The core discussion centers on the shifting landscape of off-page SEO, advocating for a holistic strategy that focuses on brand building.

Brand Mentions vs. Backlinks:

• Brand Mentions occur when a brand is referenced online, with or without a clickable link. Unlinked mentions can also be referred to as "implied links".

• Modern search engines, including Large Language Models (LLMs), evaluate not just who links to a brand, but who talks about the brand, in what context, and how often.

• A key finding cited is that branded web mentions are the number one factor for a brand appearing in AI overviews, ranking even higher than the number of referring domains.

• Backlinks remain critical, acting as a vote of confidence and signaling trust. Correlation studies show that pages ranking number one on Google have, on average, 3.8 times the number of backlinks compared to pages in slots two through ten.

Digital PR Strategy (Linkable Assets): Johnson argues that organizations should focus on developing Linkable Content—assets designed primarily to earn links, not to drive immediate sales or conversions.

• Linkable content must be original, accurate, and tailored to a defined audience, providing informational or educational value.

• To succeed, this content must be built around data-driven storytelling, as 61% of journalists want original research or reports.

• Campaigns should utilize proprietary data (surveys, reports, rankings) and be presented in journalist-friendly formats.

• Outreach: Outreach must be personalized (quality over quantity). Journalists should be targeted based on their beat and whether they cover studies/data. Outreach should prioritize top-tier publications first (offering an exclusive) to maximize the potential for syndication and widespread coverage.

OUTLINE:

I. Introduction and Off-Page SEO Context A. Backlinks vs. Brand Mentions: Ongoing importance. B. Michael Johnson (CEO, Resolve) and Resolve's focus on digital PR and link building. C. Link building has shifted from a commodity to a brand-building exercise.

II. Definitions and Correlation A. Brand Mentions: Referenced online, with or without a link.

1. Linked mentions (contain a backlink).

2. Unlinked/Implied links (mention without a link). B. Backlinks: Act as a vote of confidence; types include follow, no follow, and sponsored links. C. Value of Mentions: Number one factor for brands appearing in AI Overviews.

III. Strategy: Digital PR and Linkable Assets A. The Goal: Achieve both links and mentions by focusing on brand building. B. Linkable Content Defined: Original, educational content (top-of-funnel) designed to earn links, not conversions. C. Journalist Demand: 61% of journalists seek original research and proprietary data. D. Connecting Relevance: Expand topic relevance beyond the product/buying audience (e.g., contact lenses intersecting with fashion/dating).

IV. Creating Data-Driven Content A. Methodology: Use surveys to gather proprietary data. B. Focus: Center content around human stories (habits, fears, regrets). C. Structure: Ask questions that facilitate visual data and newsworthy groupings (e.g., generational gaps, regional rankings).

V. Outreach and Campaign Execution A. Preparation: Typical campaign takes three months (one month for asset creation, four to six weeks for outreach). B. List Building: Identify relevant beats. C. Pitching: Prioritize quality, personalized outreach over mass volume. Time outreach based on the journalist's time zone. D. Follow-ups: Send reminders within 3 to 7 days after the initial pitch; journalists often respond after one follow-up. E. Maximizing Value: Funnel authority to main target pages using internal links from the linkable assets.

Brought to you by :

Name: Resolve Marketing LLC (aka Grow Resolve)
A custom link building SEO agency based in Boise, Idaho
Website: https://growresolve.com/content-creation/

PODCAST:

Content Creation has evolved into one of the most powerful forces in digital marketing—shaping how brands communicate, convert, and grow. At the center of this craft is Resolve Marketing LLC, also known as Grow Resolve, a custom link building and content agency based in Boise, Idaho. Their team specializes in creating human-written, search-optimized content that amplifies visibility, authority, and engagement.

The Art and Science of Content Creation

Modern Content Creation is both analytical and creative. It blends SEO strategy, data insights, and storytelling to produce material that attracts, informs, and converts. Resolve Marketing LLC approaches content as a performance engine—each piece designed to rank, build trust, and drive measurable results. The agency’s experts conduct deep keyword research, understand audience intent, and craft narratives that align with brand voice and user goals.

