Traffic increases – rather than focusing solely on traditional SEO metrics like DR90 links.
Dealing with stress and work-life balance
To cope with the stress of running a growing agency, Alexander turned to competitive shooting.
While his doctor suggested quieter activities like gardening, shooting helps Alexander focus and clear his head, allowing him to escape the hustle and bustle and “corporate noise.”
“Stress is part of the game. But sometimes doing a focused activity helps me take a step back and recharge and refocus.”
Financial wisdom and personal advice
Alexander’s financial advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Pay yourself last.” He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that employees and suppliers are paid first and only accept payments from customers once services have been provided.
He also advises entrepreneurs to save and invest wisely to create a solid financial foundation for long-term success.
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Last words
Alexander Ljubinkovic’s journey from young SEO beginner in Serbia to successful SEO agency owner is a powerful story of growth, adaptability and persistence.
Through his ability to change, adapt to changes in the industry and learn from his mistakes, Alexander has built a profitable agency and a fulfilling life in Asia.
His story offers valuable lessons about business growth, financial discipline, and the importance of embracing change.
