SEO Success with the Skyscraper Technique: What It Is & How It Works

Jul 20, 2024

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is essential for startups and entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark in a crowded digital space. One effective SEO strategy is the Skyscraper Technique. Introduced by Brian Dean of Backlinko, this technique involves identifying high-performing content in your niche, creating superior content, and then reaching out to those who linked to the original piece to link to yours instead. This blog will explore how to effectively implement the Skyscraper Technique to boost your SEO rankings.

What is the Skyscraper Technique?

The Skyscraper Technique is an advanced link-building strategy aimed at outperforming competitors by creating better content. The process involves three primary steps:

  1. Identify popular content: Find top-performing content within your niche that has garnered a significant number of backlinks.

  2. Create superior content: Produce a more comprehensive, updated, and valuable piece of content on the same topic.

  3. Promote your content: Reach out to those who linked to the original content and persuade them to link to your improved version.

Source - Ahrefs

Why Use the Skyscraper Technique?

The primary advantage of the Skyscraper Technique lies in its ability to attract high-quality backlinks. Google considers these backlinks as votes of confidence, enhancing your site's authority and boosting its search engine rankings. Unlike other link-building methods, the Skyscraper Technique focuses on creating genuinely valuable content, thereby offering long-term SEO benefits.

How to Implement the Skyscraper Technique

1. Find Competitive Content

Start by identifying content in your niche that already has a high number of backlinks. Use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to discover top-performing pages. Look for:

  • How-to guides

  • Listicles

  • Comprehensive guides

  • Infographics

  • Review posts

These content types are often richly linked, making them ideal targets for the Skyscraper Technique.

Example

Suppose you run a tech blog. You might find a popular article titled "Top 10 Programming Languages in 2023" that has garnered numerous backlinks. This article can be your starting point.

2. Create Superior Content

Once you have identified the content to surpass, it's time to create your "skyscraper." Here are some ways to enhance your content:

  • Be more comprehensive: Extend the original content with more detailed information, additional tips, and updated data.

  • Improve readability: Use engaging visuals, infographics, and a clear structure to make your content more accessible.

  • Add unique insights: Incorporate expert opinions, case studies, and your own research to provide unique value.

  • Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords, and meta descriptions, and ensure your content is easily readable by search engines.

Example

Building on the earlier example, your improved article could be "Top 15 Programming Languages in 2024," including detailed pros and cons of each language, expert interviews, and an infographic summarizing the key points.

3. Conduct Email Outreach

The final step is to promote your newly created content. Reach out to websites that linked to the original piece, explaining how your content offers more value. Personalize your outreach emails to increase the likelihood of getting a positive response.

Sample Email Template

Subject: Enhance Your Article with This Updated Resource

Hi [Recipient's Name],

I recently came across your article on [Original Content Title] and found it extremely informative. I noticed that it has been referenced by several authoritative sites.

As a [Your Profession], I’ve created an updated and more comprehensive guide titled [Your New Content Title]. It includes the latest insights and an infographic that your readers will find very useful.

Here’s the link to the new guide: [Link]

I believe it would make a valuable addition to your article.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Contact Information]

Case Studies

Case Study: Backlinko

Brian Dean, the creator of the Skyscraper Technique, used it to grow Backlinko’s traffic by 110% in just two weeks. By creating superior content and effectively promoting it, Dean was able to attract high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites.

Case Study: Ahrefs

Ahrefs implemented the Skyscraper Technique to boost their organic traffic. By identifying high-performing content in their niche and creating improved versions, Ahrefs achieved a significant increase in backlinks and traffic.

Benefits of the Skyscraper Technique

  • High-Quality Backlinks: Attract links from authoritative websites.

  • Improved SEO Rankings: Higher search engine rankings due to increased backlinks.

  • Increased Traffic: More visibility and traffic to your website.

  • Enhanced Credibility: Establish your brand as an authority in your niche.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Finding the Right Content

Identifying the right content to outperform can be time-consuming. Use SEO tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to streamline this process.

Creating Superior Content

Creating high-quality content requires significant effort and resources. Invest in thorough research, professional writing, and engaging visuals to ensure your content stands out.

Effective Outreach

Not all recipients will respond positively to your outreach. Personalize your emails and clearly articulate the value your content adds to improve your success rate.

Conclusion

The Skyscraper Technique is a powerful SEO strategy that can significantly enhance your online presence. By creating superior content and securing high-quality backlinks, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract more traffic to your website.

Ready to take your SEO to the next level? Start implementing the Skyscraper Technique today and watch your website soar to new heights. 

For more expert SEO tips and strategies, contact us and we can also help you build an effective SEO.