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Premium SEO training program teaching white-hat link building and content strategies from Backlinko's Brian Dean
We spent considerable time investigating SEO That Works, Brian Dean's flagship training program from Backlinko. Here's what we discovered: it's an advanced SEO course that teaches you how to build organic traffic using proven white-hat strategies.
The program centers around Brian's signature frameworks, particularly the Skyscraper Technique and what he calls "Power Pages." These aren't just buzzwords, we found detailed step-by-step systems for creating content that naturally attracts backlinks and social shares.
What caught our attention? The course goes beyond basic SEO theory. You'll learn advanced link building methods, content promotion workflows, and even YouTube SEO strategies. The curriculum includes roughly 50-60 hours of video content, supplemented by templates, outreach scripts, and real case studies from Brian's own campaigns.
Here's the reality check: enrollment isn't always open. The course operates on a cohort basis, opening periodically (we noticed the waiting list is currently active). When it does open, you're looking at a significant investment, recently priced at $4,997 for lifetime access.
The approach is methodical, focusing on sustainable SEO practices that can withstand Google updates. We appreciated that Brian emphasizes white-hat techniques exclusively, though this means the strategies require more effort and patience compared to shortcuts some other courses might teach.
Intermediate (Some Foundational Knowledge Recommended)
moderate Moderate (5–10 Hours/Week)
After analyzing reviews across multiple platforms, we found strongly positive feedback about content quality, but the ultra-high price point creates significant debate. Users consistently praise the actionable strategies while questioning whether the cost justifies the value, especially given Brian's extensive free content on Backlinko.
"After going through the course, I've been able to take our business to the next level. We are ranked page one for a TON of different keywords." – Maat, SEO That Works Graduate
"Brian's teaching style is clear with no fluff – you'll get straight to the meat of the matter." – Giovanni Dienstmann, Graduate
"I applied some of the STW tactics to a client's website and created content that delivered 36,525 visitors." – Zoogly Media
"Brian is a solid communicator; lessons are easy to understand and backed by data." – Ippei
"Everything is just rehashed. Brian Dean is someone I respect, but for experienced SEOs it's nothing new." – BlackHatWorld Forum User
On Reddit and BlackHatWorld, we found heated discussions about value versus cost. Experienced SEOs often mention that much of the content rehashes publicly available Backlinko material, while beginners and intermediate users report significant breakthroughs. One Reddit user summed it up well: "If you have a business that's already making money and you need to scale SEO, STW can be a game-changer. But for a solo blogger starting out, the price is insane."
The consensus? Exceptional content from a respected authority, but the pricing creates a significant barrier. Best suited for established businesses with budgets to match.
The course promises to teach advanced SEO strategies for increased traffic and higher rankings. These claims focus on skill acquisition rather than specific income promises. Brian's methods are well-documented and proven, but results depend entirely on implementation quality, niche competition, and consistent effort.
We tracked significant price increases over the years. Early versions were under $2,000, STW 3.0 reached $3,997, and STW 5.0 hit $4,997 with installment options totaling even more. This positions it firmly in the ultra-high-ticket category.
No significant upsells within the course itself. Students get full access upon purchase. Backlinko markets other courses separately, which is standard practice.
Multiple documented case studies show impressive results, including Zoogly Media's 36,525 visitor content piece. However, these represent best-case scenarios with full implementation and additional resource investment.
Professional marketing leveraging Brian's strong authority. Claims are skill-focused and achievable, though ROI depends heavily on individual implementation capacity.
Custom-built LMS praised for user-friendly design and smooth navigation. Professional interface meets ultra-high-ticket expectations.
Lifetime access to all materials including future updates. Videos are streamable only (no downloads for IP protection), but worksheets and templates are downloadable.
Fully responsive platform works on all devices, though desktop recommended for implementation work.
High-speed internet for video streaming, modern browser, standard computer
The delivery platform exceeds expectations with professional design, lifetime access, and regular updates. The only limitation is non-downloadable videos, which is standard for premium courses.
The primary complaint centers on pricing, not content quality. At nearly $5,000, many feel it's overpriced compared to alternatives. Some users also report that implementing the strategies requires significant additional investment in SEO tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush) and potentially content creation.
A 30-day money-back guarantee is standard, and we found no widespread complaints about refunds being denied. This is appropriate for an ultra-high-ticket course.
Brian Dean employs sophisticated marketing tactics including scarcity (limited enrollment windows) and social proof. While these are standard for high-ticket courses, the pressure can feel intense. Pricing is transparent when enrollment opens, but the waiting list approach builds anticipation and urgency.
The private student community receives positive feedback, though direct access to Brian Dean has reportedly decreased in recent versions, which seems inappropriate for a course at this price level.
No major red flags regarding legitimacy or content quality. The extreme pricing and reduced instructor access are the primary concerns.
At $4,997, this ultra-high-ticket course delivers exceptional content from a recognized authority. For businesses that can afford both the course and implementation costs (tools, content, outreach), the ROI potential is real. However, with much of Brian's foundational content available free on Backlinko, the premium you're paying is for organization, advanced tactics, and community access.
After thorough investigation, we can confirm SEO That Works is a legitimate, high-quality training program. Brian Dean's expertise is unquestionable, and the strategies taught have produced documented results for many students. The course delivers comprehensive, actionable SEO training with professional presentation and lifetime updates.
However, let's be clear about the elephant in the room: the price. At nearly $5,000, this isn't just expensive, it's exclusively targeting businesses with significant budgets. The reduced direct access to Brian Dean in recent versions also raises concerns for an ultra-high-ticket offering.
Our verdict? If you're an established business or agency with the budget to both purchase and implement these strategies, SEO That Works can deliver substantial ROI. The white-hat approach ensures long-term sustainability, and the systematic frameworks provide clear implementation paths. But if you're an individual blogger, startup, or anyone working with limited resources, you'll find better value elsewhere, including Brian's own free content on Backlinko.
The course succeeds in what it promises: teaching advanced, proven SEO strategies. Whether that's worth $4,997 depends entirely on your business situation and implementation capacity.
At $4,997, this ultra-high-ticket course delivers exceptional content from a recognized authority. For businesses that can afford both the course and implementation costs (tools, content, outreach), the ROI potential is real. However, with much of Brian's foundational content available free on Backlinko, the premium you're paying is for organization, advanced tactics, and community access.
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We spent considerable time investigating SEO That Works, Brian Dean's flagship training program from Backlinko. Here's what we discovered: it's an adv...
We spent considerable time investigating SEO That Works, Brian Dean's flagship training program from Backlinko. Here's what we discovered: it's an adv...
We spent considerable time investigating SEO That Works, Brian Dean's flagship training program from Backlinko. Here's what we discovered: it's an adv...
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