Have you ever spent hours creating content that nobody seems to notice? I’ve been there too. That’s why I want to share the Skyscraper Technique with you—a proven strategy that can dramatically improve your content’s visibility and help you build quality backlinks.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how the Skyscraper Technique works and why it’s so effective for boosting your SEO rankings. You’ll learn how to find high-performing content in your niche, create something significantly better, and then reach out to the right people who will likely link to your improved version.

The beauty of this technique is that it doesn’t rely on shortcuts or gimmicks. Instead, it’s based on a simple truth: people naturally want to reference the best available content. By the end of this article, you’ll have a straightforward, step-by-step process to implement this strategy for your own website or blog.

Whether you’re just starting out or struggling to get traction with your existing content, the Skyscraper Technique can be a game-changing SEO strategy!

Core Components of the Skyscraper Technique

When I first learned about the Skyscraper Technique, I realized it’s built on three main pillars that work together. Think of these as the foundation of a successful content strategy.

Pillar #1: Finding Top-Performing Content

The first step is all about research. I need to find content that’s already doing well in my niche. This means looking for articles, guides, or resources that have:

• Lots of backlinks from reputable websites
• High search rankings for my target keywords
• Significant social shares and engagement

I search for keywords related to my topic and check out the top results. Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or even free options like Moz’s Link Explorer can help me see which content has the most backlinks.

I’m looking for pieces of content that are good but have clear gaps or weaknesses. They may be outdated, missing important information, or poorly presented. These are perfect candidates for the Skyscraper approach.

Pillar #2: Creating Superior Content

Once I’ve found successful content, my job is to make something significantly better. This doesn’t mean making minor changes or adding more words. I need to truly elevate the quality in meaningful ways:

• More comprehensive coverage of the topic
• Better, more current information with up-to-date stats and examples
• Improved visual elements like custom graphics, charts, or videos
• Enhanced readability with clear formatting and structure
• Original insights or research that adds unique value

I’ve found that asking “What would make this content truly helpful for someone trying to solve this problem?” is a great way to guide my improvements. The goal isn’t just to be slightly better, but to create something that makes the existing content look incomplete by comparison.

Pillar #3: Strategic Outreach for Backlink Acquisition

Creating great content is only half the battle. Now, I need to let people know about it, especially those who have already linked to similar content in the past. This outreach phase involves:

• Building a targeted list of websites that link to the original content
• Crafting personalized emails that highlight the specific improvements in my version
• Following up thoughtfully with those who don’t respond initially

I make sure my outreach emails are brief, friendly, and focused on how my content provides additional value—not just asking for a link. I’ve learned that success rates improve when I take the time to understand the website I’m reaching out to and customize my message accordingly.

To effectively manage and scale this process, many businesses partner with link building agencies such as TheBlueprints, known for their tailored outreach strategies and expertise in connecting content with relevant audiences. This is where careful and precise link building comes into play to ensure the content is reaching the right audience and, in turn, providing a high-quality, high-value backlink.

Key Metrics for Success

I track specific metrics that show real progress to know if my Skyscraper campaign is working.

Backlink Quality vs. Quantity

When it comes to backlinks, quality truly matters more than quantity. Here’s what I look for:

Metric	Why It Matters
Domain Authority	Links from higher-authority sites pass more SEO value
Relevance	Links from sites in my niche send stronger signals to search engines
Placement	Links within content are more valuable than those in footers or sidebars
Anchor Text	Varied, natural anchor text helps avoid over-optimization penalties

Organic Traffic Growth

The ultimate goal of the Skyscraper Technique is to increase organic traffic to my site. I monitor:

• Keyword position improvements for my target terms
• Overall organic traffic to the specific page
• Engagement metrics, particularly pertaining to the time on page and the bounce rate

I’ve noticed that traffic growth often happens in stages. First, I see improved rankings, then more clicks, and finally, better engagement metrics if my content truly serves the reader’s needs. This positive cycle helps reinforce my position in search results over time.

One important thing I’ve learned is that patience is key. While some Skyscraper campaigns show results quickly, others take months to develop fully. The work is worth it because the traffic and authority gained are much more sustainable than quick-fix SEO tactics.

Step-by-Step Implementation of Skyscraper Technique

Phase 1: Content Discovery

Finding the right content to improve upon is the foundation of a successful Skyscraper campaign. In my years of experience, rushing this step often leads to wasted effort down the line.

Tools for Identifying High-Ranking Content

When I’m looking for content to “skyscrape,” I rely on several tools that make the process much more straightforward:

Tool #1: Ahrefs

Ahrefs has become my go-to tool for this research phase. Here’s my simple process:

1. I enter my target keyword in Content Explorer
2. I filter results to show only pages with at least 20 referring domains
3. I sort by organic traffic to find the most visited pages

This quickly shows me which content is already performing well and attracting links.

