🟡 Digital Marketing, Done Better! Smart50 List 2023 🚀 Father 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Skater 🛹 CEO || Knows Nothing About Football ⚽️ 🏉 || Knows how to accelerate your sales.

For over three decades, I've helped visionary businesses harness emerging technologies to create extraordinary growth. 

From the dawn of mobile phones to today's AI revolution, I've consistently turned technological disruption into competitive advantage for my clients.

My journey began in 1987 with the first wave of mobile technology. 

The Car Phone.

Since then, I've successfully navigated every major digital transformation - from the internet's emergence in 1996 (launching the World's first coin operated Internet Kiosk) to digital marketing's evolution in 2010, & now the AI revolution. 

Each wave has deepened my expertise in spotting opportunities others miss.

Today, I lead Sydney Digital Marketing Agency, established in 2014 and recognized among Australia's smartest businesses on the 2023 Smart50 list. 

We partner with medium & enterprise businesses to reduce their cost of customer acquisition and transform their marketing results through data-driven strategies that consistently deliver measurable ROI.

What sets me apart isn't just the depth of my experience - it's my ability to see around corners and guide businesses toward future opportunities while delivering results today.

📍 Partner Benefits:

→ Strategic Innovation: You gain access to cutting-edge marketing strategies tested across diverse industries. Our early adoption of AI & automation tools means you're always ahead of competitors.

→ Proven ROI Framework: Our proprietary approach combines data analytics with creative strategy, consistently delivering 3-5x return on marketing investment for our clients.

→ Risk Reduction: Leverage our 35+ years of experience navigating digital transformations. We've already learned the costly lessons so you don't have to.

→ Holistic Growth Focus: Unlike agencies that chase trending tactics, we build comprehensive strategies that align with your business goals, market position, & growth targets.

→ Future-Proofed Solutions: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, we ensure your marketing infrastructure is built to adapt and scale, protecting your investment long-term.

The 3 things to know about me - outside of my professional bio 👇

1️⃣ I’ve been digital since dial up - 1996 ☎️

2️⃣ My son+daughter were born 18 yrs apart 🥰

3️⃣ At least once a year I take a 4 day silent retreat to disconnect from the crazy. 📵 🤐

Simon Gould ✪ CEO ✪ Sydney Digital Marketing Agency ✪

Every week, a new AI feature launches.

ChatGPT. Gemini. Claude. Grok.

And marketing leaders are paralysed.

"Which one do I use?"

"Am I falling behind?"

Here's the truth from 30 years in sales and marketing:

Your customers don't want a drill. 

They want a hole in the wall.

They don't care about your tech stack.

They care about solving their problem.

That's it.

We helped Clean Health achieve a consistent 6:1 ROAS - not with fancy AI tools, but by understanding buyer psychology.

🏆 In 2026, the businesses that win won't have the most tools.

They'll have the most clarity.

Clarity on:
→ Who they serve
→ What problems they solve
→ What actually drives revenue

If you're a Founder, CEO, or CMO of a $7M-$100M service business in Australia and you're drowning in martech and Ai noise, let's talk.

Book an appointment on the link above this post.

Let's have my team help map your 2026 growth strategy around what actually works - not what's just shiny.

In a world of AI chaos, clarity is your competitive advantage.

Helpful? 


♻️ Save, Share Or Comment for Free Karma - Not A Free Download 🤓

Simon Gould ✪ Founder ✪ Chief Thinker ✪ Sydney Digital Marketing Agency

🏆Smart50 Lister. Founder. Father. Creator. Knows nothing about football ⚽️ 🏉 But knows your business is paying too much to acquire new clients. We fix that. So you can grow revenue, faster. ♻️ (B2B & B2C experts)

"Never go for an interview. Always go for a conversation." 🎯

Just dropped Part 2 of my podcast conversation "Before We Get Started" with Matty Greene, diving deep into the commercial side of his transformational four-pillar approach.

One insight that stood out : 

Most of us drift through life like "a feather in the breeze" 

I went to this school because it was close, 
Got a degree because mum and dad suggested it, 
Took a job because someone knew someone
Got a promotion because we were there...

