Are you looking to hire an SEO but not clear on how to go about it? In this week's article, we discuss when to hire an SEO freelancer Vs an SEO Agency Vs an In-House SEO team. Hello, my name is Simon Taki Zaku, (freelance SEO professional for B2B), and before writing this blog article specifically for you, I saw this Reddit post on my feed: This Reddit user (ScruffMob), hired an SEO agency for his website already doing 8k organic clicks monthly. Overall, he didn't get any backlinks, traffic, or good content. Not to say all SEO agencies are not effective this post is going to be the most honest piece of guide around hiring an SEO freelancer Vs an SEO Agency Vs an In-House SEO team. Even as a professional freelance SEO expert, I will shed light on the major downsides of working with a freelance SEO expert as opposed to hiring an SEO agency or building an in-house SEO team for your business or website. Now, while some of the SEO agencies are undoubtedly great in providing SEO results, NOT every website will work well with an SEO agency. Some websites will do brilliantly well in search with a freelance SEO expert or building an in-house SEO team. So this guide will break down these 3 categories of SEOs and help you select the perfect SEO hire for your website. Side Note: At the end of this short guide, I will be giving you a free downloadable resource that includes the top ten intricate questions to ask any SEO before you proceed to hire. These are more targeted SEO questions that are NOT "do you have past results?" or "how many years experience?". This will save you from hiring from 100s of quack SEOs and other SEO scams on the internet. Choosing Between an SEO Freelancer, an SEO Agency, or an In-House SEO Team Which is perfect for your business or website? 1 - Hiring an SEO Freelancer (AKA a Freelance SEO Expert) To begin with; Who is an SEO freelancer? An SEO freelancer offers freelance SEO services, mostly at hourly rates or project basis, to website owners or businesses. SEO freelancers (AKA freelance SEO experts) majorly offer SEO services like backlink reach-outs, content creation, blog writing, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, etc, to website owners on the internet at affordable rates. What other SEO services does an SEO freelancer offer websites? A freelance SEO professional takes care of your entire website SEO. A freelance SEO can handle your SEO planning and content creation. An SEO freelancer can also manage your WordPress websites. A few freelance SEO experts can also handle email marketing and lead generation. Now, this is something most posts do not shed light on. What are the duties of an SEO freelancer in 2024? What do SEO freelancers do? There are so many hats an SEO freelancer could wear as a freelancer, but here are the major duties of an SEO freelance professional: Executing content recommendations for SEO from SEO Managers, SEO Directors, and VPs, Blog writing, Writing and sending outreach emails and DMs, Backlink sourcing, Writing and publishing guest posts, Optimizing website copy, Performing intensive and regular keyword research, Understanding and translating SEO analytics to useful data, Work closely with marketing and sales team to write better content that ranks, and, On-page and off-page SEO tasks. How much does an SEO freelancer charge? Typically, an SEO freelancer charges an hourly rate per project. This is usually anywhere from $10 - $100 per hour depending on experience and level of expertise. Freelance SEO experts also charge a month-to-month basis that ranges from $500 to $3,000. Hiring an SEO freelancer is undoubtedly cheaper than building an in-house SEO team or an SEO agency. Advantages of Hiring a Freelance SEO Expert Over Agency and In-house SEO: Relatively cheap rates for SEO - High ROI due to low investment in the long run. Flexible work hours - you can call or text an SEO freelancer anytime to handle a task or project. With tips, most SEO freelancers will be happy to work. Less SEO projects thus a closer work relationship - I run weekly and sometimes daily calls with my SEO clients. We also chat often on WhatsApp. This creates a closer bond between SEO professionals and employers. Smooth communication - unlike with an SEO agency, you can have a great communication experience with SEO freelancers who can work extra time for tips or fees. Result-oriented and better-focused - As an SEO freelance writer, I can only take on 3 SEO clients or websites at once. This allows me to work closely to understand my clients' websites, goals, customers, and campaigns. Bespoke services. Miscellaneous services without additional fees - SEO freelancers are mostly skilled in other aspects you might need (without paying extra). Examples are WordPress management, Social media designs, social media management, or landing page copywriting. Most agencies will charge $1000s to handle these tasks. No account manager. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Freelancer over SEO Agency and In-house: No proper work structure - unlike with SEO agencies or an in-house SEO team, there is no structure a freelancer works with. This can affect overall business results. Can not handle large projects - As a one-person game, freelancers can not handle large SEO projects that require more hands. (emailing 5000 websites for backlinks or collaboration). Website SEO usually requires more than one person (or skillset) - from technical SEO, guest posting, content planning & creation, to on-page and off-page SEO. It is easier to find a suitable SEO agency than an SEO freelancer. Most SEO freelancers are only great in one SEO niche (B2B, B2C, Tech, etc). Most freelancers do not have exquisite resources and expensive SEO tools for projects - most SEO freelancers lack expensive SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Pro. Experienced SEO Freelancers to Consider Hiring Today? (portfolios attached) Here are three (3) professional SEO freelancers with excellent knowledge of SEO with excellent track records to consider checking: Simon Taki Zaku (Myself) - a cool addition to open with, I thought. You can learn about my SEO services here and get a free SEO Audit from me by filling out this Google form here. Karl is an SEO freelancer with more than a decade's experience in organic traffic generation. He's a result-driven SEO freelance expert and is available to work. Chidinma Ofoegbu is one of the finest SEO freelance specialists and SEO writers to hire from Nigeria. She's worked with some of the best brands like BusinessYield, FinancialFitnessClinic, and Madda. You can find Chidinma on LinkedIn or her portfolio website here. 2 - Hiring An SEO Agency What is an SEO agency? What does an SEO agency do? An SEO agency, on the other hand, is an agency team of SEO professionals that offers SEO services like content planning, SEO hiring, content outsourcing, SEO planning, SEM, and PPC. An SEO agency is a registered company with a proper business structure and management staff that oversee the business. An SEO agency, consists of large SEO projects, decent businesses, and large websites with budgets for SEO and PPC. What are the main duties of an SEO agency? What is the role of an SEO agency? An SEO agency is in charge of; Hiring SEO managers, hiring content writers, hiring technical SEO professionals, and overseeing your entire SEO plan, Content development, Keyword planning & keyword research, SEO link building, Plan your SEO strategy, Write search engine-optimized content (or hire a freelance SEO writer), SEO reporting, Running backlink audits, Performing website evaluation for excellent SEO projections, and, Web design (UX/UI for SEO). How much do SEO agencies charge today? SEO agencies in the U.S. charge around $100 to $350 per hour. However the majority of SEO agencies today use the traditional retainer system for clients. This is a month-to-month payment fee that usually costs anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for SEO agencies in the United States. Globally, (outside the U.S.), most SEO agencies can charge $20 to $50 hourly or $1,000 to $7,500 on a month-to-month retainer basis. Advantages of Hiring an SEO Agency Over SEO Freelancer and In-house SEO: An SEO agency is more likely to produce better SEO results than an SEO freelancer. An SEO agency is cheaper than building an in-house SEO team. Diverse SEO experts in various fields. "Two heads are better than one freelancer". In-depth SEO projects and intense implementation. Access to premium SEO tools for your SEO campaigns (SEMRush, Ahrefs, Crazyegg). A proper management that oversees every project. No budget for SEO training for employees unlike with in-house SEOs. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Agency Over a Freelance SEO Expert and In-house SEO: No close or deep connection with SEO which might affect the effectiveness of pages and content published by the agency. There is no 'Author Profile'. With an SEO freelancer, every published post can be tagged along with the SEO's 'About Me' section which can build a close relationship with your writers and website readers. 