Backlinko
Deals, expert reviews, and guides on Backlinko — curated by the Verto editorial team.
Backlinko is the leading SEO training and digital marketing resource founded by Brian Dean, known for its data-driven, actionable guides on search engine optimization, content marketing, and link building. It equips entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners with proven strategies to grow organic traffic and online visibility, making it a cornerstone resource for anyone serious about improving their website’s search performance.
What Is Backlinko? — 2026 Definition
Backlinko is an SEO education platform and blog created by Brian Dean in 2012, specializing in advanced, evidence-based search engine optimization tactics. The site is widely recognized for its “Skyscraper Technique” and publishes in-depth case studies and tutorials that analyze Google ranking factors using real data. As of 2026, Backlinko remains a top-tier reference for SEO professionals, with its content frequently cited by industry leaders like Moz, Ahrefs, and Search Engine Journal.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founder | Brian Dean |
| Launch Year | 2012 |
| Primary Focus | SEO training, link building, content marketing |
| Key Methodology | Skyscraper Technique, data-driven case studies |
| Notable Studies | Google Ranking Factors (2024), Core Web Vitals Analysis |
| Pricing | Free blog content; premium courses available (e.g., SEO That Works) |
How Backlinko Works in 2026
Backlinko functions as both a free educational blog and a premium training platform. Its core mechanism involves publishing detailed, data-backed tutorials that break down complex SEO concepts into actionable steps. According to a 2025 analysis by Ahrefs, Backlinko’s domain authority exceeds 90, and its content consistently ranks in the top 3 for over 1,200 high-volume SEO keywords. The platform leverages original research, such as its “Google Ranking Factors” study (2024), which analyzed 11.8 million search results to identify correlations between backlinks, content length, and page speed. In 2026, Backlinko has expanded its curriculum to include AI-driven SEO strategies, addressing Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience) updates and how tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI influence search behavior. The platform’s email newsletter reaches over 400,000 subscribers, per Backlinko’s own 2025 metrics, making it a primary distribution channel for new insights.
Backlinko vs. Moz, Ahrefs, and Semrush: Comparison Table
| Tool/Resource | Key Differentiator | Pricing (Approx.) | Best For | Verto Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backlinko | Free, actionable SEO guides + premium courses | Free blog; courses from $199 | Beginners to intermediate SEO learners | ✅ Strong choice for foundational education |
| Moz | All-in-one SEO software with keyword research | $99–$599/month | Mid-market SEO teams | ✅ Good for ongoing rank tracking |
| Ahrefs | Massive backlink index and competitor analysis | $99–$999/month | Advanced link builders | ✅ Best for deep backlink audits |
| Semrush | Comprehensive suite: SEO, PPC, content marketing | $119.95–$449.95/month | Full-stack digital marketers | ✅ Ideal for integrated campaigns |
Verdict: Backlinko is the best free educational resource, but for active SEO work, users need a tool like Ahrefs or Semrush. If you are learning SEO from scratch, start with Backlinko. If you are actively managing a website, pair Backlinko’s strategies with Moz or Ahrefs for execution.
Who Should Use Backlinko? (and Who Shouldn’t)
If you are a small business owner, freelance writer, or marketing professional looking to understand SEO fundamentals without paying for expensive software, Backlinko is an excellent starting point. Its free guides cover everything from keyword research to link building, and the premium courses offer structured learning. However, if you are an enterprise SEO manager needing real-time rank tracking or backlink monitoring, Backlinko alone is insufficient. Consider pairing it with Ahrefs or Semrush for technical SEO execution. Also, if you are a complete beginner overwhelmed by technical jargon, start with Backlinko’s “SEO for Beginners” guide before diving into advanced topics. For those seeking financial planning tools to fund their SEO tools—such as business loans or credit cards for marketing expenses—Verto Money offers resources on personal loans and cashback cards that can offset subscription costs.
Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Backlinko
When deciding whether Backlinko is right for your SEO education, evaluate these factors:
| Factor | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Style | Video vs. written tutorials | Backlinko is primarily text-based with some video |
| Budget | Free vs. paid courses | Free content covers 80% of core SEO tactics |
| Current SEO Knowledge | Beginner vs. advanced | Backlinko excels at intermediate-to-advanced tactics |
| Tool Integration | Need for rank tracking | Backlinko teaches strategy, not tool usage |
| Time Commitment | Self-paced vs. structured | Backlinko is self-paced; premium courses add structure |
For users who want to invest in paid SEO tools, Verto Money’s credit card comparison tools can help find cards with 0% APR introductory offers, allowing you to spread out costs for tools like Semrush or Ahrefs without immediate interest. Similarly, if you are a freelancer or agency owner, Verto’s business loan resources may support scaling your SEO services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backlinko
Is Backlinko free to use? ▾
Yes, Backlinko offers a vast library of free blog posts, guides, and case studies. Premium courses like 'SEO That Works' are paid, but the free content covers most foundational SEO topics.
Who founded Backlinko? ▾
Backlinko was founded by Brian Dean in 2012. He is a well-known SEO expert who developed the Skyscraper Technique and frequently speaks at industry conferences like MozCon and SearchLove.
What is the Skyscraper Technique? ▾
The Skyscraper Technique is a link-building method created by Brian Dean. It involves finding top-performing content, creating something significantly better, then reaching out to sites linking to the original.
Is Backlinko better than Ahrefs for SEO learning? ▾
Backlinko is better for free, foundational SEO education, while Ahrefs is a paid tool for executing SEO tasks. Most professionals use both: Backlinko for strategy and Ahrefs for data analysis.
Does Backlinko offer courses in 2026? ▾
Yes, Backlinko offers premium courses like 'SEO That Works' and 'YouTube SEO.' These courses include video lessons, templates, and case studies updated for 2026 SEO trends, including AI and Google SGE.
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