In this guide, you’ll learn:
When it comes to link building, the Skyscraper Technique is respected by content marketers.
It’s an effective method to build high-quality backlinks and gain a competitive advantage.
It requires time and effort, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile.
Anyone looking to increase their Google search engine results pages stands to benefit.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to execute the Skyscraper Technique.
We’ll also hear from professionals who successfully used this method and got more organic traffic.
The Skyscraper Technique has helped many – it could help you, too.
An Overview
What is the Skyscraper Technique?
The Skyscraper Technique is a link-building strategy developed by Brian Dean of Backlinko.
It involves researching popular, high-ranking content from authoritative websites and creating even better content.
Why is it called the Skyscraper Technique?
You look for a really tall building and then build something taller.
In other words – find high-quality content and create something superior.
This link-building technique can provide you with a huge SEO boost and quality backlinks.
It’s a great way to get more referring domains.
You can also use it to move up in search engine results pages.
Google SERPs are tricky to get onto.
Superior content makes the front page in the SEO world.
That’s why the Skyscraper Technique is a great way to ensure your content ranks.
You are creating content that is on par with popular pieces or better.
Therefore, it has a higher chance of being shared and linked.
An excellent Skyscraper Technique case study example is by Brian Dean himself.
He used his technique and boosted organic search traffic by 110% in 14 days!
His link-building technique can be applied to any topic.
Check out this real estate link building case study from Goldie Agency.
By using the Skyscraper Technique, they were able to increase their real estate client’s organic traffic from 3,000+ to 6,000+ in 4 months!
How does the Skyscraper Technique work?
Brian Dean originally outlined the Skyscraper link-building tactic in three steps:
- Find link-worthy content
- Make something even better
- Reach out to the right people
These link-building tactic steps are still valid today.
However, there are a few tweaks and additions we recommend making.
To use the Skyscraper Technique effectively, follow these 7 easy steps:
Step 1: Find link-worthy content
The first step of the Skyscraper Technique is to find existing link-worthy content.
These help you to search for the top-performing content related to your topic.
For Leszek, Head of Marketing at Passport Photo Online, Ahrefs is the gold standard.
He expounds,
“Ahrefs offers valuable insights into competitor data and helps users create more authoritative content. With this invaluable tool in hand, anyone can properly utilize this winning strategy and increase their online visibility exponentially.”
The idea is to look for high domain authority pieces or high social media shares and backlinks.
These are likely the most successful pieces of content in your niche.
Therefore, they will be good targets for your own work.
Step 2: Research ways to add more value
It’s good practice to research how to add more value to existing content.
Look for areas where the current content falls short.
Where could it be expanded upon in a meaningful way?
Have you used the target keyword?
Also, consider ways to make your piece stand out from other relevant pages.
Idea: You could use different data sources or visuals or add new sections.
This will help you create something truly remarkable that will attract attention and links naturally.
Step 3: List potential distribution partners
This extra step is suggested by SEO expert Ryan Robinson.
He also tried the Skyscraper Technique and drove 72,000 page views.
Robinson suggests making a list of potential distribution partners.
These are influencers and site owners that might find your content interesting.
You can start with who you know.
Connections are more likely to provide free backlinks.
Distribution partners with high domain authority will provide highly valuable backlinks.
Searching through social networks is a great way to find these influencers.
Tools like BuzzSumo or NinjaOutreach are also helpful.
This process is important, as it will help prepare you for your outreach campaign.
Step 4: Make something even better
Armed with your research, you’re ready to create engaging content.
Yours will ideally be even better than the existing pieces.
This is the magic of the Skyscraper Technique.
Take the time to craft a blog post of exceptional quality. A well-written piece covers all aspects of the topic and provides real value.
For Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing and Outreach Manager at PhotoAiD, it was about answering each question related to their particular topic.
When applied to their own content, she said,
“We wanted to ensure our content included the most up-to-date information and a fresh perspective.”