Then we wake up at 45 or 55 wondering: "How did I get here?"

Matty shared a powerful reframe: Instead of trying to sell yourself into boxes you don't understand, show up authentically. 

Ask great questions. Be genuinely curious about co-creating something together.

The person across the table is probably just as scared as you are.

Key takeaway: Spend time understanding your ikigai - what you love, what you're good at, where you can create value, and how to make it sustainable. 

Most people invest more strategic thinking into their business than into themselves.

Without telling me where you live, who you work for, or what school you went to - who are you?

That question still gives me chills.

Thanks Matthew Greene for another profound conversation. 

Part 3 coming soon where we'll dive into the somatic practices that literally change how you show up in the world.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts: Apple and Spotify links below.

What's one decision you made this year that was truly intentional vs just going with the flow? 👇
#Leadership #Authenticity #PersonalDevelopment #PodcastLife

Let’s be real: there’s nothing more frustrating than doing the hard yards to build a great business… 

and then watching your website absolutely refuse to pull its weight.​

You’re not trying to “go viral”. 

You just want more of the right people booking calls, asking for proposals and becoming long-term clients.

Instead, you’re dealing with:

↘ A site that feels fragile every time someone updates it
↘ Enquiries that go nowhere, or worse – crickets
↘ A nagging feeling that you’re bleeding opportunities to competitors who haven’t worked half as hard as you
↘ A website that actually damages your reputation

This is exactly why we design websites the way we do:

 ↗ Built to be found by the right buyers on Google and the new wave of answer engines (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and co)
↗ Built to turn curious visitors into confident, ready-to-talk prospects
↗ Built to make your brand look and feel as sharp as the work you actually deliver

If you’re a founder or business owner and you’re tired of your website being the weak link in your growth plan, now is the time to fix it.

Not “someday in 2026”.​

Book a quick website consult with me today, and let’s see what it would take for your site to finally become one of your best-performing sales assets.

---------

♻️ I’m Simon Gould, Founder of Sydney Digital Marketing Agency.​

Since 2014, my team and I have been the trusted growth partner for brands and businesses that need marketing to actually drive revenue, not just vanity metrics. 

We design everything from logos and landing pages to award‑winning, sales-focused websites, social media campaigns and SEO that all plug seamlessly into your CRM, so you can see exactly what’s working and what’s not.​

If you’re planning to scale in 2026 and you want a marketing engine that consistently brings in better leads and clearer ROI, let’s talk. 

Book a quick call with me today using the link above and we’ll map out the smartest way to hit your growth goals next year.

#website #geo #seo #marketing

AI overwhelm is real. 

But you don't need another tool.

This week's newsletter cuts through the noise:

→ Why AI assistants have changed how customers buy
→ The 3 search ecosystems you must exist in
→ What actually drives revenue in 2026 (hint: it's not more tech)

If you've felt exhausted by the constant AI updates, this one's for you.

Read it below 👇

Sydney Digital Marketing Agency | ⭐️  Digital Marketing Designed To Power Your Business Revenue

View newsletter: The Growth Marketing + AI Edge

If you’ve felt even a little overwhelmed by AI this year, let me reassure you: It’s not you. It’s the industry. Every week there’s a new model, new fe

Open article: The AI Overwhelm Is Real, But Here’s What Actually Matters For Brands In 2026 🫵🏻 by Simon Gould ✪ Founder ✪ Chief Thinker ✪ Sydney Digital Marketing Agency • 4 min read

The AI Overwhelm Is Real, But Here’s What Actually Matters For Brands In 2026 🫵🏻

Why is no one talking about this ??

In the last few days, ChatGPT quietly released Group Chats.

A truly groundbreaking new feature that lets up to 20 people collaborate together, with AI actively participating in the conversation. 

I don't know about you - but using chatGPT is quite the solo experience yes? 

