What Is the Skyscraper Technique?
The skyscraper technique is a link‑building strategy that was popularised by Brian Dean of Backlink Yoast. The idea is simple: find existing content that already earns links, create something even better, and then reach out to the sites that linked to the original piece. By offering a superior resource, you increase the odds of earning a high‑quality backlink.
Why It Beats Traditional Guest Posting
- Higher relevance – You’re targeting pages that already consider the topic link‑worthy.
- More natural link profile – Backlinks come from editorial decisions, not paid placements.
- Scalable results – One piece of pillar content can attract dozens of links over months.
Step‑by‑Step Blueprint
1. Research Link‑Worthiness
- Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or the free Backlink Checker in CartLegit to locate pages with a strong backlink count.
- Filter results by Domain Rating (DR) ≥ 30 and traffic ≥ 5 K visits/month.
- Export the URLs into a spreadsheet for easy reference.
2. Analyse the Existing Content
- Length – How many words?
- Media – Does it contain images, videos, infographics?
- Depth – Are there gaps, outdated statistics, or missing sub‑topics?
- User Experience – Check page speed, mobile friendliness, and readability.
3. Create Something Superior
| Element | Original | Skyscraper Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Word count | 1,200 | 2,800+ |
| Images | 3 static | 8 high‑resolution + 2 custom infographics |
| Data | 2018 stats | 2024 data + original research |
| Format | Blog post | Interactive guide with downloadable PDF |
Write in a clear, conversational tone, break sections with H3 headings, and add actionable checklists. Use tools like Canva or Visme to design original graphics, and embed a short video if possible.
4. Optimise for On‑Page SEO
- Include the primary keyword in the title, first 100 words, and meta description.
- Use semantic LSI terms (e.g., “link building case study”, “content promotion tactics”).
- Add internal links to related posts on your own site to boost link juice.
5. Outreach & Promotion
a. Build a Target List
Site | Contact | Link Location | Reason to Link
-----|---------|---------------|---------------
example.com/blog | john@editor.com | “Resources” page | Better data & visuals
techsite.io/articles | sarah@techsite.io | “Further Reading” | Updated statistics
b. Craft a Persuasive Email
Subject: Updated resource for your “Best SEO Tools” guide
Hi [Name],
I loved your article on “Best SEO Tools for 2023.” I noticed you linked to a 2019 guide on link‑building tactics. I’ve just published an updated, data‑driven piece that expands on the skyscraper technique, includes fresh 2024 statistics, and adds two original infographics.
If you think it adds value for your readers, I’d be thrilled if you could replace the old link with my new resource:
[Your Skyscraper Title] – https://yourdomain.com/skyscraper-technique
Happy to answer any questions!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position] – [CartLegit](https://cartlegit.com)
c. Follow‑Up
- Wait 3‑5 business days.
- Send a brief reminder referencing a specific part of their article.
- If no response after two attempts, move on to the next prospect.
Measuring Success
| Metric | Tool | Target |
|---|---|---|
| New backlinks | Ahrefs / CartLegit Backlink Checker | 20+ in first 30 days |
| Referral traffic | Google Analytics | +15 % month‑over‑month |
| Domain Authority gain | Moz | +2 points in 90 days |
| SERP position for target keyword | SEMrush | Top 5 within 4 weeks |
Track these KPIs in a simple Google Sheet. Update the sheet weekly to see which outreach templates are converting best.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Copy‑pasting the original article – Search engines penalise duplicate content. Always rewrite, expand, and add original data.
- Targeting low‑quality sites – A link from a spammy blog can hurt your domain authority. Use the DR filter and manually review each prospect.
- Neglecting promotion – Even the best content won’t rank without outreach. Allocate at least 30 % of your project time to email outreach and social sharing.
- Forgetting to update – Content can become stale. Schedule a quarterly review to refresh stats and visuals.
Tools & Resources That Accelerate the Process
- Ahrefs Content Explorer – Find top‑performing articles quickly.
- Google Trends – Validate search interest before you write.
- Canva Pro – Design custom infographics without a designer.
- Mailshake – Automate follow‑up sequences while keeping a personal tone.
- CartLegit Backlink Checker – Verify acquired links and monitor lost ones.
Quick Checklist Before Publishing
- [ ] Title includes primary keyword and is under 70 characters.
- [ ] Word count exceeds the longest competitor by at least 30 %.
- [ ] All images have descriptive ALT tags.
- [ ] Internal links to at least three related posts.
- [ ] Social share buttons and a “Tweetable Quote” section.
- [ ] Structured data (Schema.org Article) added.
Conclusion
The skyscraper technique remains one of the most reliable ways to earn high‑quality backlinks and boost organic traffic. By systematically researching link‑worthy content, creating a truly superior resource, and executing a thoughtful outreach campaign, you can transform a single piece of content into a backlink magnet. Remember to measure results, iterate on your outreach copy, and keep the content fresh. When done right, the skyscraper technique not only improves your domain authority but also positions your brand as an authority in its niche.
Ready to build your own skyscraper? Start with a free backlink audit on https://cartlegit.com and discover the opportunities waiting for you.
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