In the video “How Brian Dean Turned a Side Project into a Multi-Million Dollar Business,” Brian shares his journey of building a successful business from a side project. He emphasizes the importance of identifying a market opportunity and committing to it for at least five years. Brian’s story revolves around his experience in starting an SEO training company called Backlinko, where he recognized the need for actionable SEO strategies. He advises against constantly jumping from one shiny object to another and instead encourages focusing on one market opportunity. Brian also highlights the significance of delayed gratification and the power of building a strong email list. He concludes by inviting viewers to share their biggest takeaway from the video or suggest topics for future videos.
In this informative video, Brian Dean discusses his experience of turning a side project into a multi-million dollar business and shares valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. Highlighting the importance of finding an opportunity in the market and committing to it for an extended period of time, Brian shares his journey with his SEO training company, Backlinko. He emphasizes the need for actionable strategies and advises against chasing trends or constantly switching focus. Brian stresses the significance of delayed gratification and thoroughly mastering one marketing channel before moving on to others. He concludes by inviting viewers to engage with the video by sharing their takeaways and suggesting topics for future videos.
1. Finding an Opportunity in the Market
When starting a business, it’s crucial to identify an opportunity in the market. This means finding a gap or need that is not currently being fulfilled by existing businesses or products. Brian Dean, the founder of Backlinko, emphasizes the importance of finding an opportunity that is not just a fad, but something that has long-term potential. In his own experience, he had struggled with various side projects before realizing the need for actionable SEO strategies in the market. By identifying this opportunity, he was able to create a successful business.
2. Commitment for at Least Five Years
To build a successful and legitimate business, it requires commitment and hard work for at least five years. Brian Dean explains that many businesses take time to grow and become significant. While there may be short-term successes, the real value comes from long-term dedication. He uses the example of GrubHub, a successful company that took 17 years to sell. It’s important to find an opportunity in the market that you are willing to work on for an extended period of time, even if it means facing challenges along the way.
3. Starting Backlinko – The SEO Training Company
Brian Dean started Backlinko as an SEO training company after recognizing the need for actionable SEO strategies. He struggled to find practical guidance in the SEO industry and realized that there were others like him who were looking for step-by-step instructions. Backlinko was born out of his desire to provide valuable and actionable content to help individuals navigate the world of SEO effectively. By focusing on this specific niche, he was able to establish a unique position in the market.
4. Identifying the Need for Actionable SEO Strategies
One of the key insights that Brian Dean gained was the need for actionable SEO strategies. Many existing resources in the SEO industry provided vague advice and emphasized relationship-building rather than practical instructions. By recognizing this gap, Brian saw an opportunity to create content that focused on step-by-step strategies that individuals could implement immediately. This approach resonated with his audience and helped him establish Backlinko as a trusted source for SEO training.
5. Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome
Brian Dean advises against “shiny object syndrome,” which refers to the tendency to jump from one opportunity to another without fully committing. Instead of constantly chasing the next big thing, he suggests focusing on a specific market opportunity and giving it sufficient time and effort to grow. This requires discipline and the ability to resist the temptation of quick wins. By staying focused on a single venture, entrepreneurs are more likely to achieve long-term success.
6. Delayed Gratification and Monetization
Another important lesson from Brian Dean’s experience is the value of delayed gratification. When he started Backlinko, he did not rush to monetize the business right away. Instead, he focused on building his audience and providing them with valuable content. By delaying the process of monetization, he was able to focus on establishing trust and creating a strong foundation for the business. This approach allowed him to better understand his audience’s needs and preferences, leading to more effective monetization strategies down the line.
7. Focusing on One Marketing Channel at a Time
In the early stages of Backlinko, Brian Dean realized the importance of focusing on one marketing channel at a time. It can be tempting to try to be active on every platform and channel, but spreading oneself too thin can lead to ineffective results. Instead, he prioritized content marketing and SEO initially, devoting his time and effort to creating high-quality blog content. Once he gained traction in that area, he moved on to building his email list and subsequently explored YouTube and LinkedIn. By mastering one channel before moving on to the next, Brian was able to develop a strong presence and maximize his impact.
8. The Power of Selling through Email
Brian Dean highlights the power of email marketing and selling through email. After focusing on building his audience and establishing an email list, he discovered the effectiveness of communicating with his audience directly through email. Email provides a unique opportunity to nurture relationships, deliver valuable content, and promote products or services. By using email as a marketing channel, Brian was able to cultivate a strong connection with his audience and generate significant revenue for his business.
9. Tailoring Strategies for Problem Experts and Problem Aware Individuals
In marketing, it’s crucial to tailor strategies to the needs of different target audiences. Brian Dean introduces the concept of problem experts and problem aware individuals. Problem experts are individuals who are aware of their problems and actively searching for solutions. Problem aware individuals, on the other hand, are aware of their problems but may not be actively seeking solutions. By understanding these different segments, entrepreneurs can create content and marketing campaigns that address their specific needs and stage of awareness.
11. Conclusion
Brian Dean’s journey from a side project to a business that sold for millions of dollars provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. By finding an opportunity in the market, committing to at least five years of hard work, and staying focused on a specific market opportunity, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success. Delayed gratification, focusing on one marketing channel at a time, and utilizing the power of email marketing are all strategies that can contribute to long-term growth. By tailoring strategies to the needs of different target audiences and staying dedicated to continuous improvement, entrepreneurs can build businesses that thrive in the market.