Introduction to the Skyscraper Technique
The skyscraper technique is a proven link‑building strategy that turns great content into a magnet for high‑quality backlinks. First coined by Brian Dean of Backlink Joy, the method follows three simple steps:
- Find popular content in your niche.
- Create something even better—more comprehensive, up‑to‑date, and visually appealing.
- Outreach to the right people and ask them to link to your superior resource.
When executed correctly, the skyscraper technique can boost your domain authority, increase organic traffic, and give you a steady stream of dofollow links from authoritative sites.
Step 1: Research Existing Link Magnets
Tools for Finding Link‑Worthy Content
- Ahrefs Content Explorer – filter by >100 backlinks.
- BuzzSumo – sort by total engagements and backlinks.
-
Google Search – use
intitle: "andinurl:operators." - SEMrush Topic Research – discover trending sub‑topics.
What to Look For
| Metric | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Referring domains | 30+ |
| Social shares | 500+ |
| Content length | 2,000+ words |
| Media assets | Images, infographics, videos |
Pick a piece that already enjoys a strong natural link profile. The more backlinks it has, the easier it will be to convince others to link to a superior version.
Step 2: Build a Superior Asset
Content Blueprint
- Outline – use the original article as a skeleton, then add missing sections.
- Depth – aim for 3,000‑4,000 words, covering every angle.
- Data – include original research, case studies, or up‑to‑date statistics.
- Visuals – create custom infographics, charts, and short videos.
- UX – add a table of contents, internal anchors, and fast loading times.
Example: Upgrading a "Top 10 SEO Tools" List
| Original Article | Skyscraper Upgrade |
|---|---|
| 10 tools, 5‑minute read | 15 tools, 20‑minute deep dive |
| No screenshots | Full‑screen screenshots, video demos |
| 2022 data | 2024 data with original survey results |
| Plain list | Categorized sections, pros/cons tables |
Sample Content Snippet (Markdown)
## 1. Ahrefs – The All‑In‑One SEO Suite
- **Keyword Explorer** – 10M+ keywords, SERP overview.
- **Site Explorer** – Real‑time backlink analysis.
- **Content Gap** – Identify missing topics.
> *"Ahrefs consistently ranks as the most reliable backlink checker in independent tests."* – 2024 SEO Survey
Optimizing for Topical Relevance
- Use LSI keywords throughout (e.g., "backlink analysis", "link prospecting").
- Include semantic HTML (
<h1>,<h2>,<section>). - Add schema markup for articles and FAQs.
Step 3: Outreach Strategy That Gets Clicks
Building a Target List
- Identify sites that linked to the original piece – export from Ahrefs.
- Find similar authority sites – use the "Link Intersect" feature.
- Prioritize by domain authority – aim for DA 30+.
Crafting the Outreach Email
Subject: Updated "Top 10 SEO Tools" – Worth a Quick Look?
Hi {FirstName},
I loved your roundup on SEO tools (great job on the section about Moz!).
I recently published an expanded guide that includes:
- Two brand‑new tools released in 2024
- Original survey data from 150 SEO pros
- Interactive comparison charts you can embed
You can check it out here: https://example.com/ultimate-seo-tools-guide
If you think it adds value for your readers, feel free to link to it. Happy to credit you if you’d like a mention.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position] – [CartLegit](https://cartlegit.com)
Follow‑Up Cadence
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Send initial email |
| 3 | Light reminder (no pressure) |
| 7 | Second follow‑up with additional value (e.g., a custom infographic) |
| 14 | Final polite check‑in |
Personalization Tips
- Reference a specific piece they published.
- Mention a mutual connection or shared audience.
- Offer a unique asset (e.g., a downloadable PDF) that they can embed.
Measuring Success
Key Metrics
- Referring domains gained per week.
- Organic traffic lift to the new page (Google Analytics).
- Average DA of acquired links.
- Link juice flow – monitor via Ahrefs Site Explorer.
Reporting Template
# Skyscraper Campaign – Week 2 Report
## Links Acquired
- Total new dofollow links: 18
- Highest DA site: exampleauthority.com (DA 78)
## Traffic Impact
- Pageviews ↑ 42% (from 1,200 to 1,704)
- Avg. session duration ↑ 15 seconds
## Next Steps
- Reach out to remaining 12 high‑DA prospects.
- Create a short video walkthrough for further promotion.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Fix |
|---|---|
| Thin content – merely adding a few sentences. | Ensure the new piece is at least 30‑50% longer and includes original data. |
| Bad outreach – generic copy‑pasta. | Use personalized snippets and reference the target’s existing work. |
| Neglecting internal linking – new page stands alone. | Add contextual backlinks from related posts on your own site. |
| Ignoring Nofollow links – focusing only on dofollow. | Accept high‑quality nofollow from reputable publications; they still drive traffic and brand signals. |
Scaling the Skyscraper Technique
- Batch research – allocate 2 hours per week to find 5‑10 link‑worthy pieces.
- Template library – store email variations, infographic styles, and video scripts.
- Outsource creation – hire freelancers for design and data collection.
- Automate outreach – tools like Pitchbox or BuzzStream can sequence follow‑ups.
When you systematize the process, you can run 3‑4 skyscraper campaigns per month, each delivering 20‑30 new backlinks and a noticeable bump in rankings.
Conclusion
The skyscraper technique remains one of the most effective link‑building methods for modern SEO. By identifying existing link magnets, crafting a superior resource, and executing a thoughtful outreach plan, you can earn high‑quality backlinks that boost domain authority, improve page rank, and drive sustainable organic traffic.
Ready to launch your first skyscraper? Start with a quick audit of your niche’s top‑performing content, then head over to CartLegit for a suite of tools that simplify research, outreach, and reporting. The sky’s the limit—build your SEO empire one skyscraper at a time.