6 Steps to Get AI to Recommend Your Brand
About The Author
I’m Brian Dean.
I remember when I first tried to learn SEO on my own…
It was REALLY frustrating.
Conflicting information.
Confusing terms.
And techniques that didn’t work.
Fast forward to today, and I rank top 3 in Google for competitive keywords, like “video SEO”:
And “Ecommerce SEO”:
Success Magazine considers me “the world’s foremost expert on search engine optimization”.
I’m not showing you all this to brag.
It’s to show you what’s possible when you learn SEO from the right sources.
Speaking of, that’s what this guide is all about.
Contents
Chapter 1: SEO Fundamentals
This chapter is all about teaching you the basics of search engine optimization.
What is SEO? Complete Guide and Tutorial
(Backlinko)
This guide will take you from a complete SEO newbie (“What is this search engine optimization I keep hearing about?”) to a pro (“Title tags=optimized!”).
[Check Out This Resource](/content/hub/seo/what-is-seo "What is SEO? Complete Guide and Tutorial"/index.html)
How Search Works
(YouTube)
If you want a plain-English answer to the question “how do search engines actually work?” this short video is for you.
Check Out This Resource
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Starter Guide
(Google)
SEO advice straight from the horse’s mouth. A bit dense, but definitely worth reading.
Check Out This Resource
The SEO Marketing Hub 2.0
(Backlinko)
The SEO Marketing Hub “Learning Center” is like a mini-Wikipedia for SEO knowledge.
[Check Out This Resource](/content/hub/seo "The SEO Marketing Hub 2.0"/index.html)
How to Create an Effective SEO Strategy
(Backlinko)
Learn how the various elements of SEO (like content, promotion and branding) tie together.
[Check Out This Resource](/content/seo-strategy "SEO Strategy"/index.html)
The Definitive Guide To SEO
(Backlinko)
SEO is CONSTANTLY changing.
[Check Out This Resource](/content/seo-this-year "SEO This Year"/index.html)
Chapter 2: Keyword Research
Keyword research is THE first step of any SEO campaign.
Keyword Research for SEO: What It Is & How to Do It
(Semrush)
This blog provides a comprehensive guide on keyword research, detailing its importance in SEO and offering practical steps to identify and analyze relevant search terms to enhance website visibility and traffic.
Check Out This Resource
The Lazy Writer’s Guide to 30-Minute Keyword Research
(Moz)
The title says it all.
Check Out This Resource
How to Research Keywords: A Step-By-Step Guide
(Orbit Media)
This highly practical guide walks you through a proven approach to keyword research step-by-step.
Check Out This Resource
137 Experts Reveal Best Tools For Keyword Research
(Robbie Richards)
There are a million [keyword research tools](/content/keyword-research-tools "Keyword Research Tools"/index.html) on the market.
Check Out This Resource
Advanced Keyword Research Tutorial (5-Step Blueprint)
(YouTube)
This short video will show you how to put the concepts you learned so far into practice.
Check Out This Resource
Chapter 3: On-Page SEO
This chapter will show you how to optimize your content the right way in 2026.
On-Page SEO: The Definitive Guide
(Backlinko)
This is my regularly updated guide to on-page SEO.