When I read this last night I thought what about some of the other widely used collaboration platforms. How would it affect them ? (More to come on this in our newsletter later this week) 

But this isn’t just a Slack or Monday.com alternative - it’s OpenAI moving ChatGPT from solo assistant to shared workspace, where AI helps teams brainstorm, plan, summarise, and decide together.

🧐 What’s special? 

↳Spin up a chat, invite the team, and have AI summarise threads, expand ideas, or organise notes - all in real time.

↳ Upload docs, images, files for instant group analysis. AI can even make lists, compare options, and structure deliverables.

↳ Set custom instructions (like “reply in bullet points”) and fine-tune privacy, with group chats siloed from personal use.

For SMEs and remote teams, this could be a game-changer:

↳ Accelerate brainstorming and decision-making - early tests show up to 30% less time spent in meetings.

↳ Democratise AI access (even free plan users get this!) without expensive IT.

↳ Lower onboarding and knowledge transfer cost with real-time, AI-organised notes for new hires.

❗️Yes, there are trade-offs. 

AI contributions may (will) need moderation, privacy risks exist for sensitive data, and groups are capped at 20 people (no integrations - yet). 

But OpenAI’s rollout signals a big shift in how we collaborate - with AI truly “at the table,” not just observing from the sidelines.

If your team’s not trying this, you’re missing out on a glimpse of the future of work!

Thoughts ? 

Sydney Digital Marketing Agency | ⭐️  Digital Marketing Designed To Power Your Business Revenue

#chatgpt #openai #aitips

Spiderman meme sydney digital marketing agency style

🗣️ We’re getting ready for growth in 2026 and would love to speak to any senior account managers looking for a new role next year. 


☎️ This doesn’t come up very often so be quick to apply. 

And If you know of anyone please feel free to share ♻️ 🙏

Sydney Digital Marketing Agency | ⭐️  Digital Marketing Designed To Power Your Business Revenue

Sydney Digital Marketing Agency | ⭐️ Digital Marketing Designed To Power Your Business Revenue

View company: Sydney Digital Marketing Agency | ⭐️  Digital Marketing Designed To Power Your Business Revenue

Senior Account Manager Required!

Ready to take your next big career leap in 2026?

Join one of Australia's most trusted digital marketing agencies and lead transformational campaigns from our stunning beachside office in Kingscliff, NSW.

What You'll Bring:
·     5+ years in marketing + 3+ years account management experience
·     Digital expert in paid social, paid search, GA4 and HubSpot
·     Creative storyteller meets data-driven optimiser
·     Exceptional project manager with strategic vision

What You'll Get:
✓ Work with established businesses across diverse industries
✓ Strategic influence from day one
✓ Genuine work-life balance (no late nights!)
✓ Growth trajectory in a scaling agency

Ready to transform your career?

Don’t wait until next year to find your dream role. Apply now!

https://lnkd.in/gjWkHqB9

Applications close Friday, Dec 19th.

Susanne Rauer ✪ Executive Coaching Sydney ✪ has been my business coach and our team coach at Sydney Digital Marketing Agency | ⭐️  Digital Marketing Designed To Power Your Business Revenue for over 6 years.

Susanne knows me, my team and our dynamics inside out and has been pivotal in supporting us through the good times and the more challenging ones.

We dive into some of those times in a series of short video podcast chats - here’s the part 4.

I can’t thank you enough Susanne for your support and insights that have helped me get clarity and a better understanding of our team dynamics. And thanks for having me on the Pod 🙏

And anyone thinking about executive leadership coaching for 2026 - I cannot recommend GAIA Coaching - Executive Coaching Sydney highly enough 🙌

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 ✪ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 ✪ We provide personalised, boutique coaching experiences for seasoned executives, high-achievers & small business owners

Susanne Rauer ✪ Executive Coaching Sydney ✪

View Susanne Rauer ✪ Executive Coaching Sydney ✪’s profile

When was the last time you truly stopped? 
Not to plan the next step, but simply to breathe.

In this final episode of Continuous Reinvention: Leading Beyond the Numbers, I sit down with Simon to explore what it really means to lead beyond performance and metrics.

