How Alexander Ljubinkovic Built a Profitable SEO Agency from Scratch? 😮

In this exclusive interview at the Chiang Mai SEO Conference 2025, Jitendra Vaswani speaks with Alexander Ljubinkovic, an experienced SEO veteran and agency owner.

Alexander shares his journey from being an 18-year-old in Serbia with limited access to online payment systems, to building a successful SEO agency and becoming a leading figure in the industry.

Let’s dive into the key takeaways from their conversation on his SEO journey, business growth, and personal reflections.

👇 Early Beginnings: From Serbia to SEO

At just 18 years old, Alexander began his career in SEO from his home country of Serbia, where access to resources like PayPal was limited.

Despite this, he was determined to make a living online. His first experience involved purchasing a $10 domain and launching an affiliate marketing website promoting World of Warcraft guides on ClickBank.

Through learning on forums like Black Hat World, he achieved remarkable results, ranking number two for his target keyword.

At the time, he was building links through blog comments, even earning PR4 links, which opened his eyes to the potential of SEO.

The Shift to Agency Life: From Freelancer to CEO

While Alexander’s income was modest at first, the turning point came when he transitioned from freelancing to running an SEO agency.

His agency model enabled him to scale, and he experienced a massive leap in revenue. One of his best months saw him generate $50,000 in profit, 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 providing real value to clients.”

Navigating SEO and Adapting to Google Updates

One of the key challenges Alexander has faced is adapting to the ever-changing SEO landscape, particularly after Google updates and the rise of AI.

He shares that at the start of his career, affiliate websites could rank easily.

But as the years have passed, Google’s algorithm changes have made it harder for affiliate sites 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 also took 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 the curve.

“Adapting to Google’s changes is essential. We shifted our focus from just affiliate marketing to a more diverse business model.”

Client Acquisition and Networking Strategies

When it comes to acquiring new clients, Alexander doesn’t rely on paid ads like Google Ads or Facebook ads.

Instead, he leverages organic growth through networking, cold outreach, conference attendance, and participation in online communities.

He uses platforms like Facebook groups, podcasts, and YouTube to engage with potential clients and grow his email list.

In the future, Alexander plans to launch a community-driven platform with affordable products, such as templates and webinars, to further scale his client base.

Life Reflections: Regrets and Personal Growth

When asked about his biggest regret, Alexander openly admits that he regrets not starting his remote lifestyle earlier.

He wished he had moved to Asia sooner, where he found the freedom and opportunities that weren’t available back in Serbia.

Reflecting on his previous life in Connecticut, Alexander contrasts the stressful lifestyle there—driven by traffic, cold winters, and limited opportunities—to his current, much more balanced life in Asia.

“Living in Asia has been life-changing. The lifestyle is so much more affordable, and the work culture is relaxed. It’s 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 transformed his thinking around pricing and selling services.

He learned how to move from offering low-cost services to charging more for higher-value work. Another key turning point was learning to sell results—such as traffic increases—rather than focusing solely on traditional SEO metrics like DR90 links.

Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance

To manage stress from running a growing agency, Alexander has turned to competitive shooting.

While his doctor suggested calmer activities like gardening, shooting helps Alexander focus and clear his mind, allowing him to step away from the hustle and “entrepreneurial noise.”

“Stress is part of the game. But sometimes, stepping back with a focused activity helps me recharge and refocus.”

Financial Wisdom and Personal Advice

Alexander’s financial advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Pay yourself last.” He stresses the importance of ensuring that employees and vendors are paid first and only accepting payment from clients after services are delivered.

He also advises entrepreneurs to save and invest wisely, building a strong financial foundation for long-term success.

Also Read:

• Stewart “SEO Jesus” Talks AI, Rankings, and Smart SEO
• Jabez Reuben’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey: Life Lessons and Insights
• Niels Zee On Building a 7-Figure Affiliate Business with Google Ads
• Chris Tzitzis On Selling His 7-Figure Agency, Life Regrets, and Missing His Mom
• David Johnson: (Regrets and Redemption) How He Built a $1M Affiliate Empire?

✅ Final Words

Alexander Ljubinkovic’s journey from a young SEO beginner in Serbia to a successful SEO agency owner is a powerful story of growth, adaptability, and perseverance.

Through his ability to pivot, adapt to industry changes, and learn from his mistakes, Alexander has built a profitable agency and a fulfilling life in Asia.

His story offers valuable lessons on business growth, financial discipline, and the importance of embracing change.