The Skyscraper Technique: How To 10x Your SEO Traffic with Brian Dean’s Recipe for Success

TL;DR

Brian Dean discusses SEO strategies, acquisitions, and building successful businesses.

Transcript

there's no seo courses there were some but they were few and far between and there weren't many b2b focused courses most of the courses were like make money online start you know 100 sites and rank them all for these exact match domains it really wasn't like a legitimate course [Applause] alright everyone today we've got brian dean on the pod for t... Read More

Key Insights

• Brian Dean is renowned for starting Backlinko, a successful SEO blog that evolved into a training company, and later sold to SEMrush.
• The Skyscraper Technique, developed by Brian, involves improving existing content and reaching out to those who shared or linked to the original post.
• Brian's strategy for Backlinko's success included sharing personal wins and losses, which differentiated him in a competitive SEO space.
• SEMrush acquired Backlinko for its valuable audience and educational content, highlighting the importance of audience building for course creators.
• Exploding Topics, another venture by Brian, identifies emerging trends and is particularly useful for investors and content marketers.
• Brian emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with potential buyers during an acquisition process.
• Legal preparedness is crucial for selling a business; having contracts and documentation ready can expedite due diligence.
• Brian's current focus is on enjoying non-business related content, reflecting the importance of taking mental breaks after intense business phases.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Skyscraper Technique?

The Skyscraper Technique is a content creation strategy where you improve existing content and reach out to those who shared or linked to the original post. This involves creating content that is objectively better, matching search intent, and then notifying those who liked the original content about your improved version.

Q: Why did SEMrush acquire Backlinko?

SEMrush acquired Backlinko for its valuable audience and educational content. Backlinko's courses and content were seen as assets that could enhance SEMrush's educational offerings. The acquisition highlights the importance of building a strong audience and having valuable content in attracting potential buyers.

Q: What is Exploding Topics and who benefits from it?

Exploding Topics is a platform that identifies emerging trends using data analysis. It benefits investors, particularly venture capitalists, who want to know about trending topics and startups. Content marketers also use it to find trending keywords that are not yet competitive, aiding in content creation.

Q: What lessons did Brian Dean learn from selling Backlinko?

Brian learned the importance of being legally prepared, with all contracts and documentation ready for due diligence. He also emphasized the significance of building a strong relationship with potential buyers, as trust and personal rapport can greatly facilitate the acquisition process.

Q: How did Brian Dean start Exploding Topics?

Brian started Exploding Topics by acquiring a site that effectively identified trends, which he found while trying to develop a similar tool. The acquisition included bringing the creator on board as a co-founder, allowing them to improve and expand the platform together.

Q: What was Brian Dean's approach to building Backlinko?

Brian's approach involved sharing his personal wins and losses in SEO, which was unique in a space where most content was either agency fluff or self-promotion. He also invested significant effort into each piece of content, which helped Backlinko stand out in the competitive SEO niche.

Q: What is Brian Dean's current focus outside of business?

Currently, Brian is taking a break from business-related content and focusing on non-business materials. He is reading books like 'Endurance' by Alfred Lansing and watching non-business YouTube videos, emphasizing the importance of taking mental breaks after intense business periods.

Q: What is Brian Dean's favorite tool?

Brian's favorite tool is Brain.fm, which he uses for productivity. Brain.fm provides music that helps users focus, and Brian finds it effective for enhancing concentration during work sessions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Brian Dean, known for Backlinko, shares insights on his SEO strategies and business ventures. He developed the Skyscraper Technique, which improved content creation and outreach strategies. His approach of sharing personal experiences helped him stand out in the competitive SEO space.

• Backlinko, acquired by SEMrush, demonstrates the value of a strong audience and educational content in attracting acquisitions. Brian's new venture, Exploding Topics, identifies emerging trends, serving investors and marketers looking for trending keywords.

• Key lessons from Brian's acquisition experience include the importance of legal preparedness and building strong relationships with potential buyers. Currently, Brian focuses on non-business content, emphasizing the need for mental breaks.