Undoubtedly, the ultimate aim of every website is to generate a lot of traffic in search engines, but this cannot be accomplished by merely creating impressive content. Building authoritative links is essential for driving SEO to that meaningful point. Backlinking with the Skyscraper Technique is a well-known method that would do wonders by creating powerful backlinks to your site while increasing its authority. What does this Skyscraper method for link building mean, and how could it help your SEO? Let us break that down.
What is Skyscraper Technique in SEO?
The Skyscraper Technique is the brainchild of Brian Dean over at Backlinko for content marketing and linking outreach. The essence of the whole technique involves creating unusually high-quality content that beats the current highest-ranking articles on a given topic. Once this is done, outreach is made to websites linking to the inferior article, offering the improved version as a more worthy resource.
This link building Skyscraper method supports the idea that individuals link to comprehensive and authoritative content. By identifying content gaps and making your article version more robust, the Skyscraper method allows you to build powerful backlinks from reputable sources by targeting suitable sites in your outreach.
The technique exploits the fact that most top-ranking articles still lack in some sense: they are either outdated, poorly structured, or lack depth. By pushing those boundaries, you are giving the world something much more valuable, a “skyscraper” of said content.
How to Optimize Your Skyscraper Article for User Intent and SEO Traffic
To make your Skyscraper article rank higher and generate more traffic, you must focus on user intent and how to optimize the article for SEO. Here’s how:
1. Target the Right Keywords
First, perform comprehensive keyword research using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner. Target both short-tail and long-tail keywords that match your audience’s search intent. For example, someone searching for “best link-building strategies for 2025” will need more in-depth and up-to-date content. Use these keywords strategically in your title, headings, and throughout your content.
2. Structure Your Content for Search Intent
Ensure your article addresses the specific queries users are likely to have when searching for link-building techniques. Create content with clear sections, using headings that match search queries. For example, instead of simply saying “How the Skyscraper Technique Works,” use a more detailed heading like “Step-by-Step Process for Implementing the Skyscraper Technique in Link Building.”
3. Optimize On-Page SEO
Make sure your article is optimized for SEO with proper header tags (H1, H2), relevant keyword placement, and multimedia like images and infographics. Use SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or Screaming Frog to guide you through technical optimization, such as setting up meta descriptions and alt text for images.
4. Provide Internal Links to Other Relevant Articles
To further enhance your article’s SEO, link to other related content within your website. For instance, if you have articles on “How to Audit Linkable Content” or “Best Tools for SEO Outreach,” link to them in your Skyscraper article. This not only boosts SEO but keeps readers engaged with your other valuable content.
5. Create Supporting Articles for Long-Tail Keywords
For competitive topics like link building, it’s not always enough to rely on one article to capture all the traffic. Consider creating additional content that targets long-tail keywords around the main topic. For example, write articles such as:
- “How to Audit Linkable Content for the Skyscraper Technique”
- “Best Tools for Effective Link Outreach”
- “Why the Skyscraper Method Is the Future of Link Building”
These long-tail articles can link back to your primary Skyscraper article, helping it rank for a wider variety of search queries.
How the Skyscraper Technique Works for Link Building
The process of utilizing the Skyscraper technique for link building is systematic and straightforward. Here, we’ll go down some fundamental steps:
1. Find High-Performing Content
First, discover and identify prolific content that generally ranks for the required keywords but is deficient in some way, whether in depth, detail, or accuracy. This includes using tools such as Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyze articles that have many backlinks. These articles are thus counted as competitors in the content space. The aim is to identify pages that attract enormous traffic and backlinks but demand a more comprehensive approach.
2. Create a Better Version
The next step would be to create a better version. If your article provides more thorough research, more precise explanations, up-to-date information, and upgraded visuals (like infographics and videos), then all the better! You now want to create content that meets the needs expressed in the first article while surpassing it in quality and relevancy. For example, if the original content had no graphics to speak of, one could include infographics or step-by-step guides to improve the user experience.
3. Reach Out for Backlinks
After the new content goes live, the next outreach step will consist of contacting the website owners of all the sites linking to the inferior piece. Ask them to consider the new, improved piece as a worthy replacement. At this stage, you will be writing personalized, value-based emails to convince the site owners that linking to your newly created content is worthwhile. Clearly mention why your article has more value and why it’s a relevant update to the resources they have already linked to.
7 Steps to Build Backlinks with the Skyscraper Technique
The Skyscraper Technique is one of the most effective link-building strategies for SEO, but its success requires precision, a comprehensive content strategy, and strategic outreach. Below, we outline the steps involved, providing clear instructions on how to improve existing content, enhance its SEO, and attract high-quality backlinks.
1. Identify Linkable Content
The first step is to find content that is already ranking well in search engines but is lacking in some way – whether that be outdated information, inadequate depth, or missing media elements. These are the pieces of content that already have a strong backlink profile, but with improvements, your article can surpass them and earn even more backlinks.