When asked what advice he would give to leaders who feel out of sync, Simon didn’t mention strategy or targets. 
He spoke about something far simpler, and far more powerful, breath.

Pausing. 
Breathing. 
Returning to the present moment.

These are not signs of slowing down; they are acts of leadership. 
They reset stress, quiet the noise, and make space for clarity.

Leadership isn’t just about what you deliver. 
It’s about how you show up. 

And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is stop, breathe, and begin again.

Listen to the last part of our episode: Part 4/4 (7:41) https://lnkd.in/eixwhKPZ

I hope you enjoyed this our Conscious Leadership Podcast, which is created by Australian business owners, for Australian business owners.

Feel free to explore our Conscious Leadership program: 

#MindfulLeadership #LeadershipMindset #GrowthMindset #ExecutiveLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching
#ConsciousLeadership #SydneyExecutiveLeadership #SydneyExecutiveCoaching

Open video: Part 4 Continuous Reinvention: Realign. Recommit. Re-energise. on youtu.be

Part 4 Continuous Reinvention: Realign. Recommit. Re-energise.

I love this point from Irene Cassiotis  about the holiday period being a time for reflection. 

It's not just a mindset shift, data confirms it's a strategic B2B window:


• 🔥 Cost Advantage: Due to competitor withdrawal, many B2B advertisers see their digital CPC/CPA costs drop by 20% to 30% in December/January. 

Your budget buys more visibility!


• 🗣️ Reduced Noise: Key decision-makers aren't "unplugged." LinkedIn engagement drops by less than 1.15% in Australia during the holidays, but their inboxes and ad feeds are significantly less crowded. 

Your content stands out.


• 🧠 Strategic Headspace: B2B buyers complete 67% of their research digitally before engaging a vendor. The quiet summer break is when they finalise vendor shortlists and conduct deep-dive research for their 2026 strategy.

💎 Brand Strategy Partner 🔵 Director & Connector 🔵 Impact & Purpose-led 🔵 Actively seeking to partner with philanthropic and B2B businesses

Holiday period misconception - time to double down?

Over the years I've heard many clients and business owners considering holiday breaks a break for their clients too. 

For some industries it can be a great time to RAMP UP your sales, branding and marketing (or test that it's a good season to do so). 

Since the majority are not running ads or focussing on campaigning:

Your market is less distracted and may be more open to considering new services while taking a break from the day to day. 

What does your market reflect on during breaks? 

If you are in CONSULTING, OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT, COACHING, MARKETING, FINANCE 
Or your service addresses internal topics which may be set aside because of BAU thinking...

Your market is likely in REFLECTION mode and may be ready for you! 

Consider campaigns at strategically placed times this holiday season and see if it's a golden time for you!

Thanks for the look behind the scenes at SDM Hannah Booth  🙌

It’s been a while since we last posted, so here's what's been keeping our team busy lately! 👀

The past couple of months saw us overseas attending global conferences, launching multiple new award-winning websites, and of course, celebrating plenty of client wins - all the motivation we need for December.

Feeling inspired by the amazing team around us, we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2025 has in store.

Here's to finishing the year strong 🙌

Behind the minds at Sydney Digital Marketing

2026 is going to bring more noise, more AI, and more competition for the same customers…

but the fundamentals for service businesses haven’t changed: 

you still need to be seen, trusted, and chosen.

If you want to grow revenue next year, your marketing needs to do three things consistently: 

•build brand awareness, 
•deepen trust with the right buyers, •generate a steady flow of qualified leads your team can actually close.

Here’s how I’m helping founders and C-suite leaders lock those three in for 2026:

1.	Map your pipeline to real revenue  
In 2026, I’ll help you get clear on where money is leaking in your funnel, then rebuild your digital journey so more of the right prospects move from click, to conversation, to client.

2.	Turn your marketing into a predictable lead engine  
Using SDM’s ABC methodology (Audience, Brand, Competition), I’ll help you attract higher-intent leads, lift conversion rates, and give your board confidence that every marketing dollar is working harder.

