Smart50 rank: 12
Revenue: $3,700,000
Growth: 88%
Founder: Ben Bradshaw, 27
Head Office: Queensland
Employees: 30
Industry: Internet
Website: www.sponsoredlinx.com
Getting to the top of Google's page rankings is a challenge for every website entrepreneur, but for SponsoredLinx founder Ben Bradshaw, it has also become the basis for a very successful business.
SponsoredLinx provides a range of online marketing services to website operators, including Google advertising, search engine optimisation, sponsored links, social media advertising and even video advertising.
The company, whose clients include the Australian Government, ANZ and insurance giant NRMA, recorded revenue of $3.7 million in 2009-10, with average annual growth in the past three years of 88%.
Given the Queensland-based company started just four years ago, it's impressive growth.
"Our biggest challenge is trying to manage growth, which can be extremely difficult," Bradshaw admits.
"We have dealt with this by having a good recruitment policy in place and putting in place effective middle management."
He says one of the company's key strengths is its investment in people. SponsoredLinX is one of only 15 Google Authorized resellers worldwide, which means its AdWords management team directly train with Google.
Of course, working with one of the world's most mysterious and rapidly changing products – Google's famous search algorithm – does create its own headaches, and Bradshaw says it is important to remain flexible.
"We are in one of the fastest changing industries in the world and it is important not be too ridged in your planning. You do not want to get too carried away with ideas – you need balance."
Bradshaw has a number of tips from entrepreneurs. He says it is crucial to delegate the small and time consuming and understand exactly how the cashflow of your business works.
And most importantly?
"Don't spend money you don't have, and continually re-invest in your business with time and money."
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