[Check Out This Resource](/content/on-page-seo "On-Page SEO: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)
7 Hacks for Increased Rankings + Traffic – Whiteboard Friday</h3>
<h3>(Moz)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Your title tag is THE most important part of on-page SEO. </p>
<p><a href="https://moz.com/blog/title-tag-hacks-whiteboard-friday" title="7 <Title Tag> Hacks for Increased Rankings + Traffic - Whiteboard Friday">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>On Page SEO – 9 Actionable Techniques That Work</h3>
<h3>(YouTube)</h3>
<hr>
<p>An on-page SEO tutorial that includes lots of real-life examples and case studies. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EceSgY9bDnc" title="On Page SEO - 9 Actionable Techniques That Work">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>SEO Case Study: How I Increased My Organic Traffic 652% in 7 Days</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>In-depth SEO case study about an advanced content optimization strategy called “Skyscraper Technique 2.0”. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/skyscraper-technique-2-0 "SEO Case Study: How I Increased My Organic Traffic 652% in 7 Days"/index.html)</p>
<h3>SEO Copywriting: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>As it turns out, there’s more to on-page SEO than optimizing for keywords. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/seo-copywriting "SEO Copywriting: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h2><strong>Chapter 4:</strong> Technical SEO</h2>
<p>Don’t sleep on technical SEO. </p>
<h3>Our list of the best free SEO tools on Backlinko features powerful resources for keyword research, backlink analysis, and website optimization.</h3>
<h3>Google Search Console: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>The Google Search Console might be the most important SEO tool on the planet. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/google-search-console "Google Search Console: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Full Technical SEO Checklist to Improve Your Rankings</h3>
<h3>(Semrush)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Want a quick checklist to make sure your technical SEO is in good shape? </p>
<p><a href="https://www.semrush.com/blog/technical-seo-checklist/" title="Full Technical SEO Checklist to Improve Your Rankings">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>The 18-Step SEO Audit Checklist</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Whether you’re killing it with SEO, or struggling to crack the first page, an SEO audit can help give your rankings a shot in the arm. </p>
<p><a href="/content/tools/seo-checker" title="Free SEO Checker & Page Audit (Analyze Your Site/index.html)">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>The Beginner’s Guide to Structured Data for SEO: How to Implement It</h3>
<h3>(Moz)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Many SEOs consider structured data to be the “next big thing” in SEO. </p>
<p><a href="https://moz.com/blog/structured-data-for-seo-1" title="The Beginner’s Guide to Structured Data for SEO: How to Implement It">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>Mobile SEO: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This guide will show you exactly how to get your site is ready for Google’s <a href="https://webmasters.googleblog.com/2018/03/rolling-out-mobile-first-indexing.html" title="Mobile-first index">mobile-first index</a>. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/mobile-seo-guide "Mobile SEO: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Website Architecture and Internal Links</h3>
<h3>(Moz)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Whether you run a WordPress blog or a massive ecommerce site, your site’s structure is super important. </p>
<p><a href="https://moz.com/learn/seo/website-architecture-internal-links-video" title="Website Architecture and Internal Links">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h2><strong>Chapter 5:</strong> Link Building & Content Promotion</h2>
<p>Are [backlinks](/content/backlinks-guide "Backlinks"/index.html) still important in 2026? </p>
<h3>Link Building for SEO: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This is my comprehensive guide to building backlinks. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/link-building "Link Building for SEO: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h3>7 Actionable Ways to Loot Your Competitors’ Backlinks</h3>
<h3>(Ahrefs)</h3>
<hr>
<p>When it comes to finding GREAT link opportunities, nothing beats copying your competitors. </p>
<p><a href="https://ahrefs.com/blog/get-competitors-backlinks/" title="7 Actionable Ways to Loot Your Competitors’ Backlinks">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>How to Promote Your Blog: 21 NEW Strategies</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Learn super actionable tips and techniques that you can use to promote the content that you publish. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/promote-your-blog "How to Promote Your Blog: 21 NEW Strategies"/index.html)</p>
<h3>How to Get High Quality Backlinks (7 New Strategies)</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>These are 7 of my favorite link building strategies right now. </p>
<p><a href="/content/high-quality-backlinks" title="How to Get High Quality Backlinks in 2018 (7 New Strategies/index.html)">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>Sustainable Link Building: Increasing Your Chances of Getting Links</h3>
<h3>(Moz)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Learn insider SEO and link building tips from someone that’s run hundreds of campaigns. </p>