'Offloading' fee. This is one aspect that might be present in most structured businesses. A freelance SEO will not require an offloading fee and can cancel anytime. Your SEO manager can change; prompting you to go through processes to explain your brand. No flexible work hours as opposed to SEO freelancers who are likely to accept tasks at any moment. SEO agencies have work hours they strictly follow. Great SEO Agencies to Consider Working With Today? (websites attached) Three (3) Great SEO Agencies in 2024: Grow and Convert - Benji and Devesh are two awesome people I have learned a lot from. They met at an event and decided to start Grow and Convert, I followed their journey to building Grow and Convert in years. Super great expertise for your SEO needs. JtreeSEO - Josh Laughtland founder of JtreeSEO; a boutique SEO agency that links websites to organic audiences on search engine users. Jtree offers continuous SEO campaigns and SEO management. SimonWrites SEO Agency - this is my very own SEO agency. Learn more about how I am building SimonWrites SEO from scratch here. Now, what is an in-house SEO team? 3 - Building an In-house SEO Team Can SEO be done in-house? Now, unlike freelance SEO experts or an SEO agency which are third-party service providers, an in-house SEO team is simply a team that is part of your business. So rather than going out to hire a third-party freelancer or an agency to handle your website SEO, you build your SEO team within your company team. You're an SEO team within your already-built company or business. This usually consists of positions like; SEO Manager. SEO Writer. SEO Director. SEO Specialist. SEO design specialist (or technical SEO expert). How's an in-house SEO team mostly built? Most companies or businesses would select from their existing team, the best employees with great digital marketing skills relating to SEO. Some of these are; Blogging, WordPress, Web-design, Writing, Inbound marketing, Reach-outs and collaboration, Content creation, Critical and analytical thinking, etc. An in-house SEO team is a great option because employees will understand and know more about your business because of time spent in your business space (offices). On the other hand, an in-house SEO team can be a bit more stressful to build but worth it in the long run. You are simply building an SEO team you manage and oversee every day. This team will spend time with the marketing, sales, and customer teams to better plan and implement your SEO projects. What are the duties of an in-house SEO team? The duties and advantages of building an in-house SEO team are quite similar. But with an in-house, you get to oversee your SEO efforts even better and more closely. What does an in-house SEO do? Here are some of the duties of an in-house SEO team to the business: Consists of SEOs with functions like SEO Specialist, SEO Manager, SEO Writer, etc, who work as a team under one website to ensure the website attracts search traffic that in turn helps achieve the business goals. Create and design effective SEO plans and execute, Report SEO results to designated senior officers, Work closely with team writers, keyword researchers, backlink experts, content creators, and editors to ensure a powerful SEO implementation. Partaking in business meetings relating to marketing, sales, and customer departments to better understand customers and create converting copies for your web pages. Majorly any duties SEO freelancers and SEO agencies offer. What is the Cost of Building an In-House SEO Team? Building an in-house SEO team requires budgeting and proper management. Hiring an SEO professional for an in-house employee job function costs between $50,000 to $70,000 at around $4,100 to $5,800 monthly. But to ensure an effective in-house SEO team, you need more than one role. You can hire an averagely experienced SEO professional and an SEO manager or VP. Hiring an SEO manager for your website costs anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 depending on your location. This is the most expensive option but allows more control and better SEO results. Advantages of Building an In-House SEO Team Over an SEO Agency or an SEO Freelancer: All resources are specifically dedicated to ensuring your business goals are met. Larger SEO project implementations. Smooth and immediate communication unlike with SEO freelancers or SEO agencies. Laser-focused SEO projects as opposed to SEO agencies that juggle SEO clients and dozens of SEO projects. A clearer understanding of your products, customers, and marketing campaigns. 1 on 1 meetings with the sales, customer, and marketing departments. Disadvantages of Building an In-House SEO Team Over an SEO Agency or a Freelance SEO Professional: The process of training employees takes time and resources. Requires a six-figure budget. Not suitable for small business websites with low income. Takes a longer time for synergy as a team. The process of hiring on-site SEO experts can be challenging. 2 Examples of Great Companies with an In-House SEO Team: Argos in-house SEO team. Learn about Claudia Higgins' experience working as an SEO specialist in the in-house SEO team at Argos. Read here! Online Mortgage Advisor in-house SEO team. Sunny is now the Head of SEO at Online Mortgage Advisor (at the time of writing). As a Business, When Should You Hire an SEO Freelancer Vs. SEO Agency Vs. Build An In-House SEO Team? What type of SEO is best to hire? Selecting an SEO for your website or business depends on the type of business that you run. I have explained the benefits and downsides of hiring an SEO freelancer, an SEO agency and building an in-house SEO team. With SEO, there is no one size fits all. And that is why I am offering free SEO Audits to my awesome readers like you. The type of business you run, your target customers, and the market you are in should help you figure out the type of SEO that is perfect for your website, type of business, or brand. For example, as a startup, you might want to consider hiring a freelance SEO because that is cheaper and you can reach out to him more and even get a higher return (ROI) from your website. On the other hand, if you are a more developed brand that can carve out thousands of dollars in SEO budget, you can either go for an SEO agency or build an in-house SEO team for your business or website. Click here to tell me more about your business website for a free SEO Audit from me (within 24 hours). Finally, here is the free document that I promised. To be able to hire the perfect SEO for your website, there are certain questions you must ask. From my experience as an SEO freelancer, people suffer from SEO hires. Businesses suffer simply because they cannot differentiate fake SEO from real, experienced SEOs. This will include all the necessary questions you need to ask before proceeding to work with an SEO freelancer or an SEO agency for the best SEO results. So, this is a free PDF that you can download which includes the top ten intricate questions to ask any SEO before you proceed to hire (beyond "Do you have past results?" or "How many years of experience?". You can download the free PDF from my blog forum for free. (Simply join IBIFoundry). Top SEO Agency in Nigeria for Hire - IbiFoundry Are you looking for an affordable, professional, and experienced SEO freelancer for your business or website? My name is Simon T. Zaku and I am a professional SEO with ten years of experience generating organic traffic for web websites like Cyberbackpack.com, A1future.com, UniclixApp.com, and many more. I have generated millions of organic traffic to my clients' websites. You can email us here or use the Contact us page and let me know how we can help your business and if you're a perfect fit, we'll reach back to you with the next steps on how to grow your website online. Have a great day, Simon Taki Zaku, Founder - IbiFoundry dot com, Email - simonzakucom at gmail dot com. Get a free SEO Audit from us. Click here to join my free blog forum and download the free PDF file.

Have You Ever Wondered? What’s the smartest way to grow wealth in Nigeria without getting scammed? Real estate might just be the answer. Hi, I’m Simon Zaku, your friendly neighborhood SEO expert who also has a deep love for architecture. Back in my secondary school days at Concordia College, I developed a fascination with buildings - those intricate designs, towering structures, and the simple beauty of well-planned spaces. I always imagined owning estates that could transform lives. That dream has led me to explore Nigeria’s real estate sector, and today, I’ll be sharing the best investment options available. Now, grab a cup of zobo, and let’s dive into this exciting journey. Why Real Estate in Nigeria? Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with over 220 million people, and a growing urban population makes housing a pressing need. Currently, the country faces a 28-million-unit housing deficit, which offers enormous opportunities for real estate investors to step in and make a differenceesidential Properties. This is one of the safest bets. Investing in affordable housing is particularly lucrative given the rising demand. With 63% of Nigerians living below the poverty line, there’s a huge market for low-cost housing developments . Best Loca Lagos (Ibeju-Lekki): Known as the “New Lagos,” Ibeju-Lekki is home to the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Free Trade Zone. Property values here are expected to increase by over 100% in the next five years. Abuja: Areas like Jabi and Lugbe are popular for middle-class housing investments. Pro Tip: Real estate crowdfunding platforms allow you to co-invest in large-scale housing projects. This is perfect if you’re starting with a small budget. 2. Commercial Real Estate From office spaces to shopping malls, commercial properties are a hot ticket, especially in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja. With Nigeria’s emerging tech and fintech scene, the demand for office spaces is expected to rise by 15% annually . 3. Short-te' Tourism is booming, especially in cities like Lagos, Calabar, and Jos. In 2022 alone, short-term rental demand grew by 20%. Properties in tourist-friendly areas yield higher returns compared to traditional rental properties . Where to Invest: Lagos Island: Lekki Phase 1 are prime for expatriates and tourists. Calabar: A hub for cultural tourism, especially during the annual Carnival. 4. Land Banking This involves purchasing undeveloped land in promising areas and holding it until its value appreciates. For instance, lands in Lagos’ Ibeju-Lekki that sold for ₦2 million five years ago are now worth ₦15 million . Tips for Success: Always verify land ownership with land registry. Watch for government projects like road expansions, which often increase property values. 5. Green and Sustainable Real Estate Eco-friendly developments are gaining traction in Nigeria. Properties with energy-efficient systems and green spaces attract environmentally-conscious buyers. Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet - it’s great for your wallet too . Emerging Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond Proptech So Technology-driven platforms are simplifying property transactions and improving transparency. Platforms offering big data analytics for property valuation are game-changers. Secondary Cities: Areas like Uyo, Enugu, and Abeokuta are becoming attractive for their affordable costs and growing infrastructure. Why Now is the Best Time to Invest The real estate market in Nigeri8% annually, driven by urbanization and infrastructure projects. Areas like the Lekki-Epe axis in Lagos and Abuja’s Central Business District remain hotspots . Wrapping Up Investing in Nigerian real estate is not just about making money - it’s aboities and improving lives. From my teenage dream of designing buildings to sharing insights today, I believe in the transformative power of well-planned real estate ventures. Remember, whether you’re buying your first plot of land or developing a residential estate, always consult professionals to guide your decisions. And hey, if you have any questions or want me to recommend specific investments, just drop a comment or reach out!

