---
name: backlinko
description: Write Brian Dean style comprehensive guides with visual elements and clear structure.
---

# Skill: Backlinko-Style Guide

Write comprehensive, data-driven guides in Brian Dean's signature style. Optimized for skimming, backed by evidence, and structured for maximum actionability.

## When to Use

- Ultimate guides and comprehensive resources (3,000-7,000+ words)
- Data-backed SEO and marketing content
- Step-by-step techniques with proven results
- Content designed to earn backlinks and social shares
- Pillar content and cornerstone articles

## Core Philosophy

Brian Dean's content stands out because it's:
1. **Evidence-based** — Real data, real case studies, real numbers
2. **Skimmable** — Short paragraphs, bold key points, generous white space
3. **Actionable** — Clear steps, templates, and examples
4. **Contrarian** — Challenges conventional wisdom with proof

## Opening Formula

### The Contrarian Hook

Start with a bold statement that challenges assumptions:

**Pattern:**
> Here's the [uncomfortable/brutal/surprising] truth about [topic]: [Contrarian statement that creates tension].

**Examples:**
> "Here's the brutal truth about link building: There are WAY too many people who think 'great content' is enough."

> "Most SEO advice is garbage. Here's what actually works in 2026."

> "You've probably heard that [common advice]. But that's only half the story."

### The Problem-Agitate-Solution Opener

1. State the problem clearly
2. Agitate by showing consequences
3. Preview your solution

**Example:**
> Technical SEO might be the most underrated part of SEO.
>
> Think about it: You can have the best content in the world. But if Google can't crawl and index your pages? That content is invisible.
>
> That's why I put together this complete guide to technical SEO.

## Formatting Rules

### Paragraphs

- **Maximum 3-4 sentences per paragraph**
- Single-sentence paragraphs for emphasis
- Never more than 4 lines of text before a break

**Good:**
> Link building is hard.
>
> Really hard.
>
> In fact, 94% of content gets zero backlinks. That's not a typo. Ninety-four percent.

**Bad:**
> Link building is one of the most challenging aspects of SEO that many marketers struggle with on a daily basis. According to research, approximately 94% of all content published online receives zero backlinks, which demonstrates just how difficult it is to earn links in today's competitive landscape.

### Bold Text

Use bold to highlight:
- Key concepts and terms
- Numbers and statistics
- Actionable takeaways
- Important warnings

**Example:**
> The Skyscraper Technique has **3 simple steps**:
>
> First, find content that's already performing well. I'm talking about posts that have **hundreds or thousands of backlinks**.
>
> Second, create something **10x better**.
>
> Third, reach out to the right people.

### Headings

- **H2:** Major sections (use benefit statements or questions)
- **H3:** Subsections within major topics
- Keep headings scannable (5-8 words max)

**Heading patterns:**
- Questions: "What Is Technical SEO?"
- How-to: "How to Find Link Prospects"
- Benefit: "Why This Approach Works"
- Numbered: "3 Steps to Better Rankings"

### Lists

Use numbered lists for:
- Sequential steps
- Ranked items
- Processes

Use bullet points for:
- Features
- Examples
- Non-sequential items

**Always introduce lists with context:**
> Here's my exact process for finding broken links:
>
> 1. Install the Check My Links extension
> 2. Browse resource pages in your niche
> 3. Look for 404 errors
> 4. Reach out with your replacement content

## Data and Evidence

### Include Specific Numbers

Never say "increases traffic" when you can say "increases traffic by 110%."

**Patterns:**
- "This technique increased my organic traffic by **110% in 14 days**."
- "I analyzed **11.8 million Google search results**."
- "We sent **160 emails** and got **17 links** (10.6% success rate)."

### Case Study Format

When presenting results:

1. **Before state:** Where you started
2. **Action taken:** What you did (specific steps)
3. **After state:** Results with numbers
4. **Timeline:** How long it took

**Example:**
> Here's what happened when I used this technique on a client site:
>
> **Before:** 2,400 monthly organic visitors
> **After:** 5,040 monthly organic visitors
> **Timeline:** 14 days
> **Result:** 110% increase in organic traffic

### Screenshots and Visuals

Suggest visuals at key points:

- Tool interfaces showing real data
- Before/after comparisons
- Step-by-step process screenshots
- Charts and graphs for data
- Email templates in formatted boxes

**Format:**
```
[IMAGE: Screenshot of Ahrefs showing 17 new backlinks]
Alt: Ahrefs backlink report showing 17 new referring domains from outreach campaign
```

## Section Structure

### The BEST Framework

Each major section should follow:

1. **B**old claim or benefit
2. **E**vidence (data, example, case study)
3. **S**teps (actionable how-to)
4. **T**ransition to next section

### Transitions

Use conversational bridges between sections:

- "Now it's time for step 2."
- "Here's where things get interesting."
- "Let me show you exactly how this works."
- "With that out of the way, let's move on to..."
- "But here's the thing most people miss..."

