In this insightful interview at Affiliate World Asia 2025, Jitendra Vaswani talks with Kevin Meng, the CEO of Leadspring, about his journey from freelance content writer to a seven-figure SEO affiliate marketer and business owner.
Kevin shares his personal reflections, key career milestones, and life lessons, along with his thoughts on success, growth, and wealth-building.
âś… From Virtual Assistant to SEO Expert
Kevin’s journey into SEO began in 2014 when he started as a freelance content writer.
From those humble beginnings, he went on to create two successful courses: one on content writing and another on AI content management.
His progression from writing to managing teams and content departments has been a direct result of his hard work, adaptability, and strategic mindset.
What truly set Kevin apart was his proactive attitude—he constantly asked himself, “What else can I do?”
This mindset allowed him to move from freelancer to project manager to CEO of Leadspring. His partnership with Matt Diggity and the growth of Leadspring were based on trust, hard work, and the willingness to exceed expectations.
“Hard work pays off. The more you give, the more you get back. Always exceed expectations.”
Adapting to Change in SEO and AI
The SEO industry has changed drastically over the years, and Kevin has had to adapt. He talks about the challenges of navigating Google updates and the rise of AI.
Initially, Leadspring’s sites were heavily impacted by algorithm changes. However, they adapted by diversifying beyond affiliate marketing into lead generation, e-commerce, and JV partnerships.
Kevin’s ability to pivot and diversify also led him to launch a link-building agency focused on digital PR.
He stresses that staying flexible and adapting to change are crucial to success in the ever-evolving SEO space.
“Change is constant in SEO. The key to staying successful is to adapt and diversify.”
Client Acquisition and Networking
Instead of relying on paid ads for client acquisition, Kevin prefers building relationships through networking, cold outreach, and attending conferences.
He also utilizes his courses and Facebook group to build an email list and attract potential clients.
Kevin believes in the power of content marketing and organic outreach to grow his business.
His future plans include launching a community with low-ticket products like templates, SOPs, and free webinars, followed by paid advertising to scale.
“The best way to acquire clients is through authentic connections and value-first outreach.”
Personal Reflections: Regrets and Lessons Learned
When asked about his biggest regret, Kevin says his main one is not moving to Asia sooner. He wished he had embraced the remote lifestyle earlier and started working online in his early 20s.
Kevin compares his life in Asia, which offers a more balanced, relaxed environment, to his stressful experiences working in Connecticut.
“Living in Asia has been life-changing. The lifestyle is affordable, and the work culture is much more balanced.”
He also reflects on the downside of being known in the industry, citing constant requests for favors without any reciprocity.
However, the best compliment he ever received came from his father, who told him he had “overachieved” after dropping out of college—something very meaningful in his Asian family.
Lifestyle in Thailand: Stress Management and Work-Life Balance
Kevin enjoys the affordable and high-quality lifestyle in Thailand, where he maintains a healthy balance between work and personal life.
He actively participates in SEO meetups, loves playing music (guitar, bass, drums), and stays active with basketball and gym routines.
For stress relief, he has learned to manage his emotions through box breathing and meditation. While Kevin admits he sometimes “seeks out stress” by taking on multiple projects, he finds ways to channel it through his hobbies and social activities.
“Taking time off work and pursuing hobbies helps me stay grounded and focused.”
Financial Dreams: What Would Kevin Do with $10 Million?
If Kevin won $10 million in a lottery, he would invest in passion projects such as buying a farm, raising chickens, and building a music studio.
He also plans to build a basketball court on his farm, highlighting his love for both animals and sports.
Regarding his living situation, Kevin reaffirms his preference for Thailand but also expresses interest in Japan, drawn by its beauty, culture, and cuisine.
He appreciates the simplicity and richness of life in these countries, and their relaxed pace compared to the high-stress lifestyle he left behind in the US.
Life Changes: From Night Owl to Morning Person
Kevin shares a major lifestyle shift—he went from being a night owl who partied frequently to becoming a morning person.
This transformation came after he quit drinking nearly two years ago, marking a positive change in both his personal health and business outlook. He now focuses more on wellness and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
He also reflects on how the past 12 months have been the best year of his life, after a difficult 2023 marked by uncertainty due to AI disruptions in his business.
Kevin has refocused his efforts on what matters most: health, stability, and passion.
“Quitting drinking was the best decision I’ve ever made. It allowed me to get control of my life and business.”
Also Read:
- Stewart “SEO Jesus” Talks AI, Rankings, and Smart SEO
- Jabez Reuben’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey: Life Lessons and Insights
- Niels Zee On Building a 7-Figure Affiliate Business with Google Ads
- Chris Tzitzis On Selling His 7-Figure Agency, Life Regrets, and Missing His Mom
- David Johnson: (Regrets and Redemption) How He Built a $1M Affiliate Empire?
🔥End Note
Kevin Meng’s story is a powerful example of how hard work, adaptability, and personal growth lead to success.
From his early days as a freelance writer to managing a seven-figure SEO business, Kevin’s journey underscores the importance of embracing change, following passions, and maintaining work-life balance.