Meet Ishema Danjuma - a young, brilliant Nigerian artist and ceramicist who is taking bold steps to revive and revolutionize the art scene from Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria. Currently studying art at Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Ishema’s passion and talent shine through her intricate works. I first heard about Ishema through a mutual connection, Collins Danjuma, and was immediately intrigued by her creativity and drive. It struck me: *How can someone so talented not yet be widely recognized? This feature is not just a celebration of her work but a call to action to support emerging artists like her and promote the value of Nigerian and African art on the global stage. From her fine paintings to innovative ceramic pieces, she has already begun carving a niche for herself. She’s also gaining practical experience at a ceramics company in Abuja, Nigeria’s bustling capital city. The Art Landscape in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities Art in Nigeria is as diverse as the country itself, yet many artists face significant hurdles. Despite the rich cultural history and talent, art often takes a backseat in societal priorities, overshadowed by industries like entertainment and technology. Ishema believes that a shift in perception is necessary to unlock the true potential of Nigerian art and amplify its global impact. Exclusive Q&A with Ishema Danjuma To delve deeper into her artistic journey and the state of Nigerian art, I had the privilege of posing a few thought-provoking questions to Ishema. Here’s a sneak peek into her responses: Q1: What inspired you to pursue art, and how did ceramics become a part of your journey? Ishema: First of all, I am from Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria. Art has always been a part of me. Growing up, I was fascinated by how colors and forms could tell stories. Ceramics, specifically, became an interest during a university project where I discovered the versatility of clay _ how it could transform from raw earth into something meaningful and functional. Q2: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist in Nigeria? Ishema: One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness and appreciation for art. People often see art as a luxury rather than a necessity, which limits its market potential. Access to quality materials and funding is another hurdle that many young artists face. Q3: Why do you think Nigerians, in general, don’t value art as much as they should? Ishema: I think it stems from a lack of education about the importance of art. Historically, art was integral to our culture—from storytelling to rituals. Over time, colonial influences and economic priorities shifted focus away from traditional art forms. Today, people view art more as decoration than a tool for cultural expression or societal change. Q4: How do you think we can change this narrative and make art more appreciated in Nigeria? Ishema: Education AND Hands-On are key - both in schools and through public campaigns. We need to reintroduce art as an essential aspect of our identity. Additionally, platforms that promote local artists and showcase their work globally can help shift perspectives. Q5: Do you think African art can change the negative narratives about the continent? If so, how? Ishema: Absolutely. Art has the power to tell our stories authentically. By showcasing our struggles, victories, and aspirations, we can counter stereotypes and present a more nuanced image of Africa to the world. Art is a universal language, and through it, we can inspire global connections and change perceptions. Q6: What’s your dream for Nigerian art and your personal art career? Ishema: My dream is for Nigerian art to be globally recognized for its depth and diversity. Personally, I want to create works that resonate with people across cultures while preserving the essence of African heritage. Q7: What role do you think technology plays in advancing art in Nigeria? Ishema: Technology is a game-changer. From digital art tools to online platforms that connect artists with buyers, it’s making art more accessible and breaking down geographical barriers. Social media, in particular, has been instrumental in giving visibility to artists like me. Q8: Which Nigerian or African artists inspire you the most? Ishema: I’m inspired by pioneers like Bruce Onobrakpeya and contemporary artists like Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Their works reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, which is something I aspire to in my art. Q9: What advice would you give to young Nigerians aspiring to pursue art? Ishema: Stay true to your vision and don’t be discouraged by societal pressures. Seek out mentors, network with other creatives, and leverage digital platforms to showcase your work. Q10: What’s one thing you wish everyone understood about art? Ishema: Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of society, culture, and history. Supporting art means investing in the soul of a people. Promoting Nigerian and African Art To truly elevate Nigerian and African art, we need to: - Support Local Artists: Attend exhibitions, buy art pieces, and commission custom works. - Integrate Art into Education: Teach art history and appreciation from primary school levels. - Leverage Technology: Create online galleries and platforms where Nigerian artists can reach global audiences. - Government and Corporate Support: Policies and sponsorships can provide the necessary infrastructure and funding for the arts to thrive. Conclusion - Nigeria is Our Art Ishema Danjuma represents the boundless potential of Nigerian art. Her journey is a reminder of the talent that exists in our country, waiting to be nurtured and celebrated. Let’s support artists like Ishema and work together to redefine the narrative around Nigerian and African art. The world is watching, and our stories deserve to be told. FAQs Around Arts in Nigeria Who are some famous Nigerian artists? Artists like Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby have made significant contributions to Nigerian art. How can I support Nigerian art? You can support them by buying local artworks, attending exhibitions, and promoting artists on social media. What makes African art unique? African art is deeply rooted in culture, history, and storytelling, often featuring bold colors, patterns, and symbolism. How can Nigerian art gain global recognition? Through education, digital platforms, international collaborations, and consistent quality production. What is the future of art in Nigeria? With the rise of technology and a growing appreciation for culture, the future is bright for Nigerian art. Increased investment and awareness will further solidify its place on the global stage. Thank you for your time, Ishema. What are your thoughts on Arts in Taraba, Nigeria? Best, Simon Taki Zaku Founder, IbiFoundry.com.ng Mail: simonzakucom@gmail.com

Ever passed through a place so captivating that you couldn’t help but admire it from the car window? That was me every time I journeyed to Concordia College in Adamawa State, passing through Zing Local Government Area. Although I never stopped, Zing’s serene beauty and charm always left a mark on me. The iconic Bizarre Hotel and the rolling landscapes? Unforgettable! I’m Simon Zaku, born and raised in Taraba State, and I’m here to shine a spotlight on Zing. This town isn’t just a stopover - it’s a place rich in history, culture, and untapped potential. Let me take you on a tour of one of Taraba’s most fascinating LGAs. Where Lions Once Roamed: The History of Zing Zing, fondly known as Zingang in the past, derives its name from the lion (zingang in the Mumuye language), which once roamed its lands. The Mumuye people, the area’s predominant tribe, conquered the lions and claimed this land as their own. To this day, the lion remains a proud symbol of Zing, with a statue at the Kpanti's Palace to commemorate its legacy. Historically, Zing has served as a cultural and administrative hub for the Mumuye people, who comprise 12 clans with deeply rooted traditions. Its headquarters are in Zing town, a place that has grown into a vibrant center of culture and governance. Quick Facts About Zing Local Government, Taraba State, Nigeria Coordinates: 9°N, 11.7°E Area: 1,030 square kilometers Population: 127,363 (as of the 2006 census) Postal Code: 661 Local Government Chairman: Hon. Luka Zanya Geography and Climate: A Land of Contrasts Zing’s geography is a mix of forest reserves, rolling hills, and open plains. The climate features distinct rainy and dry seasons. Here’s a quick breakdown: Hot Season: February to April, with highs averaging 95°F (35°C). Cool Season: June to October, with temperatures dropping below 83°F (28°C). Coldest Month: December, averaging 86°F (30°C) during the day and 59°F (15°C) at night. Zing enjoys 151 rainy days annually, making it fertile ground for agriculture and forestry. The Mumuye People: Guardians of Culture The Mumuye, Zing’s dominant tribe, are known for their vibrant traditions, colorful festivals, and strong sense of community. They have preserved their ancient practices through generations, and their contributions to Zing’s culture are invaluable. Education: A Strong Foundation in Zing, Taraba State Zing is not just a cultural hub; it’s also home to key educational institutions: 1. Federal College of Education, Zing: This prestigious institution trains educators who serve communities across Nigeria. 2. Numerous primary and secondary schools that provide a solid educational foundation for the younger generation. These schools ensure that Zing’s children have access to quality education without needing to travel far. Economy: From Agriculture to Tourism Agriculture is the backbone of Zing’s economy. The area’s fertile soil supports crops like yam, maize, cassava, and groundnuts. The Fulani population adds to the economy with cattle rearing, a key livelihood in the region. Tourism is an untapped goldmine in Zing. Landmarks like the Bizarre Hotel and the lion statue at the Kpanti’s Palace have the potential to attract visitors. With the right investment, Zing could become a tourist hotspot. Places of Interest (where to flex Haha!) 1. Bizarre Hotel: A landmark for travelers passing through Zing. 2. Kpanti’s Palace: Featuring the lion statue, it’s a symbol of Zing’s rich history. 3. Forest Reserves: Perfect for eco-tourism and nature enthusiasts. Religious Harmony within the Mumuye People Christianity and Islam are the two main religions in Zing. Churches and mosques are scattered across the LGA, serving as centers of worship and social cohesion. The peaceful coexistence of these religions is a testament to Zing’s unity and inclusivity. Why Zing Local Government, Taraba State, Deserves Attention Zing is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a land of potential. With its fertile lands, rich culture, and educational institutions, it’s primed for growth. Whether it’s agriculture, tourism, or education, Zing is a goldmine waiting to be tapped. So next time you pass through Zing, don’t just admire it from your car window - stop, explore, and experience the hidden gem of Taraba State. Have a blessed day, and hope to see you in Zing someday. Book a Zing tour with IbiFoundry. I'm Simon Taki Zaku Founder, Ibifoundry.com.ng

