At talaint®, we celebrate the experts who redefine industries with strategy, vision, and innovation. Today, we’re excited to introduce Martin Zhelyazkov, founder of Z-Consult, Bulgaria’s first premium SEO consultancy.
Martin’s journey is one of curiosity, persistence, and entrepreneurial instinct. From launching his first website at 14 (and receiving a legal notice for it) to leading SEO strategies for top companies, he has spent 15+ years shaping the digital marketing landscape. Today, he helps businesses navigate the complex world of SEO, bridging the gap between brands and agencies with data-driven insights.
Beyond consulting, Martin is dedicated to shaping the next generation of marketers. He has trained over 15,000 professionals and consistently shares his expertise on AI, search engines, and the evolving landscape of digital strategy.
His career is proof that bold moves and strategic thinking lead to success. Want to know more about his lessons learned, the biggest SEO myths, and his take on AI’s role in marketing? Read his interview for talaint® and get inspired:
Could you say a few words about yourself? What industry do you work in?
My name is Martin Zhelyazkov, and I have been working in the marketing industry, specifically in digital marketing, for over 15 years. What started as a hobby turned into a lifelong passion, and today, I can proudly say that I have positioned myself strategically in the industry. I am also the founder of Z-Consult, an innovative company that provides premium consulting services in Bulgaria, helping businesses develop successful digital strategies.
What’s one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
A fun fact about me is that when I was a kid, I promised my grandmothers that when I grew up, I would buy them a Ferrari and an aeroplane. Well, neither of those has happened yet, but hey—I still have time!
Another interesting fact is that at 14 years old, I received a legal notice for one of my websites. I created a movie streaming website, which quickly became one of the largest streaming platforms in Bulgaria. Somehow, the authorities tracked me through the hosting provider and sent me an official letter. Of course, I deleted everything and never responded.
What was your first job ever? How did it shape you?
My first job wasn’t in digital marketing—I actually worked as a waiter at the seaside. I spent almost four summers working there as a student, which taught me discipline, communication, and how to handle pressure.
However, I was always involved in SEO on the side. The job that truly shaped me as a specialist was at Netpeak Bulgaria, where I started in 2018 and spent almost seven amazing years. During this time, I gained deep knowledge, worked with some of the biggest businesses in Bulgaria, and refined my skills. I also worked as a freelancer, which further expanded my expertise.
What’s the last thing you learned that really surprised you?
The last thing I learned—and what truly surprised me—is how big and unknown the business world is once you step into it as an entrepreneur.
I’ve always been curious and eager to learn (I was even called a “nerd” in school!), but starting my own business opened up a whole new perspective. The potential for growth is enormous, and realizing that has been both surprising and incredibly motivating. Now, I see how much I can actually achieve, and time will tell where this journey takes me!
Can you share a mistake you made that ended up being a great learning experience?
One of the biggest mistakes I made was trusting people I barely knew to start a business in 2017. After almost six months of struggles and poor treatment, we eventually parted ways.
This experience taught me an invaluable lesson—when money, interests, and potential are involved, people don’t always share the same vision. It made me realise the importance of choosing the right partners, and this knowledge helped shape my current business in a much more strategic way.
What’s one professional achievement you’re most proud of and why?
I am most proud of the businesses I’ve worked with. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the largest online stores, portals, news websites, service providers, and more. This experience gave me invaluable insights and allowed me to grow as an expert.
Beyond the technical knowledge, this journey shaped my character, confidence, and mindset. I truly believe in the saying: “You become like the people you surround yourself with.” Through hard work and sacrifices, I built an environment that helped me grow both professionally and personally. With the right mentors, the right mindset, and the right support, I believe anyone can achieve incredible things.
What’s one challenge in the industry right now that excites you to solve?
One of the biggest challenges I face is reaching the right people. There are over 400,000 active businesses in Bulgaria, and to be truly successful, I only need to reach 0.002% of them. That’s my goal— finding and connecting with the businesses that truly need my expertise.
Another challenge that excites me is leveraging AI and know-how to transform the consulting industry. I believe that even though my approach is innovative and new, with the right strategy and execution, it can become a game-changer in the market.
What do you think is the next big trend in your industry?
The next big trend in my industry is AI agents. This is an absolute game-changer, and right now, its potential is almost untapped.
I believe AI will revolutionise the way businesses analyse data, make decisions, and optimise their digital strategies. Currently, this potential is barely developed in Bulgaria, but I intend to change that. With the right application of AI solutions and strategic know-how, I aim to lead the way in this transformation.
What’s your dream project that you’d love to work on?
The dream project I want to work on is definitely my current company – Z-Consult. This is my dream, my passion, and my project. I truly believe in its potential and the value it can bring to businesses through premium consulting services.
I am just a person willing to…
I am just a person willing to help everyone who wants to grow and learn. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to train over 15,000 people in the field of digital marketing and SEO, which I consider a significant achievement.
However, I believe there is still much more to accomplish. Education and knowledge-sharing are the keys to long-term success, and I am motivated to continue contributing to the growth of the industry.
