IbiFoundry Founder
A NIGERIAN DREAM
"I believe the 'Nigerian Dream' can be a better 'American Dream'' - Simon Zaku.
My name is Simon Zaku and I’m from Taraba state, Nigeria :)
I started as a blogger (zakxloaded.com) over a decade ago with the intention to build a side income as a writer.
I started this journey when I got so interested in learning about blogs and how they worked because my (then) best friend, Ben, was making around $60 monthly from Google AdSense.
It was like a dream to me.
A young Nigerian from Jalingo, Taraba state, could earn in USD just by using his laptop???
After running and closing several websites and blogs, I now run a pretty successful, growing community (here) and have helped 1000s of marketers and business owners through my blog content strategy. Today, I am most excited that;
-
In 2024, I was nominated by the Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria (IMCN) for the Fellowship of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) and CMC Certification Seminar.
-
I was shortlisted for the nomination round for the "Outstanding Leadership in Marketing" award by Marketing2Conf in 2019.
-
My SEO Agency, SimonWrites SEO (Now Ibi-SEO), made it to the top 100 digital agencies in the world (2019) by MADCon Dubai (#77).
-
Blog nomination for the "Best Internet Marketing Blog" category by Infinity Blog Awards in 2019.
-
Featured and quoted as a thought leader on some of the top marketing publications and blogs like CreativeMindscape.com, MostlyBlogging.com, RescueACEO.com, EvanCarmichael.com, FitSmallBusiness.com, TypeAParent.com and more.
-
Published a ton of blog content (for my blogs & clients') which have collectively done over 3 million unique visitors.
-
Built a community of hundreds of amazing people - like you (that I like to call IbiFounders) through this very blog.
Over the years, I’ve worked with 20+ startups, agencies, and other writers and have learned a ton during this work period.
Want to connect or discuss partnerships? Feel free to reach me via;
- ibifoundry@gmail.com OR;
OR fill the form below.
The Birth of IbiFoundry
IbiFoundry is named after my home, Ibi, a local government in Taraba State, Nigeria. It represents the heart of everything I want to stand for: raw, untapped potential waiting to be discovered and refined. Just like a foundry molds and shapes raw material, IBI Foundry is where ideas, talents, and innovations are shaped into something extraordinary.
Growing up in Jalingo, Taraba State, life wasn’t always easy. But those early experiences shaped who I am today. I learned resilience, determination, and the importance of education.
My entrepreneurial journey began when I met a friend who told me he had just made $60 from Google AdSense. At that time, I didn’t even have a phone, but I snuck my mother’s to create my first blog, Zakxloaded, and I never looked back.
Today, I stand as a digital marketing expert, having worked with countless startups, built successful businesses, and become an award-winning blogger. My story is proof that no matter where you come from, you can rise, succeed, and make a mark on the world.