Which social media is best for Nigerian entrepreneurs? What social media platforms are best for your business here In Nigeria? Follow Me on X (Twitter) Follow Me on Pinterest Follow me on LinkedIn. I'm Simon Zaku and this post contains the necessary steps you can follow to ensure you select only the best social media platforms for your business. Over the years, I've tried dozens of social media networks, communities, and forums for my clients and my brand. A lot of businesses may jump to any social media platform without a plan. I’ve tried dozens of social media networks for businesses over the years and I will share my unique experience here. How to Choose the Right Social Media Channel for Your Business - Step-by-Step How do you choose a social media platform to market on? What are 3 major factors that need to be considered when selecting the social media networks for your business? App statistics and usage. Content type. How many social media accounts should your business have? What is the first step for selecting the right social media platforms for business? The first step is to know and understand the demographics of each social network on your radar. Social media is a powerful marketing channel today. With Facebook’s 3 billion users, X's (formerly Twitter's) 500 million, LinkedIn’s 900 million, and Instagram and TikTok's 1 billion active users, social media is a goldmine for business and marketing. According to research, users spent an average of two hours and 151 minutes per day on social media platforms (in 2022) which rose from 147 minutes in 2021. That’s powerful, especially for businesses. Let’s look at some of the top social media networks according to user demographics, usage, age, and other useful statistics. And at the end of this post, I researched and included the 12 best social media channels for business today. 1: Understand Social Media Usage Statistics to Inform your Approach Let’s look at the usage statistics from some of the top social media platforms for businesses; X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Facebook Usage: Facebook Demographics 2023: 44% of the population uses Facebook daily in the United Kingdom. The daily average user spends 23 minutes on Facebook. The age range is 25 to 34 is the most active on Facebook in the UK. The number of users aged 65+ has increased from 2019 to 2020 went up by 9%. 52% of Facebook users in the UK are women and 48% are men. Largest age group by usage: 25-34 (26.3%). Gender: 56% male, 44% female. Time spent per day on the platform: 38 minutes. Facebook Marketing Statistics for Businesses: Over 200 million small businesses are on Facebook 75% of high-income earners are on Facebook The average Facebook Page posts 1.68 times daily More than 1 billion users message a business on Facebook weekly Instagram Usage: Instagram has 1 billion monthly active users and 500+ million daily. Largest age group by usage: 25-34 (33.1%). Gender: 51.4% females and 48.6% males While 36% of men and 44% of women use Instagram in the United States Average time spent: 29 minutes per day on the app Instagram Marketing Statistics for Businesses: 35% of users surveyed will purchase Instagram Users aged 16 to 24 prefer Instagram to any other social media platforms India has more Instagram users than any other country Instagram business accounts grow their followers by 0.98% each month on average Instagram business accounts post 1.71 feed posts daily X (formerly Twitter) Usage: Twitter has 187 million daily active users Largest age group by usage: 30-49 (44%) Gender: 62.9% of Twitter users are male while around 37% are female Average time spent per session: 3.53 minutes Twitter's Marketing Statistics for Businesses: According to X, a 10% increase in Twitter Spaces discussion rooms has resulted in a 3% increase in overall sales. 40% of users purchase after coming across it on Twitter. The United States amounts to 25.47% of Twitter’s traffic 79% of marketers use Twitter Spaces Using 1-2 hashtags can attract 21% more engagement on your tweets LinkedIn Usage: LinkedIn has 738 million users as of 2021 Largest age group by usage: 46-55 Gender: 49% female, 51% male 63% of LinkedIn users access the platform monthly, and 22% weekly 70% of LinkedIn users live outside of the U.S LinkedIn Marketing Statistics for Businesses: LinkedIn Ads attract a 33% increase in purchase intent for brands 89% of marketers use the platform to generate leads 62% of B2B marketers said LinkedIn generates leads for them Videos get 5 times more engagement on LinkedIn Live videos on LinkedIn get 24 times more engagements Pinterest Usage: Pinterest has a total of 450 million monthly active users. Largest age group by usage: 18 to 44 Gender: 76.2% are female and 17.2% are male The platform has 23 million Gen Z users Time spent daily: 14.2 minutes 46% of adult women in the United States use Pinterest Pinterest Marketing Statistics for Businesses: 50% of users in the United States shop on Pinterest Businesses can reach 8 million users through Pinterest Ads 45% of users in the U.S. have an income of over $100k annually 85% of users have purchased on Pinterest Pin Ads have a 32% higher ROAS (return on ad spend) than other social networks YouTube Usage: YouTube has 2.70 billion active users 80 million users use YouTube's premium 52% of internet users use the platform at least once every month India accounts for 467 million YouTube users The United States follows with over 240 million users YouTube is banned in China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and South Sudan YouTube Marketing Statistics for Businesses: YouTube Ad revenue is $14 billion in 2023 YouTube Shorts gets over 50 billion views daily Mr. Beast earned $54 million on YouTube in 2022. The platform is the second most popular in Influencer Marketing Need to target a female audience? Try Pinterest; over 76% are females! Need the male audience? Think LinkedIn; 51% are males. Need to target marketers or the B2B space? Try Twitter and LinkedIn. Gen Z audience? TikTok and Pinterest would be great. You should carefully examine the usage, demographics, and business tools each platform offers. And how it can help your business grow. 2: Examining Platform's Content-Type Moving to the next step, what type of content do you want to publish? What type of content works in your industry? What content type does my target audience resonate with the most? Different Social Media Content According to Top Social Media Networks Here are the content types most businesses publish on major social networks: Stories Polls Shorts Reels IGTV Articles Infographics Podcasts Quotes Live streams Text images Short & Long Videos Tutorials Challenge or Giveaways Memes Behind the scenes (BTS) User-generated content Recipes Select 5 content types your business should be publishing; or rather, your target customers consume daily. Here's how to figure out the best social media content type for your business... Simply stalk your competition to see what they are doing. Find and list your top 10 competitors. These could include huge brands, personal brands, or startup businesses. The next thing to do is to check and see what they’re doing on various social networks. What social media networks are they publishing on? What networks generate the most engagements for them? Are they on TikTok? LinkedIn? Or in Facebook Groups? Locate their social media pages and see what they’re publishing. You can then see what works in your industry. Are your competitors posting videos, articles, infographics, IG content, or snap stories? These could also be live content, LinkedIn posts, or Twitter content. Notice which are frequently posted, and reposted and which attract engagements. This will also help you know which social media platforms to use. Get the idea? At this point, you have a list of your competitors and also have a list of the types of social media content that work for them. What's next? One question I often see in online forums is; How many social media platforms should my business be on? How Many Social Media Networks Should Your Business Start With? (2, 5 or 10?) How many social media platforms should my business join? Should you create 1, 2, or 5 social media accounts for your business? The last social media report by SocialMediaExaminer reveals that marketers spend an average of 6 hours weekly on X alone. Now think about having 3 or 5 social media networks! You’d have to go on each platform daily to keep it up and get the results that you want but that’s wrong! You may be considering automation but you can not automate every aspect of social media. “I can just automate my posts on these platforms and won’t have to spend any much time on these networks” CAN YOU AUTOMATE SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS? Yes, some A-I tools promise this but I haven’t seen one that does engagements like a human. Imagine sending the same replies to 10 different comments on your Instagram. People might think your account is a bot! I’ve seen brands go out of business this way. Having to run multiple social media accounts isn’t a great idea especially when starting. Rather, select 2-3 social media accounts and harness. Ideally, 2 to 4 accounts on social networks are perfect for a start depending on the type and size of your business. Finally, which social media platforms are best for marketing business? 12 Best Social Media Platforms for Marketing & Businesses Facebook - 3 billion Monthly Active Users (MAU) Instagram - 2 billion MAU X (formerly Twitter) - 500 MAU WhatsApp - 2 billion MAU SnapChat - 500 million MAU Reddit - 400 million MAU TikTok - 1 billion MAU YouTube - 2.5 billion MAU Pinterest - 400 billion MAU LinkedIn - 400 million MAU Quora - 300 million MAU Threads (Instagram's Twitter Alternative) - 23 million MAU Download this list as a PDF file by clicking here. Have any questions for me? Best, Simon Taki Zaku Owner: https://simonzaku.com

Hi, Simon Zaku here. And one of my domains (simonzaku.com) has over 600 backlinks at the time of writing this blog piece and about 200 of those are DO-FOLLOW backlinks. And I have never done any backlink outreach campaign for this website! Domain profile for simonzaku.com march 2024. Follow my blog to watch me grow this site to 10,000 organic clicks. At the time of writing, I have NEVER sent or done any email outreach for backlinks for my website, simonzaku.com. Not to cancel backlink outreach (actually effective), I'd rather use this hidden-in-plain-sight-backlink-secret. I do ONE SIMPLE thing and my backlinks and backlink profile grow automatically by attracting natural backlinks without having to send 100s of outreach emails for backlinks or paying spammy websites for backlinks. Recommended Blog: Writing Cold Outreach Emails That Convert: the 'VCR' Strategy This is your favorite SEO and content marketing guy, Simon Zaku and this week I want to talk about an important and popular topic, backlinks. Every website owner wants backlinks. Every startup, agency, every organization, every company wants more backlinks. But how do you get backlinks? How do the top guys get backlinks to their websites? This is a known approach yet many SEOs shy from it. I say this because lots of website owners pay huge sums for backlinks. Why I Don't Pay for Backlinks (my horrible story buying backlinks) Here is my Google penalty story. Sometime in 2020, I came across an ad on Facebook. This application promised website owners could buy cheap backlinks to any website. You can create different backlink campaigns for different pages with this backlink software. I bought the software and started campaigns. This sent a few (horrible) backlinks. None of the backlinks were from trusted sites. Most of these backlinks were from bots, AI, and spam websites. They were mostly hurtful black-hat SEO backlinks. After some time, Google hit my website and I lost my search traffic, I lost my organic traffic, and my traffic went low and for that reason, I had to shut down this very website. I relaunched this website sometime in July 2023. For this reason, my website's SPAM score was affected (still working to get it back low). UPDATE: After strategic work, my site's Spam Score is now 1%. I published a detailed guide to teach you how I did it (from 47% to a 1% SPAM SCORE). My updated website SEO Spam Score How about paid guest posts for backlinks? I still get emails from people offering paid backlinks at different rates from different websites in niches. Search engines like Google are strict on paying for backlinks from harmful sites. Google frowns at purchasing backlinks, especially when they're spammy. So what is this hidden-in-plain-sight backlink-attracting strategy? How to Get Backlinks for Free to Your Website without Sending Outreach Mails Blogging (or Vlog) Content! And YES, every brand should keep and run a blog. Think about it; rather than pay thousands of dollars for a backlink, this is a natural approach to attract backlinks. The easiest way to attract backlinks is by creating exceptional SEO content. I know you've probably heard this countless times, but for the umpteenth time, yes, create blogs or video content. Invest in content marketing. create content, create blog content, create a company blog, create an educational blog, create a startup blog. Create content for your company, brand, and business, so that search engines (with billions of Users) will crawl your website with fresh and useful content. Not just any content, exceptional content. Recommended Blog: The Perfect Blog Post: How to Write Blog Articles for Your Clients & Customers Tell your brand stories in blogs or vlogs. "Exceptional content" may not necessarily mean the best content but it does stand out from the crowd. It is unique and different from other content. When you publish good content consistently, people see it. If you want to attract quality backlinks without emailing people or paying for backlinks, you should be able to create content that deserves to be linked to. 10 Content Types that Attract Quality Backlinks FAST! There are specific content types known to perform well. For example; Reels Shorts Infographics Statistics Let's look at some. Research and studies are linked to a lot of times. What is one industry research you can do and then publish in the form of a blog? Infographics are backlink magnets too. Create something industry experts want to link to. People want to be affiliated with good stuff; good content. People naturally link to good content. These are natural backlinks from people who think they should link to your website. I've gotten thousands of emails from people linking to me without knowing them. So blogging is a free and effective backlink strategy. You should create content as a SaaS, agency, or NGO. This will help you attract natural backlinks without paying or sending outreach emails. Craft out a blogging strategy to publish content that attracts backlinks naturally. Here is a list of the top ten content types that attract backlinks: Infographics. Expert roundups. A List of Tools (Complete) Case studies YouTube research videos Cheat sheets Statistics and reports Controversial blogs How-to Guides Surveys Spend time creating content on your website that attracts backlinks without paying for spam websites or sending outreach emails for backlinks. What do you think about blogging as a backlink strategy? You can contact me anytime and I'll get back to you. Thank you and have a productive day. Simon Taki Zaku brand, Owner; simonzaku.com SEO Consultant and Specialist in Business Blogging Please share this to your Pinterest boards and let your followers know what you are reading :)

