About the Company

Kontra began as a small social media agency founded by Ilija and Petar in Croatia. Armed with two laptops and Ilija’s family money, they launched the business to cater to the growing demand for digital services. Over the last ten years, Kontra has evolved into a full-service digital agency, offering services across two main divisions: digital marketing and web development. Today, the company employs 18 people and is renowned for driving tangible results for its clients, such as increased profits and improved online presence.

The agency’s philosophy stands out in a competitive market that often focuses on superficial metrics like social media likes or follower counts. Instead, Kontra prioritizes delivering measurable outcomes for businesses. Despite starting with minimal resources, the founders’ dedication and long working hours set the foundation for sustained growth.

Idea Behind Company

The idea for Kontra originated in 2011 when Ilija was completing an internship at Microsoft and Petar was a student organization president. Their shared interest in social media and entrepreneurial spirit led to the concept of starting a social media agency. Sitting by the sea in their hometown of Split, they decided to combine their resources and skills to launch the business.

Ilija invested his family’s inheritance while Petar contributed his savings, enabling them to legally establish their company. Unlike many agencies at the time that pursued short-term gains, the duo aimed for long-term sustainability and innovation. They were inspired by global trends and spent significant time studying industry best practices, which allowed them to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

Creating the Company

The early days of Kontra involved relentless hard work and continuous learning. The founders worked six days a week, often from morning until late at night, to build their client base and refine their offerings. The company initially operated under two entities: Akcija, a social media agency, and FenixApps, which developed mobile apps and games.

One breakthrough moment came when Walt Disney hired them to create a Facebook game app. This success led to more opportunities in app development. However, when Facebook shut down the type of apps FenixApps specialized in, the founders realized the importance of adaptability. They shifted their focus to inbound marketing, creating over 200 blog posts and eight ebooks to attract clients and establish their expertise. Relocating from Split to Zagreb marked a significant turning point, as it provided better opportunities for business growth and client acquisition.

Launching the Business

Launching the business was fraught with challenges. With only two clients each, Ilija and Petar struggled to secure new customers while managing tight finances. Their wages were minimal, and they relied on creative strategies to grow their client base. One early misstep involved a misunderstanding with a potential client who thought “Akcija” referred to a sales platform, highlighting the challenges of branding.

The founders’ motto, “Done is better than perfect,” became central to their approach. Instead of waiting for ideal circumstances, they prioritized action and improvement over time. They also embraced content marketing, using free ebooks and blog posts to attract leads. By focusing on clear and straightforward communication, they managed to resonate with potential clients and build trust.

Earnings

Today, Kontra generates $80,000 in monthly revenue and has achieved consistent annual growth of at least 50% until the challenges of 2020. The pandemic posed significant setbacks, including losing their largest client, but the company adapted and began recovering steadily.

Key to their financial success has been their use of the Productive CRM tool, which helps track time, profitability, and workload. This system has improved productivity and work-life balance, ensuring employees don’t need to work overtime. Kontra’s long-term goal is to grow to a team of 30, maintaining a close-knit company culture while continuing to expand their services and international client base.

The company also emphasizes the importance of well-defined processes, constant learning, and employee development. These strategies, along with their focus on education and consulting, have solidified their reputation as a leading digital agency in Croatia and beyond.