SEO That Works Review 2026: Is Brian Dean’s Advanced SEO Course Worth the Price?

SEO That Works is often mentioned as one of the most advanced SEO courses available. It was created by Brian Dean, the founder of Backlinko, a site well known for in-depth SEO case studies and ranking experiments.

If you’ve spent any time researching SEO, you’ve probably come across Brian’s content. His strategies are widely cited and frequently copied. But an advanced reputation usually comes with a higher price tag, and that raises an important question.

Is SEO That Works actually worth the investment in 2026, especially for bloggers and parents building income long term, or is it overkill compared to more beginner-friendly options?

This review breaks down exactly what the course offers, who it’s for, and where it fits compared to alternatives like Wealthy Affiliate.

What Is SEO That Works?

SEO That Works is an advanced SEO training program created by Brian Dean, the founder of Backlinko. The course is designed to teach proven search engine optimisation strategies that go beyond basic keyword research and on-page SEO.

The training focuses heavily on content-driven SEO, link acquisition, search intent, and ranking competitive keywords. It is not aimed at beginners starting their first blog. Instead, it targets site owners who already have content published and want to increase rankings, traffic, and authority.

SEO That Works is delivered as a structured online course with video lessons, frameworks, and real-world examples taken from Brian Dean’s own sites and case studies. The emphasis is on strategies that scale and that work in competitive niches.

This is not a general blogging course. It is a pure SEO program, built for people who want to master Google rankings as a traffic source.

Who Is Brian Dean?

Brian Dean is a well-known SEO expert and the founder of Backlinko, one of the most respected SEO blogs online. Backlinko became popular for publishing detailed, data-driven SEO guides that are frequently referenced across the SEO industry.

Brian built his reputation by ranking highly competitive keywords, running large-scale content experiments, and sharing transparent case studies showing how his SEO strategies performed in real situations. His work is widely cited by marketers, bloggers, and SEO professionals.

In recent years, Backlinko was acquired by Semrush, further cementing Brian Dean’s credibility in the SEO space. SEO That Works is positioned as his premium, in-depth training for people who want to apply his methods in full, rather than just reading blog posts.

Is SEO That Works a Scam?

No. SEO That Works is not a scam.

It is a legitimate training program created by a recognised SEO authority with a long public track record. The course delivers structured SEO education, and many site owners have used the methods to improve rankings and organic traffic.

That said, legitimacy does not mean it is right for everyone. SEO That Works is expensive compared to beginner courses, and the strategies require time, effort, and existing content to work. If you expect fast or passive results, this course will disappoint.

This is a serious SEO program, not a shortcut or a done-for-you system.

How SEO That Works Works

SEO That Works teaches SEO through frameworks and implementation, not theory alone. The course is broken into modules that focus on the key drivers of search performance.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• You learn how to identify keywords that are actually worth ranking for, based on competition and intent, not just search volume.
• You are taught how to create high-quality, link-worthy content that naturally attracts backlinks.
• The course explains white-hat link building strategies, including outreach, content promotion, and authority positioning.
• You apply on-page and technical SEO principles to improve how Google understands and ranks your pages.
• The training shows how to scale SEO by building systems, rather than relying on one-off tactics.

The course assumes you already have a website and content to work with. You are expected to implement the strategies actively, track results, and refine your approach over time.

SEO That Works is about building long-term search authority, not chasing algorithm tricks.

How Much SEO That Works Costs + Refund Policy

SEO That Works is a premium, paid SEO training created by Brian Dean and sold through Backlinko. Prices vary depending on the version and access model, but many reports say it costs around $497 per month or roughly $6,000+ annually for full access when available. This reflects the high-end positioning of the course and its advanced nature. 

Enrollment is not always open. You typically join a waitlist and are notified when the course is available again. 

Refund Policy

SEO That Works normally offers a money-back guarantee, though the specific terms and timeframe can vary by launch. Several review sites note that a refund policy exists, which gives some risk mitigation for buyers. 

Before purchasing, check the current refund terms on the official sales page, as policies can change and may depend on when and how you enroll.

Support and Community

SEO That Works typically includes access to a community of fellow students, plus support channels connected to the course platform. Graduates often share results and strategies in group forums or private communities available only to members. 

Because this is an advanced course, you also get support from Backlinko’s team and updates when SEO strategies evolve. Brian Dean and his team update the curriculum periodically to reflect the latest SEO best practices. 

This setup gives you a sense of connection and peer learning, but it’s different from 1:1 coaching. Think structured community plus course support rather than dedicated personal mentoring.