My Naija Pidgin Journey "I no fit lie for you aje, I too gbadu pidgin, and Oyibo sef come dey like am die" Hey there! My name is Simon Zaku, and I’m here to guide you on a journey through the fascinating world of Nigerian Pidgin, also fondly called “Broken” or “Naija.” I was born and raised in Jalingo, Taraba State, a melting pot of cultures. Over the years, my travels across Nigeria - from the North to the West - exposed me to a rich tapestry of languages and dialects, including Pidgin, English, and Hausa. From Ibi to Wukari, Dampar to Bauchi, and even down to Lagos and Osun States, I’ve encountered diverse flavors of Pidgin. "You get the jeck" Each region adds its spice to the language. And yes, having friends who went to military school added an exciting twist to my understanding of Pidgin slang like “Amof rubbish” (military lingo for “nonsense”). This guide isn’t just for Nigerians; it’s for actors, artists, and anyone who wants to master this vibrant language authentically. Let’s dive in. A Brief History of Nigerian Pidgin Nigerian Pidgin is more than just a dialect—it’s a culture. Born out of necessity during the Atlantic slave trade in the late 17th century, it served as a bridge between British colonists and African communities. Today, it thrives as a lingua franca, spoken by over 120 million Nigerians as a first or second language. While variations exist across West Africa (Benin, Ghana, Cameroon), Pidgin has evolved into a uniquely Nigerian identity. Google recognized its cultural significance with a Pidgin search interface in 2011, and in 2017, BBC News launched its Pidgin service to connect with global audiences. Popular Pidgin Slangs and Their Meanings Let’s explore some everyday Pidgin words and phrases you’ll love: Abeg – Please. Example: Abeg free me! (Please leave me alone!) Oga – Boss or mentor. Example: Na my oga wey send me come. (My boss sent me here.) Una – You all. Example: Una don chop? (Have you all eaten?) Wetin – What. Example: Wetin dey happen? (What’s happening?) Sabi – Know. Example: I sabi the guy. (I know the guy.) Pidgin Dialects Across Nigeria Pidgin isn’t a one-size-fits-all language. It transforms depending on where you are: Niger Delta (Warri, Sapele, Port Harcourt): Known for its rhythmic and vibrant tones. Example: How far now? (What’s up?) Lagos/Ajegunle: Influenced by Yoruba with slangs like Ṣebi (right?). Onitsha/Benin City: Borrowed words from Igbo and Bini languages. North (Kano, Kaduna): Limited Pidgin, but Hausa phrases often mix in. Each region brings its unique twist, making Pidgin a dynamic and evolving language. Why You Should Learn Pidgin Actors, artists, and even podcasters—this is for you. Remember the Lagos scene in Black Panther? It lacked authentic Pidgin flair. To truly represent Nigerian culture, you need the real deal. Learning Pidgin: 1. Connects You to 120+ Million Nigerians. 2. Adds Authenticity to Creative Projects. 3. Breaks Language Barriers Across Ethnic Groups. Join My $1 Naija Pidgin Club Want to speak like a true Naija person? I’ve got something special for you. For just $1, you can join my exclusive Pidgin Language Club. We’ll have daily video classes where I’ll teach you the slangs, tones, and secrets you won’t find anywhere else. Growing up in Jalingo, I thought Pidgin was just casual fun. But with time, I realized its depth and value, especially for outsiders trying to connect with Nigerians. Whether you’re an actor preparing for a role or a musician working on your next Afrobeat hit, I’ll help you nail the lingo. Conclusion - Drop Your Favorite Pidgin English Sentence in the Comment Pidgin isn’t just a language - it’s a vibe, a culture, and a unifying tool for millions of Nigerians. From “Abeg” to “Sabi,” learning it will unlock new experiences and connections. Join me, Simon Zaku, on this journey and let’s make you a pro in Nigerian Pidgin! Simon Taki Zaku Founder, IBIFoundry simonzakucom@gmail.com ibifoundry@gmail.com

My Journey from a Hostel Bunk to a Global Content Marketing Career: Did you know that 90% of Nigerian internet users consume online content daily? This staggering statistic underscores the immense potential of going into content marketing in Nigeria. From budding bloggers to seasoned social media influencers, content creators are reshaping the digital landscape. Let me tell you my story; During my university days, I spent countless hours writing and blogging from the confines of my hostel bunk. Armed with an old laptop and patchy internet access, I turned what seemed like a mere hobby into a career. I started countless websites, blogs, and businesses and all failed. But I didn't stop. Fast forward to today, I've worked with over 20 startups, grown my brand, and carved out a niche as a content marketing expert with over a decade of experience in blogging and SEO. Let me explain the idea of content creation, content creators, and earning from the content you create. What is Content? Content is simply any kind of information or media that can be consumed. This includes blog posts, videos, podcasts, social media posts, infographics, and more. What is Content Marketing? Content marketing is not just about creating content - it’s about delivering valuable and relevant information to a targeted audience to attract and retain them. Content marketing is the strategic creation and distribution of valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience - and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action. In simpler terms, it's about creating great content that people love, so they'll keep coming back for more. Think of it as telling stories that inspire action, whether it's purchasing a product, signing up for a service, or engaging with a brand. The Rise of Content in Nigeria Nigeria has experienced a meteoric rise in content consumption and creation. With a burgeoning youth population and increasing internet penetration, the demand for engaging content has skyrocketed. Top Content Creators in Nigeria Nigeria boasts a vibrant community of talented content creators. Some of the top names include: - MrMacaroni: A comedian known for his satirical skits. - Broda Shaggi: Another popular comedian with a unique style. - Tunde Ednut: A social media influencer with a massive following. - Fisayo Fosudo: A tech and lifestyle vlogger. I have a complete guide on the top influencers on social media in Nigeria. You can read it here: Influencer Marketing in Nigeria: + Top 50 Influencers to Work Within Nigeria The Role of Content in the Nigerian Context Nigeria is experiencing a digital renaissance, with creators making waves across various platforms. From YouTube to TikTok, Nigerians are utilizing content to not only entertain but also educate, influence, and grow brands. Yet, content marketing in Nigeria is not exclusive to influencers or entertainers. Businesses, NGOs, and even individuals can leverage it to achieve their goals. It’s an industry ripe with opportunities for anyone willing to learn and put in the work. Why Content Marketing is Important for Nigerians Here are a few key reasons why content marketing holds immense potential for Nigerians: 1. Creativity Meets Opportunity: Nigerians are inherently creative, and platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn are proving fertile grounds for growth. 2. Affordable Access to Tools: With mobile phones and affordable data plans, creating and sharing content is easier than ever. 3. Global Visibility: The internet breaks geographical barriers, allowing Nigerian content creators to reach audiences worldwide. Getting Started in Content Marketing Here’s a practical guide to help you kickstart your content marketing journey: 1. Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific area you're passionate about or knowledgeable in. Your niche could be anything from fashion and technology to food or education. 2. Set Clear Goals: What do you aim to achieve with your content? Is it to build an audience, sell products, or establish authority in a field? 3. Learn the Basics: Study essential skills like SEO, copywriting, and analytics. There are plenty of free and paid resources available to get you started. 4. Create and Publish Content: Start small, create consistently, and share your work across various platforms to build a portfolio. 5. Engage Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations to build a loyal community. FAQ on Content Creators, Content Marketing, and Content Creation. How Much Do Content Creators Charge in Nigeria? The fees for content creators in Nigeria vary widely depending on their experience, niche, and the specific project. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from N50,000 to N500,000 for a sponsored post or video. How Content Creators Make Money in Nigeria? Content creators in Nigeria make money through a variety of channels: Brand Partnerships: Collaborating with brands to promote their products or services. Social Media Ads: Running ads on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Merchandise: Selling branded merchandise like t-shirts and hats. Affiliate Marketing: Promoting products and earning a commission on sales. YouTube Ad Revenue: Monetizing YouTube videos through ads. Who is the Highest-Paid Content Creator in Nigeria? It's difficult to pinpoint the exact highest-paid content creator in Nigeria, as income can fluctuate. However, popular influencers like MrMacaroni, Broda Shaggi, and Tunde Ednut are undoubtedly among the top earners. How Much Does Facebook Pay Nigerian Content Creators? Facebook pays Nigerian content creators through its monetization programs, such as Facebook Ads and Facebook Stars. The exact amount a creator can earn depends on factors like the number of views, likes, and shares their content receives. How Do I Price Myself as a Content Creator? When pricing your services as a content creator, consider factors like your experience, the complexity of the project, and the value you bring to the table. You can charge hourly rates, project-based fees, or a combination of both. Who Pays a Content Creator? Content creators can be paid by various sources, including: Brands: Companies that hire content creators for sponsored posts, product reviews, or campaigns. Agencies: Advertising and marketing agencies that hire content creators for their clients. Platforms: Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok pay creators through ad revenue and other monetization programs. Direct clients: Individuals or businesses who hire content creators for specific projects. What Platforms Pay Content Creators in Nigeria? Several platforms pay content creators in Nigeria, including: YouTube TikTok Instagram Facebook Twitter Medium Patreon How Much Do Content Writers Charge Per Word in Nigeria? The rate for content writers in Nigeria can vary depending on their experience, the complexity of the project, and the specific niche. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from N10 to N100 per word. Which Content Creator Platform Pays the Most? The platform that pays the most depends on various factors, including the niche, the content format, and the creator's audience. However, YouTube and TikTok are generally considered to be among the highest-paying platforms. Does TikTok Pay Content Creators in Nigeria? Yes, TikTok pays content creators in Nigeria through its Creator Fund, which rewards creators based on their video views, likes, and shares. How Do Small Content Creators Make Money? Small content creators can make money through various strategies, including: Affiliate marketing Brand partnerships Selling digital products Offering consulting services Crowdfunding Affiliate Marketing You Are Not Too Late to Create Content Are you ready to transform your passion for writing, storytelling, or creative work into a lucrative career? At IBIFoundry, we’re empowering Nigerians to harness the power of content marketing to tell their stories and create impactful brands. Let’s discuss your thoughts or challenges in the comments, or reach out directly for personalized advice. Best, Simon Taki Zaku Founder, IbiFoundry.com.ng

