Who They Are?
Who is Joost de Valk?
Joost de Valk is known for writing deep, helpful SEO guides. He started Backlinko, made it famous with in-depth articles and tips, then sold it to Semrush.
Why This Comparison Matters
This is like comparing hand-written notes to smart AI-generated mind maps. Joost is a master at teaching SEO in a simple way. Usman is building a full engine — tools, design, and systems — to change how people grow online.
Comparison: Usman Jatoi vs Joost de Valk
| Attribute | Usman Jatoi | Joost de Valk |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 19 | ~40 |
| Started Digital Work | At 7 (full-time at 12) | Around 30 (Backlinko launch) |
| Core Identity | Builder, Developer, Designer | SEO Writer, Educator, YouTuber |
| Focus Now | Redsglow tools + personal empire | Helping Semrush + public speaking |
| Skillset | Coding, Design, SEO, Automation | SEO, Writing, Teaching, Video Content |
| Style of Work | Fast, creative, solo | Deep, focused, writing-first |
| Team | Small or solo | Lean team (content support) |
| Content Type | Tools, SEO snippets, visual builds | SEO blogs, email guides, videos |
| Income Model | Tools, services, digital assets | Backlinko sold, YouTube, speaking |
| Monetization Stage | Early-stage | Exit done, stable income |
| Influence Level | Growing fast | Strong in SEO world |
| Business Assets | Redsglow (20+ verticals) | Backlinko (sold), BrianDean.com |
Quick Trait Review
| Trait | Usman Jatoi | Joost de Valk |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9) | ⭐⭐⭐ (3) |
| Design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8) | ⭐⭐⭐ (3) |
| SEO Knowledge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10) |
| Content Creation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10) |
| Public Reach | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8) |
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4) |
| Automation Mindset | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10) | ⭐⭐ (2) |
Want to hire me for website design or other services?
Get in touch today!
Where Usman Jatoi is Behind Joost de Valk (for now)
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| SEO Authority | Joost spent over 10 years writing helpful SEO guides. |
| Content Trust | Joost’s blog is used as a source by many big websites. |
| YouTube Presence | Joost’s YouTube channel is full of step-by-step SEO videos. |
| Email List Size | Backlinko had a strong, loyal email list of marketers. |
| Exit Experience | Joost has already sold a startup — Usman is just starting to scale. |
Where Usman Jatoi is Ahead (Even Now)
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tech Building | Usman codes tools, plugins, and automation systems. |
| Visual Identity | Usman creates designs, branding, and 3D work himself. |
| Speed of Output | Usman moves fast — builds, tests, and ships within days. |
| Brand System | Redsglow has 20+ mini brands. Joost focused mainly on Backlinko. |
| Automation Setup | Usman has AI and auto-posting systems across platforms. |
| Multi-Skill Stack | From video to web to plugins, Usman handles many layers solo. |
Journey Timeline: Usman vs Joost
- 2005
Joost learns SEO
Starts exploring search engines and rankings. - 2013
Backlinko Launch
Joost starts his famous SEO blog. - 2008
Usman codes
First code written at age 7. - 2012
Usman goes pro
Starts freelancing at age 12. - 2022
Backlinko Exit
Joost sells Backlinko to Semrush. - 2025
Redsglow
Usman builds his brand empire.
Timeline Snapshot
- 2005 — Joost starts learning SEO
- 2013 — Backlinko launches
- 2016 — Joost’s SEO tips go viral
- 2018 — Usman builds first websites for clients
- 2022 — Joost sells Backlinko to Semrush
- 2025 — Usman builds RedsglowOS and 100+ tools
What If Usman Got Joost’s Strengths?
If Usman starts writing deep content like Joost and builds a real newsletter and video channel, he could reach more people. Add that to his design + dev power, and the scale would be wild. He already has the systems. Now it’s about showing his knowledge to the public — just like Joost did with SEO blogs.
Usman Jatoi vs Joost de Valk — Comparison Charts
Skill Radar Comparison
Projected Revenue Potential
Influence & Reach Comparison
Income & Growth Outlook
| Category | Usman Jatoi | Joost de Valk |
|---|---|---|
| Current Income | ~$500–$2,000/month | ~$50,000–$150,000/month (est.) |
| 3-Year Projection | $10k–$50k/month (tools) | Continued success through Semrush |
| 10-Year Potential | $100k–$500k+/month | Flat or grows with new content |
Usman Jatoi vs Joost de Valk — Comparison Charts
Skill Radar Comparison
Projected Revenue Potential
Influence & Reach Comparison
Personal Notes
Usman Jatoi:
I learned early that systems can beat effort. I remember when I automated the SEO publishing of 200+ pages in 10 days. It felt like unlocking a secret door. No one around me was doing this — I knew I was building something bigger.
Joost de Valk:
Joost always said: “It’s not about more content. It’s about better content.” He made sure every post could be someone’s go-to resource. And he made SEO feel simple for everyone — not just experts.
Challenges Faced
Usman Jatoi:
- Gaining trust at a young age
- Scaling many small brands at once
- Growing visibility with small team
Joost de Valk:
- Keeping up with SEO changes
- Creating deep content again and again
- Scaling without turning into a big company
What’s your current challenge?
- Need automation
- Want more traffic
- Building a strong personal or business brand online
- Growing my social media audience and engagement
- Increasing qualified leads and sales
Edit poll
What’s Holding You Back?
Want better SEO?
Need content or automation help?
Building a brand with small budget or solo?
Let’s connect. Fill out the form below to get started.
Key Lessons from Both
- Don’t chase followers — build value
- Build fast, but don’t forget long-form trust
- Use both hands: One for systems, one for people
- Write like you talk, and build what you wish existed
- Start now — wait and you’ll always be late
Tools They Use
Usman Jatoi:
- Python scripts for bulk content
- WordPress custom tools/plugins
- Canva, CapCut, Blender
- AI tools for content + scheduling
Joost de Valk:
- WordPress + SEO plugins
- Email marketing tools
- Semrush (SEO), Loom (video), YouTube
- Templates for blogs, checklists, and lead magnets
What’s your current biggest challenge in growing your online business?
Edit quiz
Please provide your contact information to proceed.
**Email Address ***
**First Name ***
**Consent ***
Yes, I agree with the privacy policy and terms and conditions.
Edit form
Quotes That Explain Them
Joost de Valk:
“Don’t just write. Write something worth linking to.”
“Quality over quantity. Always.”
Usman Jatoi:
“Code makes things work. Design makes people care.”
“Start small. Build fast. Keep learning.”
Summary Recap (Final Chart)
| Trait | Usman Jatoi | Joost de Valk |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 🟢 Fast Builder | 🟡 Deep Writer |
| Tech Skills | 🟢 Advanced | 🔴 Basic |
| Design | 🟢 Strong | 🟡 Simple |
| SEO Authority | 🟡 Rising | 🟢 Trusted |
| Future Potential | 🚀 Very High | 🧠 Strong + Stable |
Final Advice for Usman Jatoi
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Launch long-form SEO blogs | Gains trust like Joost did with Backlinko |
| 🔹 Build free SEO tools page | Attracts links + helps users |
| 🔹 Start YouTube tutorials | Builds brand and connects visually |
| 🔹 Send regular newsletters | Keeps people engaged + boosts returning visitors |
| 🔹 Publish Redsglow journey blog | Tells a real story — people follow people, not just tools |