Who SEO That Works Is For

• Experienced bloggers and marketers who already understand basic SEO and want advanced, results-driven tactics. 
• People willing to invest time and money into a premium SEO system with real strategy, not surface-level tips. 
• Businesses or creators who want next-level organic search growth and are ready to implement complex link building and content promotion techniques. 
• Anyone who values a step-by-step framework that goes beyond free blogs or piecemeal SEO tutorials.

Who SEO That Works Is Not For

• Beginners who have never done SEO before – the course assumes some prior knowledge and comfort with tech concepts. 
• People looking for a quick traffic hack – SEO takes time and consistent work. 
• Learners who want a safer, lower-cost entry point – this course is premium and requires commitment. 
• Bloggers who just want basic SEO tips without deep link building or outreach strategy – that content exists for free elsewhere.

SEO That Works Pros and Cons

Let’s take you through the pros and cons for SEO That Works:

Pros

• Teaches proven, white-hat SEO strategies backed by real case examples and link-building frameworks. 
• Includes detailed instruction on content optimisation, backlinks, and outreach best practices from an expert recognised across the industry. 
• Strong focus on frameworks that help you rank content that works rather than guess what might rank. 
• Many graduates report measurable results such as higher rankings, increased traffic, and more subscribers. 
• Taught by a widely respected SEO expert with a long track record of contributing research and strategy to the community. 

Cons

• Premium pricing is high compared with many SEO courses, and enrollment can be limited or closed between launches. 
• Content can be technical and demanding, requiring time, consistent work, and content creation to see results. 
• Some reviewers feel much of the concepts overlap with free Backlinko resources — meaning the unique value must justify the price for you. 
• Not beginner-level – it works best after you understand SEO basics before applying advanced tactics. 
• You must be comfortable with outreach and relationship building for link acquisition, which not all bloggers enjoy or find easy.

What Others Are Saying

Independent and community feedback on SEO That Works varies, but several patterns emerge that help paint a realistic picture.

Experienced SEO professionals and students who have taken the course often emphasise that the framework works well for competitive keywords and content with strong intent. Real testimonials show students achieving first-page rankings and significant increases in traffic, sometimes translating into stronger conversions and email list growth. 

Many users praise the clarity and structure of Brian Dean’s approach compared with trying to piece together strategies from multiple free sources. Graduates say the course helps them not just learn tactics, but actually apply them strategically for better results. 

In SEO community discussions, opinions are mixed on price. Some argue that much of Backlinko’s free content already teaches effective SEO, and that the course is only worth it if you want the structured programme and step-by-step plan. Others say the premium cost is justified because SEO success can dramatically increase long-term organic traffic and revenue. 

Certain forums note that advanced techniques require effort and time – and that a high price tag doesn’t guarantee quick results. SEO That Works demands consistent implementation and patience before you see big ranking changes. 

Overall, peers tend to agree the course is legitimate and in-depth, with real success stories for serious users, but it needs commitment and isn’t a quick fix. Some seasoned SEO professionals also point out that you can learn a lot for free from Brian Dean’s blog itself, though the full course gives structure and detail.

What Are the Alternatives?

SEO That Works is one of several respected SEO training paths available today. Some options focus on deeper, advanced tactics for ranking and links, while others give beginners or budget-minded bloggers a solid SEO foundation or ongoing learning resources.

Quick Comparison Takeaways

• Grow your blog with SEO and traffic skills while also learning full business strategy: Wealthy Affiliate integrates SEO lessons in a broader blogging and monetisation framework.
• Free foundation plus tool training: Semrush Academy, Ahrefs Academy, and HubSpot SEO Certification offer excellent free or low-barrier SEO learning paths you can start today. 
• Advanced, paid, expert-level training: SEO That Works targets experienced learners ready to invest deeply in strategic SEO and backlink systems.  

Final Verdict on SEO That Works

SEO That Works is a legitimate, advanced SEO course built by one of the most respected names in the industry. The strategies are real. The frameworks are proven. For experienced marketers with budget, time, and existing sites, it can deliver strong results.

But this is not a beginner course.

The high cost, technical depth, and focus on outreach and link building make it a poor fit for most new bloggers and busy parents. You are paying for advanced tactics before you have fully built the foundations of a blog, content system, and monetisation plan.

If you already run multiple sites and want to push competitive rankings, SEO That Works can make sense.

If you are still learning how to build traffic, write content that ranks, and turn visitors into income, you need a simpler, safer starting point.

That is where Wealthy Affiliate stands out.

Let’s Chat

Have you looked into advanced SEO courses like SEO That Works before?

Are you at the stage where you want deep link building tactics, or are you still building your first steady stream of traffic?

Drop a comment and tell me where you are on your blogging journey. I read every reply and I am happy to point you toward the best next step for your situation.