About Ashton - Founder of Buttercup Digital
What's up, it's Buttercup!
Founded by Ashton - a search marketing specialist with over 11 years experience solving digital problems for some of the biggest brands in Australia and Europe.
Enterprise experience. SME focus.
Before founding Buttercup, I managed search campaigns for some of the largest brands in Australia and Europe. That experience informs every account I manage today.
11+ years in search. Here's how I got here.
I got my first job in paid search in 2015 - back when Google Ads was still called AdWords, Smart Bidding didn't exist, and running a search campaign meant manually setting bids by keyword, device, and time of day. I learned the craft from first principles, which meant understanding the mechanics that automation now handles invisibly.
I moved into enterprise-level accounts in Australia - managing search campaigns for some of the biggest names in the country including Woolworths, Toyota, and Lexus. Significant budgets, complex structures, and real commercial accountability. I saw how large businesses operated from the inside - the good, and the broken.
In 2024 I began managing search for major European brands including KLM Airlines, Albert Heijn, HEMA, and Siemens. Different market, new mindset, same media problems.
AI search is the biggest change to organic discovery since mobile. Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT Search, and Perplexity are changing how people find businesses. I've built Buttercup's offering around this shift - not because it's a trend, but because it's where consumer behaviour is heading and I want my clients ahead of it.
I built Buttercup around one idea.
After years managing search for some of the biggest brands in Australia and Europe, I saw what actually moved the needle - and what didn't. The difference was never budget or tools. It was whether the person managing the account genuinely understood the business and cared about the outcome.
That's what I built Buttercup to deliver. A practice where the strategist is the one doing the work, where every dollar is visible, and where the only measure of success is yours.
What you can expect working with me.
I do the work
You deal directly with me - not an account manager who briefs a junior who does the actual work. When you hire Buttercup, I'm the one building your campaigns, writing your copy, and making your optimisation decisions. Always.
Data over gut feel
Every recommendation I make is backed by data. I don't have opinions about what might work - I have evidence about what does. That means rigorous testing, clear attribution, and honest reporting when something isn't performing.
Earned, not locked in
We don't rely on contracts to keep clients - we rely on results. You'll see exactly where your investment goes, what it's doing, and why. If the work isn't generating value, you should be free to walk. That's what keeps us sharp.
Ahead of the curve
I've been through every major platform shift since 2015 - smart bidding, mobile-first, Performance Max, and now AI search. I invest time in understanding where search is heading so my clients aren't reacting to change - they're ahead of it.
Amsterdam & Fremantle.
I split my time between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Fremantle, Western Australia - serving clients across Australia and Europe.
Ready to see what a true specialist can do for your business?
Book a 20-minute strategy call. I'll review your current setup, identify the biggest opportunities, and give you honest recommendations - no pitch, no obligation.