Q&A with Anton Van Diermen 

Each time we add a new strategic partner to our Dapper ecosystem it feels like another puzzle piece has fallen into place. Working with Anton on our own marketing and website has been an absolute pleasure! We’re excited to introduce him to our Dapper 9 clients and see the impact he’ll bring to their journeys as well.

What’s Zulik’s one-line elevator pitch?

We like to think our whole shtick is the absence of a shtick! Every business has unique needs, and we take pride in truly understanding our clients’ challenges and delivering tailored solutions. No one-liner can capture the full scope of what we do — or maybe that’s the one-liner!?

Put simply: We don’t sell one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter solutions. We deliver measurable results through website development and digital marketing that align with your business, your goals, and your budget.

Why are you passionate about what you do?

At its core, what I do is about connection — connecting businesses to their customers, people to solutions, and brands to their true potential. The internet is ultimately a tool for communication, and I’m passionate about using it to cut through noise, build clarity, and create meaningful interactions.

We live in a time where consumers have more choices than ever before, yet paradoxically, we’re also increasingly nudged towards certain decisions through marketing tactics, algorithms, and hype-trains. If I see one more service with “blockchain” or “AI” thoughtlessly slapped on it I think I might pass out. Or at least roll my eyes. Anyway, it’s a fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) space to work in, and I love helping businesses navigate it with transparency, strategy, and a results-driven approach.

Building Zulik has been an opportunity to strip away the jargon and fluff, and instead focus on what actually matters — helping businesses thrive online in a way that feels real, sustainable, and aligned with their goals.

Who is your ideal customer?

Our ideal customer is someone who has a solid product or service offering but knows there’s untapped potential. Maybe they lack a strong online presence, aren’t reaching the right audience, or feel their digital marketing efforts aren’t working as hard as they could be.

They’re looking for more than just a quick-fix marketing package. They want a strategic partner — someone to help them make informed decisions, refine their digital presence, and build a long-term approach that actually delivers results.

That doesn’t mean they have to be the marketing experts or the developers. But it does mean they’re open to collaboration, eager to explore new opportunities, and invested in growing their business in a meaningful way — whether that’s through a smarter website, better SEO, PPC, email marketing, or whatever else makes the most sense for them.

What can Dapper clients expect in a discovery call with you?

Expect a conversation around your online presence, not a sales pitch. My goal in a discovery call is to get a real understanding of your business — what you do, who you serve, and where you feel stuck or unsure about your digital presence.

I’ll ask questions, listen, and offer honest insights into what’s working, what’s not, and what opportunities exist. If there’s a good fit, I’ll outline potential solutions, but always with a focus on what makes sense for you — not just a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.

Think of it as a strategy session: a chance to explore ideas, get clarity, and leave with a better sense of how to move forward — whether that’s with us or not.

Tell us a bit about your career to date.

My first job in digital was as an “SEO copywriting” intern fresh out of university in 2011 — back in the wild west days of SEO, when stuffing keywords in white text on a white background was a legitimate strategy. Thankfully, the industry has evolved since then.

Over the years, I’ve worked with agencies both locally and internationally, learning from some incredibly talented marketers and developers. That experience shaped my approach, expanding my skill set beyond SEO to include PPC, email marketing, custom analytics tracking, and website development. Rather than just reciting my LinkedIn Experience section here, you can go check it out yourself there if you want 😅.

Before launching Zulik, I worked with my dear, dear friend (and now-business-partner) Raphael at another agency. We always had a shared vision that we could do this ourselves — build something that felt more aligned with our values and approach.

Then COVID hit. Suddenly, remote work became the norm, and we saw firsthand that we could work independently, successfully, and on our own terms. So, in early 2022, we took the plunge. And we’re so glad we did.

What brings you joy and energises you?

Nothing recharges my battery pack like getting out of the city. There’s something deeply grounding about seeing an unpolluted night sky, chopping wood for a fire, cooking over an open flame, swimming in a mountain pool, and just soaking up the peace and quiet. Honestly, writing this is making me want to plan my next trip right now.

As much as I’d love to get away more often, I’m grateful for the little daily rituals that help me reset and recharge. Cooking, gardening, playing guitar, listening to music, and chess are all moments where I can zone out from stress and zone into something that feels good, creative, or just satisfying.

What do you enjoy about collaborating with Dapper?

I really appreciate the deeply human approach Dapper brings to their work — helping people uncover their true identity, develop their brand, and reach their full potential in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. That personal connection resonates with me because it aligns perfectly with how we at Zulik like to work: with unique people, on unique challenges.

Collaborating with a team that values that human element makes the process all the more rewarding — especially when their clients are already open to that journey of growth and transformation.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

When I was young, like four or so, I’d answer the phone by saying “Anton van Diermen, the human being!” I like to think that eagerness to be a human being has stuck with me. 

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