In this candid interview at the Affiliate World Asia 2025 conference, Jitendra Vaswani sits down with Jay Yap, CEO and founder of Leadspring.
Jay opens up about his journey from a humble start as a Virtual Assistant (VA) to becoming a seven-figure SEO affiliate marketer and investor.
The discussion covers his career evolution, strategies for navigating the ever-changing SEO landscape, and his personal philosophies on success, wealth, and life.
👉Jay’s Journey: From VA to SEO Expert
Jay’s path to success began in an unexpected way. He started as a Virtual Assistant on Upwork, building backlinks for a “sex toy” company, even though he didn’t know what SEO was at the time.
From there, Jay worked for Kurt Phillip of Convertica, eventually becoming the first virtual assistant at Leadspring.
Jay’s attitude was key to his success—always asking, “What else can I do?” His proactive approach helped him rise through the ranks, from VA to project manager, then to part-owner and eventually CEO of Leadspring.
His relationship with Matt Diggity, a prominent SEO figure, played a huge role in his success, built on trust and hard work, which he credits as a “shortcut” to his achievements.
💥 Navigating Google Updates and the Rise of AI in SEO
Jay discusses the impact of Google updates and the rise of AI on affiliate sites. He admits that Leadspring’s sites were “badly hit” by some updates.
Initially, there was fear and uncertainty, but Jay emphasizes that the company’s ability to adapt and embrace change helped it weather the storm.
To recover, Leadspring pivoted its focus from purely affiliate marketing to a broader strategy, which included lead generation, e-commerce, and JV partnerships.
They also diversified traffic sources, leveraging YouTube videos for high-ticket products and implementing paid ads (PPC) to boost revenue.
Wealth Building and Investment Strategies
Jay reveals that Leadspring now generates mid-five-figure monthly revenue. In addition to his affiliate business, his personal agency, launched last year, is projected to reach $600,000 in annual revenue.
A significant portion of Jay’s wealth comes from investments in assets such as gold and cryptocurrency.
He shares that he made a seven-figure investment in crypto, viewing it as a calculated risk due to the global shift towards digitalization and tokenization.
“Cryptocurrency is the future. It’s a global shift, and I believe in its long-term potential.”
Mindset for Success and Daily Habits
Jay emphasizes the importance of focus. He warns aspiring entrepreneurs against “shiny object syndrome,” advising them to focus on one thing, master it, and then “double down” before moving on to something else.
His success is also built on strong routines. Jay wakes up at 5:30 AM every day, following a strict morning routine that includes meditation, stretching, and a couple of hours of uninterrupted work.
To manage stress, he practices box breathing and meditation, advocating for the need to step back from stressful situations.
“The key to success is not just working hard—it’s about being disciplined and managing your energy.”
Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
When asked about his biggest regret, Jay admits that he wished he had gotten his life together sooner.
He believes he wasted valuable years in his youth and now views those years as lost time in his personal growth journey.
He also shares that being known in the industry has its downsides, particularly the constant requests for favors without any reciprocation.
However, the best compliment he ever received came from his father, who told him he had “overachieved,” especially after dropping out of college—a sentiment that meant even more to him coming from his Asian family, where education is highly valued.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
This quote, tattooed on his arm, is a reminder for Jay to take risks and pursue his goals with full commitment.
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?
👍🏻 Final Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Jay’s biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid of change.
In the fast-paced world of SEO and digital marketing, success can make people comfortable, but to stay ahead, entrepreneurs must be willing to adapt quickly, especially amid the rise of AI in the industry.
“The digital landscape is always changing. If you’re not adapting, you’re being left behind.”