Their process begins with strategy, not guesswork. Every blog post, landing page, and digital asset is built around a clear purpose: to enhance visibility in search results and strengthen brand authority.

Why Content Creation Drives SEO Success

Google rewards websites that consistently publish high-quality, relevant content. Well-structured pages attract organic traffic, improve rankings, and generate backlinks from authoritative sources. Grow Resolve’s content team understands how to balance technical optimization with human appeal—because algorithms may rank your content, but people decide its value.

SEO-optimized writing is more than inserting keywords. It’s about delivering clarity, substance, and originality. Resolve’s writers create informative, engaging copy that aligns with E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness), ensuring every page demonstrates credibility while satisfying user intent.

Human-Written Content with Measurable Impact

In an age of automation, Grow Resolve takes a human-first approach. Every article, case study, and web page is written by seasoned SEO professionals who understand nuance, tone, and context. Their 30-plus years of combined experience ensure that every piece is not only optimized for search but also compelling to read.

This philosophy differentiates Resolve from AI-heavy competitors. They believe that while machines can process data, only humans can convey emotion, build trust, and translate brand identity into authentic storytelling.

Expertise Across Industries

Resolve Marketing LLC serves clients across sectors—technology, healthcare, law, real estate, B2B, and beyond. Their writers adapt to each market’s language, ensuring content reflects the client’s expertise and resonates with target audiences. This versatility allows Resolve to deliver results in both niche and competitive industries.

Brought to you by :

Name: Resolve Marketing LLC (aka Grow Resolve)
A manual link building SEO agency based in Boise, Idaho
Website: https://growresolve.com/the-beginners-guide-to-manual-link-building/

PODCAST:

Manual Link Building is one of the most deliberate and impactful strategies in modern SEO—a discipline that demands patience, skill, and human connection. At the forefront of this practice is Resolve Marketing LLC, also known as Grow Resolve, a custom link building agency based in Boise, Idaho. Their team specializes in handcrafted outreach and relationship-driven strategies designed to earn authentic, editorial backlinks that search engines value most.

The Meaning of Manual Link Building

Unlike automated or mass-produced backlink schemes, Manual Link Building involves directly reaching out to website owners, editors, and journalists to secure placements on credible, relevant domains. Each link is earned, not manufactured. Resolve Marketing LLC employs this hands-on method to create clean, sustainable link profiles for brands that want lasting visibility and domain strength.

Their approach prioritizes human judgment over software automation—because quality relationships lead to quality backlinks. Whether it’s negotiating placements, writing personalized pitches, or crafting valuable content that earns attention naturally, every step is done manually for precision and authenticity.

Why Manual Link Building Still Matters

Search engines evolve, but trust remains the currency of ranking power. Manual Link Building tells Google that your site is worth promoting because respected publishers choose to reference it. These backlinks act as endorsements—each one a signal of credibility. Grow Resolve understands that a single relevant backlink from a respected site can outperform hundreds of low-quality mentions.

The Boise-based team focuses on relevance, authority, and editorial integrity. Each backlink is placed with intention, aligning perfectly with both the client’s niche and the linking site’s audience. This ensures natural growth, safe from penalties and algorithmic downgrades.

Key Strategies Used by Resolve Marketing LLC:

1. Guest Contributions – Crafting original articles for reputable sites within the client’s niche, featuring contextual links that build authority and drive referral traffic.
2. Broken Link Replacement – Identifying nonfunctional links on authority websites and suggesting the client’s content as a valuable substitute.
3. Resource Page Outreach – Securing backlinks from curated lists, directories, or reference hubs relevant to the brand’s expertise.
4. Digital PR Campaigns – Promoting data studies, industry insights, and stories that attract natural coverage and citations from top-tier media.
5. Competitor Analysis – Dissecting backlink profiles of industry leaders to identify high-value link opportunities others overlook.

Each method is executed manually—one outreach email, one editor relationship, one strategic placement at a time.

Crafting Link-Worthy Content

Resolve Marketing LLC’s team doesn’t just build links; they build reasons for others to link. Their writers create long-form resources, data-rich guides, and practical assets designed to educate and inspire. These become magnets for organic backlinks over time. The agency’s approach aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T framework—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—ensuring that every piece of content supports SEO while delivering value to real readers.