Are you looking to hire an SEO but not clear on how to go about it? In this week's article, we discuss when to hire an SEO freelancer Vs an SEO Agency Vs an In-House SEO team. Hello, my name is Simon Taki Zaku, (freelance SEO professional for B2B), and before writing this blog article specifically for you, I saw this Reddit post on my feed: This Reddit user (ScruffMob), hired an SEO agency for his website already doing 8k organic clicks monthly. Overall, he didn't get any backlinks, traffic, or good content. Not to say all SEO agencies are not effective this post is going to be the most honest piece of guide around hiring an SEO freelancer Vs an SEO Agency Vs an In-House SEO team. Even as a professional freelance SEO expert, I will shed light on the major downsides of working with a freelance SEO expert as opposed to hiring an SEO agency or building an in-house SEO team for your business or website. Now, while some of the SEO agencies are undoubtedly great in providing SEO results, NOT every website will work well with an SEO agency. Some websites will do brilliantly well in search with a freelance SEO expert or building an in-house SEO team. So this guide will break down these 3 categories of SEOs and help you select the perfect SEO hire for your website. Side Note: At the end of this short guide, I will be giving you a free downloadable resource that includes the top ten intricate questions to ask any SEO before you proceed to hire. These are more targeted SEO questions that are NOT "do you have past results?" or "how many years experience?". This will save you from hiring from 100s of quack SEOs and other SEO scams on the internet. Choosing Between an SEO Freelancer, an SEO Agency, or an In-House SEO Team Which is perfect for your business or website? 1 - Hiring an SEO Freelancer (AKA a Freelance SEO Expert) To begin with; Who is an SEO freelancer? An SEO freelancer offers freelance SEO services, mostly at hourly rates or project basis, to website owners or businesses. SEO freelancers (AKA freelance SEO experts) majorly offer SEO services like backlink reach-outs, content creation, blog writing, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, etc, to website owners on the internet at affordable rates. What other SEO services does an SEO freelancer offer websites? A freelance SEO professional takes care of your entire website SEO. A freelance SEO can handle your SEO planning and content creation. An SEO freelancer can also manage your WordPress websites. A few freelance SEO experts can also handle email marketing and lead generation. Now, this is something most posts do not shed light on. What are the duties of an SEO freelancer in 2024? What do SEO freelancers do? There are so many hats an SEO freelancer could wear as a freelancer, but here are the major duties of an SEO freelance professional: Executing content recommendations for SEO from SEO Managers, SEO Directors, and VPs, Blog writing, Writing and sending outreach emails and DMs, Backlink sourcing, Writing and publishing guest posts, Optimizing website copy, Performing intensive and regular keyword research, Understanding and translating SEO analytics to useful data, Work closely with marketing and sales team to write better content that ranks, and, On-page and off-page SEO tasks. How much does an SEO freelancer charge? Typically, an SEO freelancer charges an hourly rate per project. This is usually anywhere from $10 - $100 per hour depending on experience and level of expertise. Freelance SEO experts also charge a month-to-month basis that ranges from $500 to $3,000. Hiring an SEO freelancer is undoubtedly cheaper than building an in-house SEO team or an SEO agency. Advantages of Hiring a Freelance SEO Expert Over Agency and In-house SEO: Relatively cheap rates for SEO - High ROI due to low investment in the long run. Flexible work hours - you can call or text an SEO freelancer anytime to handle a task or project. With tips, most SEO freelancers will be happy to work. Less SEO projects thus a closer work relationship - I run weekly and sometimes daily calls with my SEO clients. We also chat often on WhatsApp. This creates a closer bond between SEO professionals and employers. Smooth communication - unlike with an SEO agency, you can have a great communication experience with SEO freelancers who can work extra time for tips or fees. Result-oriented and better-focused - As an SEO freelance writer, I can only take on 3 SEO clients or websites at once. This allows me to work closely to understand my clients' websites, goals, customers, and campaigns. Bespoke services. Miscellaneous services without additional fees - SEO freelancers are mostly skilled in other aspects you might need (without paying extra). Examples are WordPress management, Social media designs, social media management, or landing page copywriting. Most agencies will charge $1000s to handle these tasks. No account manager. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Freelancer over SEO Agency and In-house: No proper work structure - unlike with SEO agencies or an in-house SEO team, there is no structure a freelancer works with. This can affect overall business results. Can not handle large projects - As a one-person game, freelancers can not handle large SEO projects that require more hands. (emailing 5000 websites for backlinks or collaboration). Website SEO usually requires more than one person (or skillset) - from technical SEO, guest posting, content planning & creation, to on-page and off-page SEO. It is easier to find a suitable SEO agency than an SEO freelancer. Most SEO freelancers are only great in one SEO niche (B2B, B2C, Tech, etc). Most freelancers do not have exquisite resources and expensive SEO tools for projects - most SEO freelancers lack expensive SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Pro. Experienced SEO Freelancers to Consider Hiring Today? (portfolios attached) Here are three (3) professional SEO freelancers with excellent knowledge of SEO with excellent track records to consider checking: Simon T. Zaku (Myself) - a cool addition to open with, I thought. You can learn about my SEO services here and get a free SEO Audit from me by filling out this Google form here. Karl is an SEO freelancer with more than a decade's experience in organic traffic generation. He's a result-driven SEO freelance expert and is available to work. Chidinma Ofoegbu is one of the finest SEO freelance specialists and SEO writers to hire from Nigeria. She's worked with some of the best brands like BusinessYield, FinancialFitnessClinic, and Madda. You can find Chidinma on LinkedIn or her portfolio website here. 2 - Hiring An SEO Agency What is an SEO agency? What does an SEO agency do? An SEO agency, on the other hand, is an agency team of SEO professionals that offers SEO services like content planning, SEO hiring, content outsourcing, SEO planning, SEM, and PPC. An SEO agency is a registered company with a proper business structure and management staff that oversee the business. An SEO agency, consists of large SEO projects, decent businesses, and large websites with budgets for SEO and PPC. What are the main duties of an SEO agency? What is the role of an SEO agency? An SEO agency is in charge of; Hiring SEO managers, hiring content writers, hiring technical SEO professionals, and overseeing your entire SEO plan, Content development, Keyword planning & keyword research, SEO link building, Plan your SEO strategy, Write search engine-optimized content (or hire a freelance SEO writer), SEO reporting, Running backlink audits, Performing website evaluation for excellent SEO projections, and, Web design (UX/UI for SEO). How much do SEO agencies charge today? SEO agencies in the U.S. charge around $100 to $350 per hour. However the majority of SEO agencies today use the traditional retainer system for clients. This is a month-to-month payment fee that usually costs anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for SEO agencies in the United States. Globally, (outside the U.S.), most SEO agencies can charge $20 to $50 hourly or $1,000 to $7,500 on a month-to-month retainer basis. Advantages of Hiring an SEO Agency Over SEO Freelancer and In-house SEO: An SEO agency is more likely to produce better SEO results than an SEO freelancer. An SEO agency is cheaper than building an in-house SEO team. Diverse SEO experts in various fields. "Two heads are better than one freelancer". In-depth SEO projects and intense implementation. Access to premium SEO tools for your SEO campaigns (SEMRush, Ahrefs, Crazyegg). A proper management that oversees every project. No budget for SEO training for employees unlike with in-house SEOs. Disadvantages of Hiring an SEO Agency Over a Freelance SEO Expert and In-house SEO: No close or deep connection with SEO which might affect the effectiveness of pages and content published by the agency. There is no 'Author Profile'. With an SEO freelancer, every published post can be tagged along with the SEO's 'About Me' section which can build a close relationship with your writers and website readers. 'Offloading' fee. This is one aspect that might be present in most structured businesses. A freelance SEO will not require an offloading fee and can cancel anytime. Your SEO manager can change; prompting you to go through processes to explain your brand. No flexible work hours as opposed to SEO freelancers who are likely to accept tasks at any moment. SEO agencies have work hours they strictly follow. Great SEO Agencies to Consider Working With Today? (websites attached) Three (3) Great SEO Agencies in 2024: Grow and Convert - Benji and Devesh are two awesome people I have learned a lot from. They met at an event and decided to start Grow and Convert, I followed their journey to building Grow and Convert in years. Super great expertise for your SEO needs. JtreeSEO - Josh Laughtland founder of JtreeSEO; a boutique SEO agency that links websites to organic audiences on search engine users. Jtree offers continuous SEO campaigns and SEO management. SimonWrites SEO Agency - this is my very own SEO agency. Learn more about how I am building SimonWrites SEO from scratch here. Now, what is an in-house SEO team? 3 - Building an In-house SEO Team Can SEO be done in-house? Now, unlike freelance SEO experts or an SEO agency which are third-party service providers, an in-house SEO team is simply a team that is part of your business. So rather than going out to hire a third-party freelancer or an agency to handle your website SEO, you build your SEO team within your company team. You're an SEO team within your already-built company or business. This usually consists of positions like; SEO Manager. SEO Writer. SEO Director. SEO Specialist. SEO design specialist (or technical SEO expert). How's an in-house SEO team mostly built? Most companies or businesses would select from their existing team, the best employees with great digital marketing skills relating to SEO. Some of these are; Blogging, WordPress, Web-design, Writing, Inbound marketing, Reach-outs and collaboration, Content creation, Critical and analytical thinking, etc. An in-house SEO team is a great option because employees will understand and know more about your business because of time spent in your business space (offices). On the other hand, an in-house SEO team can be a bit more stressful to build but worth it in the long run. You are simply building an SEO team you manage and oversee every day. This team will spend time with the marketing, sales, and customer teams to better plan and implement your SEO projects. What are the duties of an in-house SEO team? The duties and advantages of building an in-house SEO team are quite similar. But with an in-house, you get to oversee your SEO efforts even better and more closely. What does an in-house SEO do? Here are some of the duties of an in-house SEO team to the business: Consists of SEOs with functions like SEO Specialist, SEO Manager, SEO Writer, etc, who work as a team under one website to ensure the website attracts search traffic that in turn helps achieve the business goals. Create and design effective SEO plans and execute, Report SEO results to designated senior officers, Work closely with team writers, keyword researchers, backlink experts, content creators, and editors to ensure a powerful SEO implementation. Partaking in business meetings relating to marketing, sales, and customer departments to better understand customers and create converting copies for your web pages. Majorly any duties SEO freelancers and SEO agencies offer. What is the Cost of Building an In-House SEO Team? Building an in-house SEO team requires budgeting and proper management. Hiring an SEO professional for an in-house employee job function costs between $50,000 to $70,000 at around $4,100 to $5,800 monthly. But to ensure an effective in-house SEO team, you need more than one role. You can hire an averagely experienced SEO professional and an SEO manager or VP. Hiring an SEO manager for your website costs anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 depending on your location. This is the most expensive option but allows more control and better SEO results. Advantages of Building an In-House SEO Team Over an SEO Agency or an SEO Freelancer: All resources are specifically dedicated to ensuring your business goals are met. Larger SEO project implementations. Smooth and immediate communication unlike with SEO freelancers or SEO agencies. Laser-focused SEO projects as opposed to SEO agencies that juggle SEO clients and dozens of SEO projects. A clearer understanding of your products, customers, and marketing campaigns. 