## Templates and Examples

### Include Swipe Files

Provide ready-to-use templates:

**Email template example:**
> Subject: Quick question about [Resource]
>
> Hey [Name],
>
> I was searching for content about [topic] today and came across your excellent resource page: [URL]
>
> I noticed you link to [Broken/Outdated Resource].
>
> I actually just published a comprehensive guide on the same topic: [Your URL]
>
> It might make a nice addition to your page.
>
> Either way, keep up the great work!
>
> [Your Name]

### Show Real Examples

Don't just explain. Show actual examples from real websites, tools, or campaigns.

## Callout Boxes

Use callout boxes for:

### Pro Tips
> **Pro Tip:** Don't send more than 100 outreach emails per day. Gmail will flag you as spam.

### Warnings
> **Warning:** This technique won't work if your content isn't genuinely better than what's already ranking.

### Quick Wins
> **Quick Win:** Install the MozBar extension to see DA scores while you browse.

### Key Takeaways
> **Key Takeaway:** Quality beats quantity. 10 links from relevant sites > 100 links from random blogs.

## Closing Formula

### The Action Summary

1. Recap the main strategy in 2-3 sentences
2. Remind them of the benefit
3. Give ONE clear next step
4. Invite engagement

**Example:**
> So that's my complete guide to technical SEO.
>
> Now I want to hear from you:
>
> Which technique from this post are you going to try first?
>
> Are you going to start with site architecture? Or maybe tackle your Core Web Vitals?
>
> Let me know by leaving a comment below.

## Voice Calibration

### Sound Like

- A successful practitioner sharing what worked
- A mentor explaining to a smart colleague
- Someone who's done this 100 times

### Never Sound Like

- An academic explaining theory
- A journalist reporting on trends
- Someone hedging every statement
- Generic marketing speak

### Confidence Patterns

**Do:**
- "This is the exact process I use."
- "I've tested this on 50+ sites."
- "Trust me, this works."

**Don't:**
- "This might potentially help..."
- "Some experts suggest..."
- "It could possibly improve..."

## Article Length

- **Minimum:** 3,000 words
- **Optimal:** 4,000-6,000 words
- **Maximum:** 8,000+ words for ultimate guides

Length should match topic depth. Every word must earn its place.

## Quality Checklist

Before publishing, verify:

- [ ] Opens with contrarian hook or problem statement
- [ ] Includes at least 3 specific data points/numbers
- [ ] Has at least one case study or real example
- [ ] Paragraphs never exceed 4 sentences
- [ ] Bold text highlights key concepts
- [ ] At least one template/swipe file included
- [ ] Screenshots or visuals suggested throughout
- [ ] Transitions between sections feel conversational
- [ ] Closes with clear call-to-action
- [ ] Every claim is backed by evidence or personal experience
- [ ] Feels skimmable (someone could get value in 2 minutes)

## Adaptation for gauravtiwari.org

While following Brian Dean's structure, maintain Gaurav's voice:

1. **Use "I" freely** — Share personal experience with WordPress, client sites
2. **Include specific tool recommendations** — Not just concepts, but exact tools
3. **Reference real projects** — "On a client's WooCommerce site, I..."
4. **Add Indian/global context** — Budget considerations, international perspective
5. **Keep affiliate integration natural** — Only when genuinely best option

## Example Structure

```
# [Ultimate Guide to Topic] (2026 Update)

[Contrarian hook - 2-3 sentences]

[Problem-agitate - 2-3 sentences]

[Promise/preview - 1-2 sentences]

[IMAGE: Hero image or data visualization]

## Table of Contents
[Auto-generated TOC]

## What Is [Topic]?
[Definition in simple terms]
[Why it matters - with data]
[Common misconceptions]

## Why [Topic] Matters in 2026
[Current landscape]
[Data/research backing this up]
[What's changed recently]

## [First Major Technique/Step]
[Intro paragraph with bold claim]
[Evidence/case study]
[Step-by-step process]
[Pro tip or warning callout]

## [Second Major Technique/Step]
[Same structure]

## [Continue for all major sections...]

## Common Mistakes to Avoid
[List of 3-5 mistakes with explanations]

## Tools and Resources
[Curated list with brief descriptions]

## Frequently Asked Questions
[5-8 FAQs in ACF Accordion format]

## Conclusion
[2-3 sentence summary]
[One clear next step]
[Engagement question]
```

## Differentiation from Standard Blog Articles

| Aspect | Standard Article | Backlinko Style |
|--------|------------------|-----------------|
| Length | 2,100-2,400 words | 3,000-7,000+ words |
| Data | Nice to have | Required |
| Case studies | Optional | Expected |
| Templates | Rare | Standard |
| Paragraphs | 3-6 sentences | 1-4 sentences |
| Skimmability | Good | Extreme |
| Visual suggestions | Few | Many |
| Opening | Strong but varied | Contrarian hook |
