Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Seymur Aliyev. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Seymur, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

When I first decided to create CactuSMM, it wasn’t just about building a website—it was about solving a real problem. I saw that many people from post-Soviet Union countries living in the U.S. were struggling to find reliable services, jobs, and community connections. There were platforms out there, but none that truly catered to their specific needs. That’s what pushed me to start my own.

The early days were a mix of excitement and challenges. The first major step was defining the platform’s purpose—was it just a marketplace, or could it be something bigger? I decided to make it an all-in-one hub where people could find and offer services, job listings, rentals, and a space to buy and sell items.

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the platform actually provided value. Getting service providers on board, negotiating special pricing, and making the user experience as seamless as possible took time. There were technical challenges too—choosing the right tools, handling integrations, and making sure everything functioned smoothly. It took about a year from the initial idea to launching a working version.

Looking back, I wouldn’t say I’d do things entirely differently, but I’ve learned a lot. If I were starting again, I would focus even earlier on automation and scaling. Manual processes slow things down, and having the right structure in place from the beginning saves a lot of time.

For anyone thinking about starting their own business, my advice would be this: focus on solving a real problem. If what you’re building truly makes people’s lives easier, success will follow. Also, be ready to adapt—things don’t always go as planned, but every challenge is a chance to improve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Seymur Aliyev, the founder of CactuSMM, a platform designed to connect people—especially those from post-Soviet Union countries in the U.S.—with services, job opportunities, rentals, and a marketplace for buying and selling items. I started this project because I saw a real need for a dedicated space where people could find reliable services, promote their businesses, and access better deals.

My background is diverse, ranging from technology to sales to repair services, and each of these experiences shaped the way I built CactuSMM. I’m also a musician and videographer, which has given me a deep appreciation for creativity and storytelling. These different skills and experiences allow me to approach business with a unique perspective, blending innovation with practicality.

What makes CactuSMM stand out is its strong community focus. Many people arriving in the U.S. from post-Soviet Union countries face language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and difficulties finding trusted services. CactuSMM helps bridge that gap, making it easier to navigate daily life. Unlike other platforms, it doesn’t just list services—it ensures users get real value. Service providers gain visibility, customers get exclusive discounts, and the entire process is made simple and efficient.

I’m most proud of the impact the platform is already having. Seeing people successfully find jobs, book reliable services, and grow their businesses through CactuSMM proves that it’s more than just a website—it’s a resource that truly helps people.

For anyone discovering CactuSMM for the first time, my message is simple: this platform was built with real needs in mind. Whether you’re looking for services, job opportunities, or a place to buy and sell, CactuSMM is here to make things easier and more accessible.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the market came down to three key factors: community trust, continuous service expansion, and adaptability.

In the early days, CactuSMM grew largely through word of mouth. It started with my friends’ businesses joining the platform, and as they saw results, they recommended it to their friends. This natural expansion helped establish credibility from the beginning, as the businesses on the platform were trusted within their own circles.

Another major factor was consistency. I made sure that every service added to CactuSMM was clearly presented, fairly priced, and easy to access. By maintaining a high standard and ensuring users always received value, people began to rely on the platform.

Flexibility has also played a huge role. The market is always changing, and I’ve had to continuously adjust and refine the platform to meet new needs. Right now, I’m working on improving the Azerbaijani and Russian language versions of the site to better serve the community. While these versions might be temporarily disabled, the long-term goal is to make the platform more accessible to a wider audience.

Lastly, my ability to create engaging visuals and tell stories through video has helped bring attention to CactuSMM. As a musician and videographer, I’ve used creative content to showcase the platform in ways that resonate with people.

Reputation isn’t built overnight—it comes from consistent effort, genuine connections, and always delivering on your promises. That’s been my focus from day one.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding CactuSMM was entirely my responsibility, but fortunately, the initial costs weren’t overwhelming. The main expenses were registering the domain, paying for hosting, and running some ads to get the word out. Since I built the platform myself, I didn’t have to invest in expensive development or outside help—just the essentials to get it off the ground.

Right now, my focus is on improving the platform, including refining the Azerbaijani and Russian language versions and making other enhancements. Once those are complete, I plan to launch a scaled marketing campaign to reach more people and expand the community even further.

One of the most rewarding moments so far has been when a CactuSMM user believed in the project so much that they voluntarily subscribed for monthly financial support. That kind of encouragement means a lot and reinforces that this platform is making a real impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cactusmm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cactusmm.services
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cactusmm.services/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliyevs/
• Other: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/15123600005
  Telegram: https://t.me/CactusmmServices