How one founder grew a product review platform from zero to a million users within 3 months

In one line, what do you do and what is your most significant achievement?

As the leader of Val Media, a dynamic digital media enterprise, I spearheaded the growth of our flagship platform, ProductNation, from zero to a million users within three months, generating $15 million in sales for our clients through strategic content marketing.

Who are you and what business did you start?

I am a passionate entrepreneur deeply embedded in the digital marketing and tech startup ecosystem. My journey began with ShopCoupons, a pioneering digital coupon aggregator, which was later acquired by a leading MarTech firm. This success paved the way for Val Media, my current venture. Val Media, embodying value in every aspect, is dedicated to delivering authentic and effective marketing solutions. Our standout project, ProductNation, offers trusted reviews and recommendations, serving over 3 million monthly visitors across Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

What's your backstory?

After graduating from Monash University, my curiosity and ambition led me to explore opportunities beyond traditional boundaries. Inspired by the burgeoning e-commerce scene in Malaysia and platforms like RetailMeNot in the U.S., I founded a digital coupon business. This venture quickly captured significant traffic, leading to the formation of a dedicated team and eventual acquisition. The inspiration for Val Media arose from a noticeable void in genuine product reviews, culminating in the creation of ProductNation, now a leading review platform in Southeast Asia.

What should be the first steps to take to enter your industry?

Entering this industry requires a keen analysis of the competitive landscape. I advocate for a strategic approach of reverse engineering studying successful competitors to replicate their successes and improve upon their weaknesses. This methodology avoids the pitfalls of starting from scratch and accelerates growth.

How did you spend your First 100 Days of launching your business?

Our initial strategy focused on meticulous planning around keyword rankings and content creation volume. This zero-capital approach enabled us to quickly amass a million visitors in under three months. The momentum gained from this achievement allowed us to scale our team and secure investment.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain partnerships/customers?

Our strength lies in producing high-quality, informative content that resonates with our audience, establishing trust in our recommendations. For partners, our initial free services showcase our capabilities, leading to long-term relationships. Our social media presence, particularly on TikTok, has been instrumental in amplifying our reach, with some content achieving viral status.

What has taken you from 0 to 100?

Our agility as a small company has been our biggest asset. The ability to pivot quickly, without bureaucratic delays, has allowed us to learn from trial and error, emphasizing the importance of action over perfection.

What is one underrated thing in your industry that business owners should start doing/using?

Building strong connections is crucial, especially when navigating marketing agencies and securing advertising budgets. Despite initial challenges, our commitment to quality has earned us trust and diversified our revenue streams, reducing reliance on traditional funding sources.

What was one failure you had to go through that others in your industry should look out for?

Our ambition once led us to stretch our resources too thin across multiple projects, hindering our effectiveness. This experience taught us the value of focus, highlighting the importance of honing in on our strengths rather than diluting our efforts.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

Our toolkit includes Ahrefs for SEO and keyword insights, SimilarWeb for competitor analysis, Trello for content management, Workplace for internal communication, and Google's suite for collaborative document creation and communication.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

As we navigate the evolving landscape of AI, the creator economy, and live commerce, our focus is on staying relevant and fostering collaboration with content creators. We aim to continue offering valuable, engaging content for brands and advertisers, ensuring our growth and presence in the TikTok space and Southeast Asia.