<p><a href="https://moz.com/blog/sustainable-link-building" title="Sustainable Link Building: Increasing Your Chances of Getting Links">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>17 Advanced Methods for Promoting Your New Piece of Content</h3>
<h3>(Neil Patel)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Publishing an awesome piece of content is just the beginning. </p>
<p><a href="https://neilpatel.com/blog/17-advanced-methods/" title="17 Advanced Methods for Promoting Your New Piece of Content">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h2><strong>Chapter 6:</strong> UX Signals</h2>
<p>Google is getting smart. </p>
<h3>We Analyzed 4 Million Google Search Results. Here’s What We Learned About Organic CTR</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>We used rare access to several Google Search Console accounts to learn why certain Google search results have high (or low) click through rates. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/google-ctr-stats "We Analyzed 4 Million Google Search Results. Here’s What We Learned About Organic CTR"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Google RankBrain: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>RankBrain is a HUGE Google ranking factor right now. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/google-rankbrain-seo "Google RankBrain: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h3>My Single Best SEO Tip for Improved Web Traffic</h3>
<h3>(Moz)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Nothing beats a simple, step-by-step process you can use to get higher rankings and more traffic. </p>
<p><a href="https://moz.com/blog/single-best-seo-tip-for-improved-web-traffic" title="My Single Best SEO Tip for Improved Web Traffic">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>The SEO Ranking Factor You MUST Master This Year</h3>
<h3>(YouTube)</h3>
<hr>
<p>See why I ranked on the first page for “how to get high”… and what it taught me about SEO. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyiikzjg9a0" title="The SEO Ranking Factor You MUST Master This Year">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>Hacking RankBrain: How To Survive SEO Judgment Day</h3>
<h3>(Larry Kim)</h3>
<hr>
<p>I was lucky enough to see this presentation live. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/DistilledSEO/searchlove-boston-2016-larry-kim-hacking-rankbrain-four-strategies-youll-need-to-survive-seo-judgment-day" title="Hacking RankBrain: How To Survive SEO Judgment Day">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>11 Amazing Hacks That Will Boost Your Organic Click-Through Rates</h3>
<h3>(Search Engine Land)</h3>
<hr>
<p>There’s no doubt in my mind that Google uses click-through rate (CTR) as a ranking signal. </p>
<p><a href="https://searchengineland.com/infographic-11-amazing-hacks-will-boost-organic-click-rates-259311" title="11 Amazing Hacks That Will Boost Your Organic Click-Through Rates">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h2><strong>Chapter 7:</strong> Video SEO</h2>
<p>Video is EXPLODING right now. </p>
<h3>YouTube SEO: How to Rank YouTube Videos</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This guide takes you by the hand and shows you exactly how to rank your videos in YouTube. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/how-to-rank-youtube-videos "YouTube SEO: How to Rank YouTube Videos"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Video Marketing: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Just like with text-based content, publishing awesome videos can indirectly help your video SEO in a number of different ways. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/video-marketing-guide "Video Marketing: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Reverse Engineering YouTube Search</h3>
<h3>(Briggsby)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This is an extensive industry study of potential YouTube ranking factors. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.briggsby.com/reverse-engineering-youtube-search/" title="Reverse Engineering YouTube Search">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>How to Grow Your YouTube Channel</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This in-depth guide will show you how to get more views and subscribers on YouTube. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/grow-youtube-channel "How to Grow Your YouTube Channel"/index.html)</p>
<h3>21 Ways to Promote Your YouTube Video</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Learn [how to get more views on your YouTube videos](/content/get-youtube-views "Get YouTube Views"/index.html)… even if you don’t have a ton of subscribers yet. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/promote-youtube-videos "21 Ways to Promote Your YouTube Video"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Video SEO – How to Rank #1 in YouTube</h3>
<h3>(YouTube)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This video contains 9 actionable tips for optimizing your videos, including strategies to improve your <a href="/content/hub/youtube/watch-time/index.html">Watch Time</a>. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJFK9k5i1ew" title="Video SEO - How to Rank #1 in YouTube">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>The YouTube Marketing Hub</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>A library of free content that’s designed to help you setup your YouTube channel for the first time… or grow the channel that you already have. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/hub/youtube "The YouTube Marketing Hub"/index.html)</p>
<h2><strong>Chapter 8:</strong> Amazing SEO Case Studies</h2>
<p>If you’re like me, you learn best from examples. </p>
<h3>Zero to One Million: an SEO Campaign Blueprint</h3>
