Creating high-quality content is hard work. You spend hours researching, writing, and editing, only to find that it barely gets any views or backlinks. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Studies show that 96.55% of all content gets zero traffic from Google. That means even if your content is good, it’s still competing against millions of other posts.
So how do you make your content stand out and actually rank? The answer is the Skyscraper Technique. It’s a simple yet powerful method that helps your content outperform the competition by making it better than anything else out there.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the Skyscraper Technique is, why it works so well, and how to use it to boost your search rankings, drive more traffic, and build high-quality backlinks.
What Is the Skyscraper Technique?
The Skyscraper Technique is a content marketing and SEO strategy designed to help your pages rank higher in search results, attract more backlinks, and drive more traffic. It’s called the Skyscraper Technique because, just like a skyscraper stands taller than the buildings around it, this method focuses on creating content that’s better than anything else on the same topic.
The idea is simple:
- Find existing content that is already performing well and attracting a lot of backlinks.
- Create something even better—more detailed, more visually appealing, or more up-to-date.
- Reach out to people who are linked to the original content and show them your improved version.
- 📈 Build High-Quality Backlinks
- 🚀 Improve Search Rankings Quickly
- 👁️🗨️ Drive More Traffic and Visibility
- 🏆 Outperform Competitors in Your Niche
This strategy not only gets you higher in Google but also establishes your authority within your niche, so it is a great long-term SEO tactic.
How the Skyscraper Technique Functions (Step by Step)
The Skyscraper Method is all about discovering awesome content, turning it into something better, and leveraging it to get excellent backlinks. Below is a straightforward step-by-step guide to kick-start things:
Step 1: Find Link-Worthy Content
In the Skyscraper Technique, we start by finding content that is already well-performing—pages that have drawn a lot of backlinks. By doing this, we are starting with proven pieces of content that already connect with people.
Using Ahrefs to Discover High-Performing Content:
Below are the steps to find link-worthy content using Ahrefs:
Access Content Explorer: Go to Ahrefs’ Content Explorer tool. This tool provides an option for you to browse through a huge database of web pages to discover content on your niche.
Enter a Relevant Keyword: Input a broad keyword related to your topic. For instance, if you’re focusing on “email marketing,” type that into the search bar.
Apply Filters:
- Language: Set to your target audience’s language.
- Published Date: Choose a timeframe to find recent content.
- Referring Domains: Filter to show pages with a high number of backlinks, indicating popularity and authority.
Analyze the Results: Review the list of articles. Look for content that:
- Has a high number of referring domains.
- It is relevant to your target audience.
- Covers topics you can expand upon or improve.
Examine Backlink Profiles: Click on promising articles to view their backlink profiles. This will show you which websites are linking to them, providing potential targets for your outreach later on.
Following these steps, you can identify content already successful and find areas to develop something better, laying the groundwork for efficient link-building.
Step 2: Create Something Better
Once you’ve found link-worthy content, the next step in the Skyscraper Technique is to create something even better. This is where you stand out by offering more value than the original piece. Remember, you’re not just trying to copy what’s already out there—you want to create the best version of that content.
This is how to get your content noticed:
- Add Depth and Detail: Dig deeper into the subject matter. Add more statistics, examples, case studies, and real-world observations. For instance, if the initial article presents 10 SEO tips, think of writing a 20-tips guide by experts.
- Use Better Design and UX: Make your content more visually appealing and easier to navigate. Use clear headings, infographics, custom images, and clean formatting to improve the user experience.
- Update with Fresh Data: If the original piece uses old stats or outdated examples, replace them with the latest information to keep your content relevant.
- Include Unique Insights: Share your personal experiences, industry secrets, or expert interviews to add a unique perspective.
- Make It More Comprehensive: Cover subtopics that the original article missed, or add extra sections that answer related questions.
- Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords like “skyscraper SEO,” “skyscraper technique SEO,” and “skyscraper method” to improve your search rankings.
Writing a better version doesn’t simply equal writing more words—it equals writing something worthier, more interesting, and more linkable. This makes it simpler to obtain backlinks and outperform the original piece.
Step 3: Reach Out for Backlinks
Once you’ve created a better piece of content, the next step is to promote it. This is where the real power of the Skyscraper Technique comes in. It’s not enough to just publish your improved content—you need to let the right people know it exists.