Action:
Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz to identify high-ranking content that is performing well in your target keyword space but has clear gaps in its coverage. Look for articles that attract significant backlinks but are either outdated or too simplistic. For instance, if you’re focusing on “link-building strategies,” find content that ranks highly but doesn’t address recent trends like “AI in SEO” or “Link Building in 2025.”
Example:
You may find an article ranking well on “Best SEO Tools” but realize that it is missing recent tools that have entered the market or lacks real-world case studies on their effectiveness. This is an ideal opportunity to create more comprehensive content that fills those gaps.
What to Look For:
- High-quality backlinks but outdated or missing content (e.g., new data, latest trends, or expanded case studies).
- Low engagement: Content that ranks well but lacks visuals, videos, or user engagement (comments, social shares).
- Gaps in coverage: Articles that miss critical aspects of the topic or leave out key examples, statistics, or case studies.
Tools/Resources:
- Ahrefs: Use the “Top Pages” feature to identify pages that attract backlinks.
- SEMrush: Analyze competitor content to spot areas where you can improve or expand the existing topic.
2. Audit the Content
Before you start creating your improved version, conduct a comprehensive audit of the existing content to assess where it’s lacking. This allows you to target specific weaknesses and ensure your content addresses them more effectively.
Action:
Carefully analyze the structure and quality of the content. Look at the following:
- Depth of content: Does the article provide detailed answers to the topic, or does it just skim the surface?
- Outdated statistics and facts: Are there outdated case studies or statistics that you can replace with new, relevant data?
- Visuals and multimedia: Does the content include engaging images, infographics, or videos? If not, this is an opportunity for you to include high-quality visuals that will make your content more engaging and informative.
Example:
For an article on “SEO for Beginners,” you may find that the original content doesn’t go into the technical aspects of SEO, like schema markup or technical audit tools. You can provide a deeper dive into these topics, including tutorials, updated tools, and visuals to make your article more comprehensive.
What to Look For:
- Missing or outdated data: Update with the most recent studies, research, and statistics.
- Poor structure: If the content isn’t broken down into scannable sections or lacks well-organized headers and subheaders, your content can greatly improve in this area.
- Lack of engaging visuals: If the article is text-heavy without any visuals, adding infographics, charts, or videos will significantly improve the user experience.
Tools/Resources:
- Content audit checklist: Use this to evaluate whether content is deep enough and up-to-date.
- Competitor analysis tools: Leverage Ahrefs or SEMrush to identify gaps in the original content and spot opportunities for improvements.
3. Create Comprehensive Content
Now that you have a clear understanding of what’s missing, it’s time to create a more comprehensive version of the article. This is where you add value by addressing the content gaps identified during your audit.
Action:
Your goal is to create a resource that surpasses the original by providing more in-depth coverage of the topic. Start by:
- Expanding the information: Include detailed steps, new insights, and updated examples. Use real-world data, case studies, and the latest research.
- Making it more engaging: Add high-quality visuals, such as infographics, charts, and videos, to improve the user experience and keep visitors engaged longer.
- User-focused structure: Organize the content in a way that makes it easy for users to find the information they’re looking for. Break up text-heavy paragraphs, and use headers, bullet points, and numbered lists.
Example:
Let’s say the original article doesn’t explain how to use the Skyscraper Technique effectively. You could add a step-by-step guide with detailed explanations of each stage, including practical examples of outreach emails, templates, and tools that can aid in the process.
What to Focus On:
- Data and case studies: Add fresh, up-to-date data and examples that were missing in the original content.
- Multimedia content: Enhance the article with relevant visuals, videos, and interactive elements that enhance user experience and drive engagement.
- User experience: Ensure that your content is easy to navigate and read by using clear headings and subheadings, short paragraphs, and actionable takeaways.
Tools/Resources:
- Canva: Use this tool to create custom infographics that visually explain your points.
- Google Scholar: A great resource for finding recent academic studies or industry reports to back up your claims.
4. Optimize for SEO
Now that your content is comprehensive and valuable, it’s time to optimize it for search engines. SEO is crucial to ensure your content ranks for the targeted keywords and gets found by users.
Action:
To optimize your content:
- Keyword research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs to find relevant keywords, including long-tail keywords. Incorporate these keywords naturally into the article’s title, subheadings, and body.
- Header tags: Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) strategically to break up the content and signal the importance of sections to search engines.
- On-page elements: Ensure that your meta title, meta description, and URL are optimized for your target keywords.
For example, if your article on “Skyscraper Technique” targets the keyword “how to build backlinks with skyscraper technique,” be sure to place it in your meta title, URL, and throughout the content in a natural way.
What to Focus On:
- SEO-friendly structure: Use header tags to create a hierarchy for search engines to crawl and understand your content.
- Internal and external links: Include internal links to other relevant pages on your website, and external links to authoritative sources, enhancing your content’s credibility.
Tools/Resources:
- Yoast SEO: A great plugin for optimizing your content’s on-page SEO.
- Google Keyword Planner: Use this tool to find high-ranking keywords related to your content.