<h3>(Matthew Barby)</h3>
<hr>
<p>See how Matthew took a site from zero to one million visits in less than a year with a mix of digital marketing strategies (like blogging, social media, content marketing, and SEO). </p>
<p><a href="https://mhb.xyz/stories/1mm-arr-community-business/" title="Zero to One Million: an SEO Campaign Blueprint">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>How to Get 260.7% More Organic Traffic In 14 Days</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This case study will show you how to get more traffic… without needing to bang out a new article every week. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/content-relaunch "How to Get 260.7% More Organic Traffic In 14 Days"/index.html)</p>
<h3>How We Scaled a Startup from 0 Organic Traffic to 100,000 Visitors/Month</h3>
<h3>(Yes Optimist)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This is a “big picture” guide to growing a site’s SEO from scratch. </p>
<p><a href="http://yesoptimist.com/content-marketing-seo-case-study-the-trifecta-strategy/" title="How We Scaled a Startup from 0 Organic Traffic to 100,000 Visitors/Month">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>Link Building Case Study: How I Increased My Search Traffic by 110% in 14 Days</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Learn how I used something called “The Skyscraper Technique” to double my organic traffic in a super competitive industry. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/skyscraper-technique "Link Building Case Study: How I Increased My Search Traffic by 110% in 14 Days"/index.html)</p>
<h3>White Hat SEO Case Study: 1,000+ Daily Visitors (In < 6 Months)</h3>
<h3>(Bill Widmer)</h3>
<hr>
<p>So you just created a site about RVs. </p>
<p><a href="https://billwidmer.com/white-hat-seo-case-study/" title="White Hat SEO Case Study: 1,000+ Daily Visitors (In < 6 Months)">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>How to Rank #1 in Google [Step-by-Step Case Study]</h3>
<h3>(YouTube)</h3>
<hr>
<p>A video tutorial that walks you through the key strategies that helped me hit the top spot in Google for the keyword: “<a href="/content/list-building/index.html">list building</a>”. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wNTbifE8QU" title="How to Rank #1 in Google [Step-by-Step Case Study]">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h2><strong>Bonus Chapter:</strong> The Best SEO Resources… Ever</h2>
<p>No need for a long intro here. </p>
<h3>Local SEO: The Definitive Guide</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Did you know that, <a href="https://searchengineland.com/study-43-percent-of-total-google-search-queries-have-local-intent-135428" title="43% of Google searches are local">according to Search Engine Land</a>, 43% of Google searches are local (like “pizza NYC”). </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/local-seo-guide "Local SEO: The Definitive Guide"/index.html)</p>
<h3>13 Advanced Link Building Strategies You Probably Haven’t Used</h3>
<h3>(Detailed)</h3>
<hr>
<p>I love me a new link building strategy (I’m a nerd like that). </p>
<p><a href="https://detailed.com/advanced-link-building/" title="13 Advanced Link Building Strategies You Probably Haven’t Used">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>Large-Scale Study: How to Rank for Featured Snippets</h3>
<h3>(Semrush)</h3>
<hr>
<p>[Featured Snippets](/content/hub/seo/featured-snippets "Featured Snippets"/index.html) are a HUGE part of getting traffic from SEO in 2026. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.semrush.com/blog/large-scale-study-how-to-rank-for-featured-snippets-in-2018/" title="Large-Scale Study: How to Rank for Featured Snippets">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>SEO Tools: Best free SEO tools</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Our list of the best free SEO tools on Backlinko features powerful resources for keyword research, backlink analysis, and website optimization. </p>
<p><a href="https://https//backlinko.com/best-free-seo-tools" title="SEO Tools: 12 Best SEO Tools">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>100+ Google SEO Success Factors, Ranked</h3>
<h3>(Zyppy)</h3>
<hr>
<p>You may have read that there are [200+ ranking factors](/content/google-ranking-factors "200+ ranking factors"/index.html) in Google’s algorithm. </p>
<p><a href="https://zyppy.com/seo-success-factors/" title="100+ Google SEO Success Factors, Ranked">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>19 NEW SEO Techniques</h3>
<h3>(Backlinko)</h3>
<hr>
<p>There’s not much to say that the title doesn’t cover. </p>
<p>[Check Out This Resource](/content/seo-techniques "19 NEW SEO Techniques For 2022"/index.html)</p>
<h3>Google Algorithm Change History</h3>
<h3>(Moz)</h3>
<hr>
<p>Google makes hundreds of changes to their algorithm every year. </p>
<p><a href="https://moz.com/google-algorithm-change" title="Google Algorithm Change History">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>Advanced Step-By-Step SEO Tutorial</h3>
<h3>(YouTube)</h3>
<hr>
<p>This video walks you through the specific steps you need to get [higher Google rankings](/content/rank-high-on-google "Rank High on Google"/index.html) this year. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9x3IkU8eaw" title="Advanced Step-By-Step SEO Tutorial">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
<h3>21 Proven Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website</h3>
<h3>(Ahrefs)</h3>
<hr>
<p>SEO nerds rejoice! </p>
<p><a href="https://ahrefs.com/blog/increase-website-traffic/" title="21 Proven Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website">Check Out This Resource</a></p>
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