The Encore interview – Neil Ackland
Neil Ackland, CEO of the Sound Alliance spoke to Tim Burrowes about targeting youth, website auditing and being older than your audience in the Encore Interview.
THE SOUND ALLIANCE
Neil Ackland talks about how a company with just one website 12 years ago has become one of the largest online publishers in Australia. How online communities were the key to the business’ growth, the challenges of starting a web-based business after the dotcom bubble burst and how the business was built utilising the unique skill sets of its founders.
YOUTH AND ADVERTISING
Ackland talks about the launch of youth site Junkee, how the Sound Alliance’s portfolio is moving to a mobile-first model, the inspiration for Junkee and the growth of “native” advertising.
MEDIA CONSUMPTION AND VENTURE CAPITAL
Ackland on the changing media consumption of the youth audience, using venture capital to grow the business and the launch of inthemix in the US.
AGE AND AUDITING
Ackland talks about being older than his audience and staying relevant, why website traffic auditing is no longer a hot-button topic, the key industry issues including demand-side platforms and what’s next for his own career.
This story first appeared in the weekly edition of Encore available for iPad and Android tablets. Visit encore.com.au for a preview of the app or click below to download.
I think it’s a sign of how well respected Neil is that no one leaves wanky comments down here.
User ID not verified.