1 1 meetings with the sales, customer, and marketing departments. Disadvantages of Building an In-House SEO Team Over an SEO Agency or a Freelance SEO Professional: The process of training employees takes time and resources. Requires a six-figure budget. Not suitable for small business websites with low income. Takes a longer time for synergy as a team. The process of hiring on-site SEO experts can be challenging. 2 Examples of Great Companies with an In-House SEO Team: Argos in-house SEO team. Learn about Claudia Higgins' experience working as an SEO specialist in the in-house SEO team at Argos. Read here! Online Mortgage Advisor in-house SEO team. Learn all that Sunny Matharu learned working 15 + years in an in-house SEO team. Click here. Sunny is now the Head of SEO at Online Mortgage Advisor (at the time of writing). As a Business, When Should You Hire an SEO Freelancer Vs. SEO Agency Vs. Build An In-House SEO Team? What type of SEO is best to hire? Selecting an SEO for your website or business depends on the type of business that you run. I have explained the benefits and downsides of hiring an SEO freelancer, an SEO agency and building an in-house SEO team. With SEO, there is no one size fits all. And that is why I am offering free SEO Audits to my awesome readers like you. The type of business you run, your target customers, and the market you are in should help you figure out the type of SEO that is perfect for your website, type of business, or brand. For example, as a startup, you might want to consider hiring a freelance SEO because that is cheaper and you can reach out to him more and even get a higher return (ROI) from your website. On the other hand, if you are a more developed brand that can carve out thousands of dollars in SEO budget, you can either go for an SEO agency or build an in-house SEO team for your business or website. Click here to tell me more about your business website for a free SEO Audit from me (within 24 hours). Finally, here is the free document that I promised. To be able to hire the perfect SEO for your website, there are certain questions you must ask. From my experience as an SEO freelancer, people suffer from SEO hires. Businesses suffer simply because they cannot differentiate fake SEO from real, experienced SEOs. This will include all the necessary questions you need to ask before proceeding to work with an SEO freelancer or an SEO agency for the best SEO results. So, this is a free PDF that you can download which includes the top ten intricate questions to ask any SEO before you proceed to hire (beyond "Do you have past results?" or "How many years of experience?". Click here to download the free PDF from my blog forum for free. SEO Expert for Hire - Simon Taki Zaku Are you looking for an affordable, professional, and experienced SEO freelancer for your business or website? My name is Simon T. Zaku and I am a professional SEO with ten years of experience generating organic traffic for web websites like Cyberbackpack.com, A1future.com, UniclixApp.com, and many more. I have generated millions of organic traffic to my clients' websites. You can email me here or use the Contact Me page and let me know how I can help your business and if you're a perfect fit, I'll reach back to you with the next steps on how to grow your website online. Have a great day, Simon T. Zaku, Owner - Simon Zaku dot com, Email - simonzakucom at gmail dot com. Click here for a free SEO Audit! Click here to join my free blog forum and download the free PDF file.

What is the most profitable blogging niche, you ask? My name is Simon Zaku and on this blog post page, I'll show you how to choose a profitable blog niche and make good money from it. Also, I researched the 30 most profitable blogging niches that make the most money today and added them to this page. So if you are looking to go into blogging and struggle to find a profitable niche for your blog this entire page answers all your questions. Recommended Post: How to Start a $1,000 Per Month Blog - My Success Story (opens in new tab) You get access to this free PDF file too :) Blogging has evolved. This involves finding a sweet spot that serves your blog's target customers or clients. I had difficulties selecting a niche or market for my new blog about 12 years ago. I knew I needed to find a profitable and lucrative blogging niche but figuring it out was a challenge. I remember creating my first blog, was a tech blog, zakxloaded.com on BlogSpot (blogger.com), and getting all excited about it. It took me a while before I created another blog and navigated my approach completely; I went into the SEO and content marketing space and within a month, I grew my blog traffic to 5,000 monthly. TABLE OF CONTENT (Please, Click to Navigate the Post) Introduction (Understanding "Niche" in Blogging). Brainstorming 100s of Profitable Blog Niche Ideas for You. Validating 100s of Blog Niche Ideas (to find the perfect blog niche for you). Coming up with Your First 50 Lucrative Blog Post Ideas (that fit your blog niche). Free Download: 30 of the Most Profitable Blog Niche Ideas (to make money right now from anywhere). What is a Blog Niche and Why Do You Need One? Do you know the most successful brands today target a specific audience? What’s a niche? In business, a niche is a specialized market for a particular product or service. This is not different from a blog niche! What is a blogging niche? A blogging niche is a specialized segment of a blog market. If a blogger creates content that teaches people how to cook, the blog niche is Cooking. Blog niche examples? If a blogger publishes content around yoga, that’s a yoga blog. Hence, a "Yoga Niche". A blogger who creates blogs for web designers is a web-design blog. Hence, a "Web-Design niche. If the blogger writes about beauty, the blog niche is "beauty niche". 3 things to consider when selecting a profitable blog niche: The blog niche topic: this is the general topic idea you want to go into. The blog niche specific audience or target customers: to run a successful blog, you must find a specific target audience that you want to serve. Your blog posts will only focus on helping this set of people. A niche monetization strategy: you must plan out a marketing and sales funnel that will generate income from any blog niche on auto-pilot. For example; My blog niche topic: I am a search engine optimization specialist and I help businesses with article writing, content & SEO. The blog niche-specific audience or target customers: My target is B2B software businesses (SAAS). A niche monetization strategy: I offer freelance SEO and Blog writing services to software businesses (aka SEO agencies, B2B SaaS, etc.). Get the idea? A blog niche helps you to avoid competition and stand out easily. How to Find Profitable Blog Niches for Your New Blog - Step-by-Step How do you begin brainstorming profitable blog niche ideas? Ask yourself... What are you passionate about? Starting, I had blog niche ideas like; Soccer - I always had a deep love for this. Technology - I naturally developed a love for the internet. Passive income - I learned some money-making skills that I believe people need to learn. Spirituality - I love talking to people about living a good and fulfilled life. Music - I love good music. Vlogging - I love the idea of documenting your life on video. I love keeping memories. Think about your accomplishments, past positions, awards, or experiences. Try not to think about how profitable your ideas are; in the next steps, I’ll show you how to do that. How to Research the Profitability of Your Blog Niche Starting a blog to make money goes beyond your passion. You could create a wonderful blog around a topic you’re so passionate about and still not make a dollar. Can you consistently create blog posts on this topic weekly for a year? If it’s something you feel you might get tired of, then stay away from that niche. Naturally, you should be able to come up with random content ideas for your blogging niche you have. There are a few tools that can help you validate the profitability of your blog niche ideas that I recommend: Tool 1) Google Keyword Planner (GKP). Head over to Google Keyword Planner and create a free account. Go to 'Discover new keywords' type in your niche keywords and click on Get results. Niches with lots of searches mean lots of people search those terms. Pay attention to the 'competition' (Low, Medium, High) as you do not want to get into a crowded blogging niche. Tool 2) Quora. Next, I use Quora to get real questions my target audience is asking online. Quora is a powerful tool and we can get useful comments that can help you start a profitable blog. I always use it to find lucrative blog post ideas to write about. You can get questions on topics ranging from Yoga, Marketing, Programming, Cooking, Poems, Photography, Business, Soccer, History Investing, and dozens more! Tool 3) Related blogs. The next thing I do is check other related blogs and possible competitions. Research similar blogs to see what they are doing, and what is working and what is not. Get a list of your competitors and pay close attention to what they do and how they do it. For example; What type of blog posts do similar blogs post? (Videos, Articles, Podcasts...). What products or services do similar blogs sell? (Ads, Affiliate products, Courses, etc). Who engages with similar blogs in your blogging market? (Children, Adults, CEOs, Consultants, Cooks...). These will help you better understand how your blog niche is performing and help you craft a unique brand voice. Next, Brainstorm 10 to 15 Blog Post Ideas for Your New Blog Niche How do you generate blog post ideas? A powerful blogging strategy I leverage is the ability to use community forums (like Quora, Facebook Groups, etc) to source content ideas to write about. It is also a great way to find out if people will want to pay attention to your new blog or not. Go on platforms like Facebook, Quora, and Twitter and find out what your target blog readers are searching for online. Let’s use Quora as an example; Let’s say you’re in the finance niche or finance market. Head over to Quora.com and run searches relating to the finance space (use your niche). Some keywords we could try out are; How to save money Tools to save money Budgeting Invest money Investment tools Investment platforms Student loans Home buying and more. All of these are lucrative blog post ideas you can write on. What are the Best Blogging Niches? 30 of the Most Profitable Blog Niches that Will Make You Money. What are the most profitable blog niches? Certain blog niches have been known to do well compared to others. And for this blog guide, I’ve added the list of the top 30 most profitable blog niches on the internet. 30 Most Profitable Blogging Niches for 2024: AI news and update blogs Digital marketing blogs E-commerce blogs Gaming Cryptocurrency Real Estate Blogging blogs B2b marketing Making money online Personal Finance Copywriting Startup blogs Entrepreneurship blogs Freelancing blogs Investing Motivational blogs Food and recipe blogs Personal development Weight loss Yoga blogs Beauty and Fashion blogs Web design Parenting blogs Language Instructor blogs Review blogs Music review blogs Travel blogs Makeup blogs Photography Writing blogs CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS LIST AS A PDF FILE :) What do you think about this blog post? Best, Simon Taki Zaku