3.	Install tracking and automation your sales team actually uses  
By tightening up analytics, CRM and marketing automation, you’ll see exactly which channels drive profitable deals - and scale the ones that deliver the fastest revenue growth.

DM me before the holidays if this sounds like a conversation you need to have for 2026.

Simon Gould founder at Sydney Digital Marketing standing in front of a yellow semi circle and text that says 3 ways I can help you grow revenue in 2026 

Innovative, client-focused, and a leader in structural engineering - I am dedicated to transforming complex challenges into streamlined, practical solutions. With over 15 years of industry-leading experience, I drive projects towards excellence.

My career spans a rich tapestry of roles, from structural engineer to mentor and entrepreneur. I've had the privilege of contributing to construction projects with individual values exceeding $400 million and a combined worth of over $4.5 billion. My expertise covers a broad spectrum, from concept design to post-construction services, ensuring quality and efficiency at every stage.

Specialising in structural engineering in CLASS 2, 3 and 9c under THE DBPA in NSW, our team offer comprehensive expertise in shoring and retention system design, post-tensioned structures, and long-span structures to save our clients an average of 15% to 20% of time and money each project. Proficient in software like RAPT, SLAB, PT3D, Spacegass, RAM Concept, AutoCAD, BIM, and Revit Structures, I bring a tech-forward approach to design and analysis, with additional specialisation in glass, aluminium, and stainless steel.

Beyond engineering, I am passionate about leadership and personal development, constantly seeking new ways to innovate and inspire. My journey is not just about structures; it's about building relationships and fostering growth, both in projects and people.

As a mentor, I believe in the power of empowering others. My approach is to develop skills and confidence, guiding team members and clients through complex engineering landscapes with clarity and innovation. I strive for consistency in deliverables, promoting a culture of excellence and adaptability. This year,  I am helping more than two dozen professionals and business owners in growing their influences, teams,  assets, businesses and legacies. 

Let's connect and explore how my expertise can bring your next project to new heights. Whether it's a complex engineering challenge or a need for seasoned leadership, I'm here to collaborate and innovate.

Or come and find me at our annual networking conference (RADIUS) in May. 
The next one is on 23rd May 2025. Follow the Hashtags below to get tickets. 
#RADIUS2025 

To know more about my daily life and business coaching, follow my Instagram (200k followers)
@willpower_unleashed

William Zhang

No alternative text description for this image

Most people think the AI revolution will start with robots talking to customers.

But the real change is happening quietly in the back office.

In the emails you don’t want to answer.
In the spreadsheets you don’t want to touch.
In the workflows that steal your time every day.
The truth?

AI isn’t replacing people.

It’s removing the noise that stops good people from doing great work.
That’s how teams using AlfredAI.bot are already seeing up to 5x revenue per capita. That's not from working harder, but by letting AI handle the grind while humans focus on growth.

It’s not hype.
It’s happening now.

👉 Read the full
#ShoryuWill Edition 215

🥁
Integrate AI Agents into your current workflow (We do all the work.)
Book your personalised demo on with Alfred Ai Automation today: 
[https://lnkd.in/gAfh5JgG]
Secure | Done-for-you | ROI Guaranteed 
Uplift 15% of your EBITDA within 90 days.

When people talk about AI, they usually picture chatbots talking to customers or robots taking over jobs. The truth is, that’s not where the real acti

Open article: How AI Agents Excel at Internal Processes by William Zhang • 8 min read

How AI Agents Excel at Internal Processes

A lot of people talk about AI.
But few can prove the ROI.
I get it.
You’re not afraid of innovation.
You just want the numbers to make sense.
You want to know if it’s really worth it.

If it’ll make your team faster.
If it’ll give you time back.
That’s exactly what this week’s #ShoryuWill 217 is about.

I break down how to measure the ROI of AI automation — in a way your CFO will actually understand.

Just clarity.

And real examples from businesses like yours.
I also recorded a short webinar showing the exact framework we use at AlfredAI.bot to guarantee results.

It’s free.