Doing so propelled their content to the top rank of several competitive search queries in their niche.
Robert Hoffman of CashbackHero also emphasized keyword research for such pages.
As you’re writing the piece, remember to “optimize your web pages for search engines, so they appear higher in search results for relevant keywords or phrases.”
Make sure your Skyscraper content looks great, too.
Use visuals and formatting tools like headings and bullet points.
These make it more engaging and easier to read.
Search engines like Google also consider your website’s structure when determining your rank.
In short, don’t forget to apply SEO best practices when creating your content.
Use the target keyword frequently without cluttering things.
Step 5: Promote to your audience
Once you have your Skyscraper content ready, it’s time to promote it.
Start by sharing it with your existing audience.
Ask them to link back if they found the piece useful.
This will give you more referring domains if they agree.
You can also post your content on social media and relevant forums.
At the screenshot you can see I reshared my blogpost with my LinkedIn community.
This will increase your chances of receiving more backlinks and improve your ranks.
Step 6: Reach out to the right people
Go back to the list of potential distribution partners you created.
It’s time to reach out to them regarding your new content.
This is your chance to get more referring domains and organic traffic.
Let them know why it’s better than what’s already out there.
Communicate why they should share it with their target audience.
Your outreach campaign can make all the difference.
To make your skyscraper outreach easier, you can use an email outreach tool. Try Mailshake or Lemlist or create an email template.
Don’t forget to personalize your outreach efforts and ensure they’re polite and friendly.
An email outreach tool can usually help with this. Take human nature into consideration.
Would a real person say this?
Step 7: Remember to update
To make sure you always have topical content, you should update pieces regularly.
Add new information and update old data or visuals wherever it’s needed.
Search engine optimization is particularly picky about outdated information.
Summary
The Skyscraper Technique is an effective way of building high-quality links.
To execute it successfully, spend time researching the popular content in your niche.
The goal is to create a better version of what’s out there.
Reach out to potential distribution partners and promote your content. Remember to update regularly for maximum success.
Here is a quick summary of how to execute the Skyscraper SEO Technique:
| Step | Description |
| 1. Find link-worthy content. |
|
| 2. Research ways to add more value. |
|
| 3. List potential distribution partners. |
|
| 4. Make something even better. |
|
| 5. Promote to your audience. |
|
| 6. Reach out to the right people. |
|
| 7. Remember to update. |
|
FAQ
Is Skyscraper Technique effective in 2023?
Yes, the Skyscraper Technique is still one of the best link-building tactics.
It’s highly useful for content marketing in 2023.
Skyscraper content requires a lot of research and effort to pull off successfully.
However, it can be incredibly rewarding if done right.
There are many anecdotes from SEO professionals who have successfully used the Skyscraper technique. Through it, they rose to the top-ranking pages.
How many links can I build with Skyscraper Technique?
The number of links you can build with the Skyscraper Technique varies.
It depends on your content and how well it is received by other websites.
Highly relevant content will attract more quality links than generic or low-quality content. There is no limit to Skyscraper link building except your efforts.
How long does it take to build links with Skyscraper Technique?
It’s difficult to give an exact timeline for the Skyscraper Technique.
Each project is different.
SEO professionals typically spend around 4–6 weeks researching, creating, and promoting their content.
Do you use Skyscraper Technique at Getmentioned?
No, we do not offer Skyscraper link building at Getmentioned.
However, we provide other effective link-building services like guest posting, HARO, and editorial links.
These link-building tactics all have amazing results and case studies.
Consider adding these to your SEO strategy.
TL;DR
The Skyscraper Technique is a highly respected link-building strategy.
It involves improving on the content of competitors.
Simply find relevant content, create something better, and promote it to the right people.
Helpful tools, thorough research, and smart distribution are your keys to success.
Update your content regularly and promote it to increase visibility.
Otherwise, move onto the next topic, rinse, and repeat!
The Skyscraper Link Building Technique is your ticket to better SERP results.
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