{"id":13498,"date":"2025-07-15T14:46:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T14:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/15\/how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T14:46:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T14:46:13","slug":"how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/15\/how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"How Brian Dean Would Launch Backlinko in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In 2012, Brian Dean launched Backlinko with one goal: publish world-class SEO content that ranks.<\/p>\n<p>And it worked.<\/p>\n<p>He built one of the most trusted SEO brands in the world, powered almost entirely by blog posts and Google traffic.<\/p>\n<p>But what if he started today?<\/p>\n<p>We asked him. And here\u2019s what he said.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/15\/how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025\/#1_Build_a_Multimedia_Brand_from_Day_One\" >1. Build a Multimedia Brand from Day One<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/15\/how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025\/#2_Show_Up_in_ChatGPT\" >2. Show Up in ChatGPT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/15\/how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025\/#3_Use_AI_as_a_Lever_Not_a_Crutch\" >3. Use AI as a Lever, Not a Crutch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/15\/how-brian-dean-would-launch-backlinko-in-2025\/#Final_Word\" >Final Word<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Build_a_Multimedia_Brand_from_Day_One\"><\/span>1. Build a Multimedia Brand from Day One<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal \">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>\u201cRelying 100% on Google traffic isn\u2019t smart anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The SEO landscape has changed.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/ai-overviews\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI Overviews<\/a> are taking clicks.<\/p>\n<p>LLMs like <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/how-to-use-chatgpt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ChatGPT<\/a> and Perplexity are replacing Google for early research.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Site audit template\" alt=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Site audit template\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.97142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/chatgpt-site-audit-template.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>And algorithm updates keep getting more volatile.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why Brian would focus on multichannel visibility, not just rankings.<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019d still publish SEO-optimized blog posts.<\/p>\n<p>But he\u2019d also build an audience on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>YouTube<\/li>\n<li>TikTok<\/li>\n<li>Instagram<\/li>\n<li>Email<\/li>\n<li>Podcasts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In fact, that\u2019s exactly what he did with <a href=\"https:\/\/explodingtopics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Exploding Topics<\/a>:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Discover Exploding Topics\" alt=\"Discover Exploding Topics\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.65428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/discover-exploding-topics.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>A weekly newsletter sent to 100K+ subscribers<\/li>\n<li>Viral threads and carousel content on X and LinkedIn<\/li>\n<li>Short-form video for discovery on Instagram<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The takeaway?<\/p>\n<p>SEO still matters. But to grow in 2025, you need a brand that travels \u2014 not just a blog that ranks.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Show_Up_in_ChatGPT\"><\/span>2. Show Up in ChatGPT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Backlinko traffic from LLMs is up 800% year-over-year.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"LLM Unique Visitor Growth\" alt=\"LLM Unique Visitor Growth\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.76\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/llm-unique-visitor-growth.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>That\u2019s not a fluke.<\/p>\n<p>People are skipping Google and going straight to ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.<\/p>\n<p>Which raises the question: how do you get mentioned in AI answers?<\/p>\n<p>Brian\u2019s top recommendation:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal \">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>\u201cPublish original data, real insights, and unique strategies.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If your content says the same thing as everything else online, it gets ignored.<\/p>\n<p>But if it brings something new, you have a shot at being cited.<\/p>\n<p>This is where Brian\u2019s content strategy shines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>He shares personal frameworks and coined terms<\/li>\n<li>He publishes SEO case studies no one else has<\/li>\n<li>He backs advice with real data and experiments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>That\u2019s the kind of content LLMs recognize\u2014and cite.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Use_AI_as_a_Lever_Not_a_Crutch\"><\/span>3. Use AI as a Lever, Not a Crutch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here\u2019s the paradox of 2025:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal \">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>\u201cConsumer behavior still feels like 2022\u2026 but the tools are from the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>LLMs can write, research, edit, and brainstorm faster than ever.<\/p>\n<p>But if you use them to pump out generic content?<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll disappear.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, Brian recommends using AI as a multiplier:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Speed up research<\/li>\n<li>Analyze top competitors<\/li>\n<li>Rewrite for clarity and style<\/li>\n<li>Test content angles before publishing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But the final result should be yours \u2014 your voice, your perspective, your experience.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s how you stand out in a world of sameness.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Word\"><\/span>Final Word<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Brian wrapped our chat with a question for you:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal \">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s your strategy for adapting to AI?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Are you experimenting with new formats?<\/p>\n<p>Changing how you publish?<\/p>\n<p>Tracking brand mentions in ChatGPT?<\/p>\n<p>Whatever it is \u2014 lean in.<\/p>\n<p>Because in 2025 and beyond, the people who adapt fast are the ones who win.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/start-backlinko-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How Brian Dean Would Launch Backlinko in 2025<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Backlinko<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2012, Brian Dean launched Backlinko with one goal: publish world-class SEO content that ranks. And it worked. He built one of the most trusted SEO brands in the world, powered almost entirely by blog posts and Google traffic. But what if he started today? We asked him. And here\u2019s what he said. 1. Build a Multimedia Brand from Day One \u201cRelying 100% on Google traffic isn\u2019t smart anymore.\u201d The SEO landscape has changed. AI Overviews are taking clicks. LLMs like ChatGPT and Perplexity are replacing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13499,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backlinko"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150-nToFAE.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/brian-dean-headshot-150x150-nToFAE.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/craig\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13498"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13498\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}