And it might just change the way you look at automation.

https://lnkd.in/giCr77sr

👉 Read the full
#ShoryuWill Edition 217

🥁
Integrate AI Agents into your current workflow (We do all the work.)
Book your personalised demo on with Alfred Ai Automation today: 
[https://lnkd.in/gAfh5JgG]
Secure | Done-for-you | ROI Guaranteed 
Uplift 15% of your EBITDA within 90 days.

A lot of people ask me, “Will, how do I know if AI is worth it for my business?” I get it. Everyone’s talking about automation, but few talk about num

Open article: How to Calculate ROI from AI Automation by William Zhang • 5 min read

Some businesses don’t die from competition.
They rust quietly from the inside.

We hire faster, buy new tools, chase new strategies.

But what if the problem isn’t speed?
It’s rigidity?

Maybe leadership today isn’t about control at all.
Maybe it’s about curiosity and fluidity.

I read something that flipped how I see business.
It said: stop building machines, start growing organisms.

Octopus-style companies… flexible, sensing, human.
Each arm moves on instinct, yet perfectly in sync.

Maybe that’s where the future really is.
Or maybe it’s just another dream.

👉 Read the full #ShoryuWill Edition 214

🥁
Integrate AI Agents into your current workflow (We do all the work.)
Book your personalised demo on with Alfred Ai Automation today: 
[https://lnkd.in/gAfh5JgG]
Secure | Done-for-you | ROI Guaranteed 
Uplift 15% of your EBITDA within 90 days.

If you’ve ever felt that your business is moving slower than the market around you, you’re not alone. Across Australia, thousands of private sector le

Open article: From Tin Man to Octopus: How to Build an Adaptive Business in 2025 by William Zhang • 7 min read

From Tin Man to Octopus: How to Build an Adaptive Business in 2025

When AI starts making choices, who’s responsible?
We talk so much about what AI can do.
But not enough about what it shouldn’t do.

A few months ago, a business owner told me their AI email system was replying to clients automatically.

It worked fast — too fast.

Until one day, it sent a message that sounded… off. Not wrong, just inhuman.
That’s when you realise: AI isn’t just automating tasks anymore.

It’s making choices.
And every choice reflects us.

Here are five principles I believe every business leader needs to remember before scaling AI:

🧠 Explainable AI — if you can’t explain how it made a decision, you can’t defend it.
 ⚔️ Red Teaming — test it until it breaks. Better you find the cracks than your clients do.
 🧩 Guardrails — a model without boundaries is a liability.
 🔒 Data Privacy — collect less, protect more.
 🔍 Transparency — no more black boxes. People deserve to know what they’re dealing with.

The next wave of winners won’t just deploy AI fast.
They’ll deploy it responsibly.

Because trust will become the ultimate currency.
And safety — the ultimate differentiator.

👉 Read the full
#ShoryuWill Edition 216
AI Safety Isn’t Optional. It’s Leadership.

🥁
Integrate AI Agents into your current workflow (We do all the work.)
Book your personalised demo on with Alfred Ai Automation today: 
[https://lnkd.in/gAfh5JgG]
Secure | Done-for-you | ROI Guaranteed 
Uplift 15% of your EBITDA within 90 days.

We all love what AI can do. It writes faster than we type. It analyses data before we’ve finished our coffee. It never sleeps. But the real question i

Open article: When AI Starts Making Choices, Who’s Responsible? by William Zhang • 5 min read

When AI Starts Making Choices, Who’s Responsible?

🚨 This is a big party today now. I don’t know how. But if you are an introvert, be ware. 😝

https://lnkd.in/gyDcMnSB

The Last Friday Drink of the year with Palantir's team. 12th Dec 2025

All drinks on us if you bring your biggest smile and happiest vibe for the evening. 

Register now before tickets run out. Less than 5 tickets left. 

Link below and above.

https://lnkd.in/gyDcMnSB

William Zhang

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The Battle

Simon Gould ✪ CEO ✪ Sydney Digital Marketing Agency ✪

William Zhang

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

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