How to Ask for Backlinks:
1. Get the Right Contacts: Employ services such as Ahrefs, Hunter.io, or BuzzStream to obtain the contact details of sites that referenced the original article.
In order to verify who referenced the original material, copy the URL and put it in Ahrefs’ Site Explorer and navigate to the Backlinks tab. You will have a list of websites that already deemed the original work worthy enough to link to it, so they are suitable targets for outreach.
2. Personalize Your Outreach: Don’t just send a generic email. Personalize each message to show that you understand their content and why your piece is a valuable update.
3. Highlight the Value: Clearly explain why your content is better. Maybe it has more up-to-date stats, better visuals, or a more comprehensive guide. Make it clear why linking to your version would benefit their readers.
4. Keep It Brief and Friendly: Site owners who are busy do not have much time to read long mail messages. Be respectful, friendly, and to the point.
5. Follow Up (But Don’t Be Bothering): If you hear nothing within a week or two, send a polite follow-up. Emails do get lost, and a nudge can help.
Prospecting for backlinks takes time, but it will be worth it if you need to increase your SEO skyscraper technique results.
Tips for Creating a “Better” Version
Now that you’ve found link-worthy content and created a plan to promote it, the next step is to make sure your version truly stands out. Simply adding a few extra paragraphs isn’t enough. You need to create something that people will actually prefer to link to.
Here are some simple ways to make your content better:
- Add Fresh Data and Insights: Use recent studies, new statistics, or industry reports to make your content more current and credible.
- Improve the Design and User Experience: Use better visuals, cleaner formatting, and clear headings to make your content more engaging and easier to read.
- Include Real-Life Examples or Case Studies: Add practical examples, case studies, or real-world applications that weren’t covered in the original piece.
- Make It More Comprehensive: Cover additional subtopics, answer related questions, or include step-by-step guides to provide more value.
- Focus on Readability: Use simple language, short paragraphs, and bullet points to make your content easier to digest.
- Use Interactive Elements: Add infographics, charts, videos, or interactive tools to make your content more engaging and shareable.
Creating a truly “better” version isn’t just about adding more words—it’s about creating something that people genuinely want to read, share, and link to.
Conclusion
The Skyscraper Technique is a smart move to really get above the competition and grab those valuable backlinks. The whole point is finding what’s already out there and making it way, way better.
But here’s the thing: this is not a “one-and-done” strategy. You need to constantly update that content, keep hitting up folks for links, and adjust your approach. Why? Because the SEO world is always changing. In the long run, remember, it’s not just about building tall – it’s about building smart.
Create tall, link smart, and watch your rankings soar. 🚀
FAQs About the Skyscraper Technique
Can The Skyscraper Technique Work For Small Or New Websites?
Yes, the Skyscraper Strategy can be applied to smaller sites, but it might require more work. Target niches where you have something special to contribute or local experience to share, and be ready for more outreach work to establish initial authority.
Is The Skyscraper Technique Only For Long-Form Content?
No, it can work for shorter content too. The key is creating something more valuable than what’s already out there, whether it’s a quick guide, checklist, or infographic.
How Long Should I Wait Before Following Up On My Outreach Emails?
Typically, you should wait 7-10 days before sending a polite follow-up. Be patient, as some site owners take time to respond.
Can I Use The Skyscraper Technique For Product Pages Or Ecommerce Sites?
Yes, you can. Create in-depth buying guides, comparison pages, or product tutorials that offer more value than standard product descriptions.
Should I Update My Skyscraper Content Regularly?
Yes, keeping your content fresh with new stats, case studies, and updated examples can help you maintain your rankings and keep attracting backlinks.
Can I Use This Method For Local Seo?
Yes, you can use the Skyscraper Technique for local SEO by focusing on local data, case studies, and examples that are relevant to your target audience.
How Do I Avoid My Outreach Emails Going To Spam?
Use a verified domain, personalize your emails, avoid spammy language, and test your emails before sending to reduce the chances of landing in the spam folder.
Is It Okay To Reach Out To The Same Sites Multiple Times?
Yes, but only if you have genuinely valuable content each time. Don’t spam the same contacts with every new post.