"I published this blog post on the 3rd of April, 2024. That very blog post (on buying bespoke blog articles), started ranking on Google on the 7th of April, less than a week later. Here: [UPDATE]: I have been doing SEO for over a decade and the most recurring question I hear EVERY SINGLE TIME IS: "How long till I start ranking on Google after I invest in SEO?" Most SEO experts say 1 to 3 years. Or at least months. You then feel discouraged and end up ignoring SEO. You go for social media ads, or PPC. Sounds like you? Or your brand? Do you worry it will take too long to start seeing results from SEO? Hello everybody, this is your favorite SEO specialist and content marketing expert, Simon Taki Zaku. And I am super excited to share this unique and FREE SEO course, project, and challenege with you guys (my community). This SEO course will walk students like you, step by step, on how to publish a blog post and rank it on Google in less than 28 days. Yes, in less than 28 days. Don't believe? Read on, I'll show you. Below are some blog posts that started ranking within days after publishing on this website, simonzaku.com. I published this blog post on the 3rd of April, 2024. That very blog post (on buying blog posts), started ranking on Google on the 7th of April, just 4 days later. Here (I'll keep updating the screenshots in this course with newer traffic updates so you can see what growth or deline happens behind-the-scenes): SECOND LIVE EXAMPLE OF FAST GOOGLE RANKING (with a small site): Here is another blog post on what digital marketing is (a simple guide) I published on the 1st of April, 2024. And just 2 Days later, it picked impressions from Google (on the 3rd of April). Here: Luck? The post (on digital marketing) is still growing (updated screenshots): A third LIVE example. This blog post (on attracting quality SEO backlinks) that I published on the March 22nd, picked its first Google impression within days. Here is the post: If this website (my website) with low domain authority and high SPAM score can rank these blog post pages in less than 7 days then YOU CAN REPLICATE THE SAME! And this FREE ZAKU SEO Course will show you every single step I take to get these Google results. STEP BY STEP!! Click Here to Help Me Share this FREE SEO Course with YOUR COLLEAGUES on X (Twitter). Free SEO Course/Challenge: Rank a New Blog Post Page in 7 Days (Join & Participate - Step by Step) Are you excited for this free course already? I will share every step I take from start to finish. Everything I ever do to get my blog post to rank this fast on Google. Click Here to Help Me Share this FREE SEO Course with YOUR COLLEAGUES on X (Twitter). I also included some of the lessons we will be covering in this free SEO course: Introduction to rapid SEO ranking Step by step guide to creating and optimizing the perfect blog post that will rank How to track your progress How to promote your blog post without spending a dollar on ad or PPC So we will be doing quite a lot of practical stuff in this SEO course. It's going to be the most practical SEO course on the internet. More importantly, at the end, I will be doing a $200 blog post article giveaway to 2 participants in this SEO course. So if you stick to the end of this FREE SEO course completely accesible to evryone online (cause I feel there is so much bad SEO advice online even by our industry leaders), you stand a chance to win a bespoke blog post service actually from me. All you need to do is drop a comment on the last lesson (lesson 5) on this course with your thoughts. And I'll be picking the first 2 commenters. Now, one misconception I hear is about how websites rank on Google and search engines. How Search Engines Like Google Rank Websites (or Blogs) Most people and website owners are not aware of how search engines even work. How do they crawl a website, or what pages do search engines choose to rank? In simple terms, Search engines crawl every website online and every individual page on each website. Search engine crawlers then read and recommend your website's pages to search engine users based on the content on the page. So if you have an about us page on your website, and someone searches "About you" then that about page should show up if properly optimized for search engines. Or when you Google search "Cartflows Alternatives", my page pops up because I have a page targeting that keyword and properly optimized. That is a blog post page. Websites can only rank for a few keywords if they only create pages like: About us The Team What we do Register, etc. But with a blog for your business, startup, NGO, online store, etc, you can create hundreds of pages that target different SEO keywords of your choice. Let me give an example... With 50 blog posts published, this website currently ranks for 952 Google keywords. I don't think that will have been possible with just an About, Contact, or Register Pages. And this free SEO course will share the exact blueprint I use to do this. STEP BY STEP! Are you ready? Yes? Now, click the links below to begin reading the lessons: [Lesson 1/5]: How I Generate 50+ SEO Content Ideas for Fast Google Rankings in Minutes [Lesson 2/5]: SEO Keyword Research [Lesson 3/5]: SEO Writing "Click Here to Help Me Share this FREE SEO Course with YOUR COLLEAGUES on X (Twitter)."

How do freelancers make sure they get paid? Did you know that 20% of international freelance clients do not pay freelancers? Hello, everybody. Your favorite SEO specialist. Simon Zaku. And in today's, blog post, I want to share a old story with you. This is one story I never published or shared with anyone. So this is practically the first place I am sharing this very story. So, basically, this is how I got scammed $840 by a so-called freelance client named ‘Liz Fournier’ sometime in 2019 when I was just getting started freelancing. I worked my ass off for this client and got literally $0 for my effort. I averaged around 2000 words per day and did so for 30 days. But, they never paid me. You see, there is a huge rise on the topic of freelancers getting scammed by clients or getting cheated by clients. And nobody talks about it! Everyone is just focused on “how can I not get scammed by freelancer”. Forgetting you as a freelancer are equally facing that risk. And more so because most times you have to work and submit before you are paid. Even on freelancer job boards. And I actually have been scammed by a ‘freelance client’ using ‘Liz Fournier’. Please if you come across any Liz Fournier claiming to hire you, run. How did this happen? Read on I’ll share! Online scams have been in existence since the Internet came into being. Scammers have always devised new ways or newer ways to prey on people. In fact, in 2020 alone, the US saw a $3.5 billion fraud and cybercrime related losses. The UK had 1.4 million crime & cybercrime reports the same year. That’s huge! Now, how did I get scammed by a Freelance writing client and how can you avoid getting scammed? My $840 Freelance Gig Scam Story About 5 to 6 years ago when I started this very website, simonzaku.com, I went on PeoplePerHour, and then I got a message from this potential client saying he was looking for a freelance SEO writer for his projects. RED FLAG: Liz Fournier suggested we went to Skype if I wanted them to hire me. We then went on Skype, and here are some of the screenshots of the conversations that I had with this very ‘employer’ on Skype. So after writing dozens of articles for Liz Fournier, (at a very low rate), for about 30 full days, I asked for payment. Normally, Liz Fournier would just send me the details of the project or the article. Give me the timeline, the word count, and the price per article or per word. I then get to write everything in 1-5 hours (yes I was reporting 5-10 articles per day). And if there was any correction, I'll revisit and correct all the articles. So, the thing was, 1, I didn't ask for any upfront because I trusted this so-called client Another thing I ignored was who this “Liz Fournier” really was. I didn’t do my research prior. Are they a founder? The CEO? Where do they work? And all of that. As a beginner freelance writer at the time, I made these mistakes. And it caused me a whole lot of time and energy. They agreed to pay after 30 days of work. And in 30 days, I wrote more than 50,000-words in articles. When it was time to pay, i heard nothing. They stopped replying. And to date, which is 6 years later, I still haven't heard from ‘Liz Fournier’ yet. How about the ‘Liz Fournier’ Skype account? The Skype account still comes online, but never opens or replies to my messages. Now very importantly, here are some of the major freelance scams that are trending online. Popular Freelance Job Scams to Avoid: The Free Trials Scam: What freelancer free trials? A freelancer situation where a freelance client insists the freelancer gives them a free trial with no form of written contract or written agreement. Listen… They made not hire you! A lot of times, people may want to get free trial work anyhow possible. I have been a victim. And this isn’t just the first. (Subscribe to my blog - I’ll be sharing my stories here) And after the free trial period, they drop you off. 2. The Second is Work Before Pay (no upfront). For this, the freelance clients promises a great pay or reward after work is done. But after that certain time, they disappear. 3. Fake Job Postings/Applications Scams. Years back, a company I followed on LinkedIn posted a job position I felt I was at least a great fit for, and then I applied. I was interviewed by the team and even hired for the job. I don't want to mention the name of the company, but I still follow the company. I applied, was interviewed, and I even got the job. And after getting the job, I worked for about 2 months, and I completed the entire project successfully. Now after the contract was done, I still noticed that every job posting on LinkedIn was still very much active even though they were not hiring. I personally completed the project. This meant a lot of people were still applying for a job that isn't even active. (Maybe do trial projects). What I'm saying is some brands post on job listing boards for the attention it gets. Or the free work itself. “Hey you’ve passed the first step. Now to move on, we need you to write a 500-word review on “INSERTS TOPIC?” Heard this? Or for example, on LinkedIn, when people apply for a job you opted, by default they follow the employee brand page unless you decide to unfollow. 4. Late Payment Excuses. A written agreement is actually needed because sometimes as a freelancer, the client is going to say “I'm busy” or “I’m on the road”, etc. But with an agreement, (for example, on the 29th of every month, client pays or work stops). Most times, freelance clients tend to convince freelancers they are legit, and they're definitely going to pay but don’t fall for that. Be sure to ensure you always get a contract signed or a written agreement so that you can follow-up just in case something goes wrong. What I do is before working with you, I like to know more about the person who is hiring me. That is a freelance client. I ask a bit more personal questions like; What is your name? What are your social media handles? What company do you own or work with? Are you comfortable sharing your phone number an company email? How Can You Tell a Fake Freelance Client? There is no one way to know a scammer but you can tell a fake freelance client by using any or all of the following together; when the clients insist on free trial. when the client is insisting that you first work for a certain period before they pay you. insists on no upfront payments. the job application offer has been active for 30 to 60 days. When it is getting closer to your pay date, you start to notice the freelance clients start to complain a lot. Or During pay date, the freelance client start to avoid your messages or calls. How to Avoid Getting Scammed as a Freelancer! For ghosting scams, it is a bit difficult to tell because as a businessman, you understand time is important. Acquaint yourself with the client and know the best way to reach out. What are 5 steps to avoid getting scammed by fraudulent freelance clients? always find out more about the person hiring you, always ask for a written agreement or a signed contract. always request for multiple ways to contact (WhatsApp, colleagues, calls, emails, workers, social accounts, etc). always ensure you sign a contract that includes payment dates and payment deadlines. Have you ever been scammed as a freelancer? Use the comments section below ;) Join my free freelance community here. Best, Simon Taki Zaku