5. Promote Your Content
After optimizing your content, the next step is promotion. Getting your content in front of the right audience is critical for generating traffic and attracting backlinks.
Action:
Promote your content through multiple channels:
- Social media: Share it across your business’s social media profiles, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Use strategic hashtags and tag influencers or companies mentioned in the article to increase visibility.
- Email marketing: Include your article in your next email newsletter, highlighting key insights to encourage opens and click-throughs.
- Community engagement: Join relevant forums or groups (like Reddit, Quora, or industry-specific Facebook Groups) and share your article with users who may find it helpful.
Example:
If your article on the Skyscraper Technique includes helpful outreach templates, share that content in online communities where people are actively looking for link-building strategies.
What to Focus On:
- Targeted promotion: Focus on platforms and communities where your target audience is most active.
- Engagement: Encourage users to share your content and provide feedback.
Tools/Resources:
- Buffer: Use this tool to schedule posts across multiple platforms.
- Mailchimp: Send out an email campaign to your subscribers with a link to your new content.
6. Reach Out for Backlinks
The core of the Skyscraper Technique is securing backlinks. Reach out to websites that are linking to the original, inferior content and ask them to link to your improved version.
Action:
Craft personalized outreach emails to webmasters, bloggers, and influencers who have linked to the original article. Make a case for why your new content provides more value to their audience, offering them a better, more authoritative resource. Mention specific areas where your content improves upon the original.
Example:
If you are targeting a blog that linked to a poor version of an SEO guide, your outreach email might highlight how your article offers updated statistics, real-life case studies, and a step-by-step guide, making it a superior resource.
What to Focus On:
- Personalization: Avoid generic emails. Tailor your message to each recipient, referencing specific aspects of their content.
- Mutual benefit: Offer something in return, such as sharing their content or linking to them in your article.
Tools/Resources:
- Outreach.io: A tool for managing outreach campaigns and tracking responses.
- Gmail: Use email templates to streamline outreach but make sure each message is personalized.
7. Track Your Results
Tracking the success of your Skyscraper campaign is essential for understanding its effectiveness and making necessary adjustments.
Action:
Monitor the following:
- Backlinks: Use tools like Ahrefs and Majestic to track where your backlinks are coming from and assess the quality of the referring sites.
- Traffic: Use Google Analytics to track how much traffic your new content is generating and where it’s coming from (organic search, referrals, etc.).
- Keyword rankings: Regularly check how your article ranks for your targeted keywords. If rankings aren’t improving, you may need to optimize the content further or adjust your outreach strategy.
What to Focus On:
- Quality of backlinks: Focus on acquiring links from authoritative and relevant sources.
- User engagement: Look for patterns in user behavior, such as time on page and bounce rate, to assess whether your content is providing value.
Tools/Resources:
- Google Analytics: Track user engagement and traffic sources.
- Ahrefs: Monitor backlinks and evaluate domain authority.
By following these comprehensive steps, you can create exceptional content that outranks competitors and attracts valuable backlinks. Through diligent content creation, SEO optimization, and targeted outreach, you’ll be well on your way to dominating your niche and achieving long-term SEO success.
Examples of Skyscraper Technique in Link Building
In order for users to wrap around their heads how to materialize the Skyscraper technique, let us inspect some real-world examples to see how this technique has been flawlessly implemented.
Example 1: The SEO Guide from Backlinko
Backlinko extensively uses the Skyscraper technique, exemplified in Brian Dean’s SEO guide. This particular guide is very commonly famous among ultimate guides on practicing SEO: take something existing, make it complete, and supplement it with the most up-to-date information. This way, he could gain many backlinks from authority websites in the niche.
Example 2: HubSpot’s Blog Posts on Marketing
Using the Skyscraper technique, HubSpot has elaborated on marketing-oriented content areas that were already well-ranked but with even more in-depth strategies, new case studies, and action-oriented insights. These blog posts, as in the case of “The Ultimate Guide to Content Marketing,” which are often referred to as an even better version of aged content, therefore became a good source of backlinks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although the Skyscraper Technique has a proven success record, it is often thwarted by one mistake: creating content that offers only a marginal improvement to an original without significantly higher value. If link builders don’t deem your content to provide better value in terms of depth, clarity, or relevance, it just won’t appeal to them.
An equally big blunder would be to initiate outreach prematurely. Ensure your content is excellent and SEO-friendly before reaching out to potential backlink sources. Otherwise, you may receive a low response rate or, worse still, the kind of unwanted links that may harm your site’s credibility.
Conclusion
The Skyscraper Technique is an excellent link-building strategy for SEO. It comprises identifying underdeveloped, poorly performing high-ranking content and developing a more valuable form of content from it. Then, you contact the right websites, asking them for backlinks. Doing this can significantly improve the authority and visibility of your site. This way, you will get value from high-quality backlinks and position yourself as a thought leader in your industry through an intense outreach campaign. Patience and strategizing outreach using this technique can build long-term SEO success. Ready to scale your SEO work with this great technique? Start building your skyscraper today.
