The Skyscraper Technique has become a go-to strategy for earning high-authority backlinks, especially when executed with precision. Originally popularized by Brian Dean of Backlinko, the approach revolves around finding top-performing content, making something even better, and reaching out to those who linked to the original. When done right, thai it results in powerful backlinks from high Domain Authority (DA) websites, which can significantly boost your SEO performance. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make the Skyscraper Technique work for you.
1. Find Top-Performing Content in Your Niche
The first step is identifying content that’s already performing well in terms of backlinks. Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to find blog posts, guides, or articles with a high number of referring domains in your target niche. Ideally, this content should be relevant to what you do and rank well for keywords you’re aiming to target. You’re looking for “linkable assets”—pieces that are resource-rich and widely referenced—because that signals clear interest and backlink potential.
2. Analyze Why It Works and Identify Opportunities to Improve
Once you find a strong piece of content, don’t rush into creating your version. Study it first. What makes it successful? Does it offer valuable information, visuals, original research, or great formatting? Then, look for its weaknesses—maybe the stats are outdated, the design is dull, or it lacks depth. Your goal is to identify what can be improved, expanded, or modernized so that your new version offers superior value to readers and potential linkers.
3. Create a Better, More Comprehensive Piece
Now it’s time to build your skyscraper—create content that’s taller, stronger, and more helpful than anything else out there. Add more up-to-date stats, include custom visuals like infographics or charts, break it down into easily digestible sections, and provide more actionable insights. Make sure it’s well-formatted for readability and optimized for SEO. The end product should feel like the definitive resource on the topic. This is the backbone of your link-building campaign.
4. Identify and Reach Out to Sites Linking to the Original
Once your content is live, use your SEO tools again to extract a list of websites that link to the original piece. These are your targets—they’ve already shown interest in linking to content on the topic. Craft personalized outreach emails explaining that you’ve created an updated and more comprehensive version of what they’ve linked to. Don’t beg for links—show them the value. Highlight how your content offers more to their readers and suggest it as a replacement or an additional resource.
5. Offer Value and Build Real Relationships
To improve your success rate, go beyond cold emails. Engage with these site owners or authors on social media, comment on their blogs, or share their content. Establish some familiarity before you make the ask. When you do reach out, be polite, concise, and appreciative. The more genuine and helpful you are, the more likely you’ll get a positive response. Remember, high DA backlinks often come from people who care about quality and relationships—not just link swaps.
6. Track Results and Refine Your Approach
Finally, keep tabs on how your skyscraper content performs. Monitor the backlinks you earn, check referral traffic, and track keyword improvements. Use tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or Semrush to gauge success. If certain types of sites respond more favorably, double down on those niches. If your outreach isn’t landing, tweak your pitch. The Skyscraper Technique isn’t a one-time tactic—it’s an ongoing process of research, content creation, outreach, and refinement.