Tool #2: SEMrush

SEMrush offers another approach I sometimes use:

• The “Organic Research” tool helps me identify which keywords my competitors rank for
• I can see exactly which pages bring them the most traffic
• The “Backlink Analytics” feature shows me which content earns the most links

Tool #3: Respona

Respona is newer to my toolkit but has proven valuable for combining content discovery with outreach planning:

• It helps me find relevant content and the authors behind it
• I can build outreach lists while researching content
• It suggests personalization points for later outreach

Tool #4: Google Search

I also use Google Search itself with some advanced operators:

intitle:”topic keyword” inurl:guide

intitle:”topic keyword” inurl:tutorial

intitle:”topic keyword” inurl:how-to

This simple search often reveals high-ranking instructional content that might not appear in paid tools.

Analyzing Competitor Gaps

Once I’ve found popular content, I look for specific weaknesses I can improve upon. I’ve noticed these common gaps tend to appear:

1. Missing Data: Many articles make claims without backing them up with statistics or research. I keep a spreadsheet noting when I see statements like “most businesses find that…” without any actual numbers to support them.
2. Outdated Stats: Even great content becomes less valuable when referencing studies from 5+ years ago. I look for articles citing old research that could be updated with fresh data.
3. Poor User Experience: Sometimes, content ranks well despite being unpleasant to use or navigate. Common examples include:

• Wall-of-text paragraphs with no breaks
• Lack of visuals to explain complex concepts
• Slow-loading pages with too many ads
• Mobile unfriendliness

4. Shallow Coverage: I’ve found that many high-ranking articles cover topics broadly but miss the depth that practitioners need. They might list what to do without explaining how to do it.
5. Lack of Examples: Abstract advice without concrete examples frustrates readers. I note when articles fail to show real-world applications.

I create a simple scoring system for potential skyscraper targets based on:

Criteria	Weight	Notes
Link Count	30%	Must have at least 30+ backlinks to be worth targeting
Content Age	20%	Older content (2+ years) is typically easier to improve
Visible Gaps	30%	How many clear weaknesses can I identify?
Ranking Potential	20%	Is this topic still growing in search volume?

Phase 2: Content Creation

Creating truly superior content is where the real work happens. This phase is where I transform good ideas into great resources.

Structuring “10x Content”

When Brian Dean first coined the term “Skyscraper Technique,” he emphasized creating “10x content” — material that’s ten times better than what’s currently ranking. Here’s how I approach this challenge:

1. Comprehensive Outline

First, I create a comprehensive outline that includes:

• Every subtopic covered in competitor content
• Additional subtopics they missed
• Questions from “People Also Ask” boxes in search results
• Topics from related search queries

This outline ensures my content coverage is broader and deeper than existing content.

2. Adding Multimedia

Text alone rarely creates a 10x experience. I enhance my content with:

Interactive Calculators: I add simple calculators for topics involving numbers or formulas that help readers apply concepts to their situation. For example, I might include a calculator that estimates potential traffic based on ranking position in a content marketing article.

I typically build these using:

• Simple JavaScript for basic calculations
• Embedded Google Sheets for more complex tools
• Third-party tools like Outgrow or Calculoid for sophisticated interactives

Video Tutorials: Adding a 2-3 minute video explaining key concepts dramatically increases engagement. I keep these simple:

• Screen recordings with voiceover for technical topics
• Talking head videos for conceptual explanations
• Animated explainers for complex processes

Even a simple video summarizing the article’s main points adds significant value over text-only competitors.

Custom Illustrations: Generic stock photos don’t add much value. Instead, I create:

• Simple diagrams that visualize processes
• Custom charts that present data clearly
• Infographics that summarize key points
• Annotated screenshots for tutorials

These visuals improve my content and become shareable assets that can attract additional links.

3. Improving Readability

Even the most valuable information gets ignored if it’s hard to read. I focus on:

Bullet Points and Numbered Lists: These writing styles aid in breaking up long blocks of texts and make information scannable. I use them for:

• Steps in the processes
• Lists of tools or resources
• Key points to remember

Strategic Subheadings: I structure content with clear H2, H3, and H4 headings that:

• Follow a logical progression
• Include relevant keywords
• Work as standalone statements that summarize sections

FAQs Section: I always include a robust FAQ section that:

• Addresses common objections
• Answers questions from search results
• Provides quick answers to specific concerns

Progressive Disclosure: For lengthy guides, I use:

• Expandable sections for technical details
• “Click to continue reading” options for advanced topics
• Table of contents with jump links to sections

This approach accommodates both casual readers and those seeking in-depth information.

4. Incorporating Original Research

Nothing sets content apart like original insights that can’t be found elsewhere. I develop:

Case Studies: I document my own implementation of the techniques I’m writing about, including:

• The exact process I followed
• Challenges I encountered
• Results achieved with screenshots
• Lessons learned and recommendations

Original Surveys: Even simple surveys add enormous value:

• I survey my email list or social followers on relevant topics
• I compile and visualize the results
• I highlight key findings and surprising insights

Data Analysis: I look for opportunities to analyze publicly available data in new ways:

• Combining datasets from different sources
• Creating longitudinal views of trends
• Breaking down statistics by industry or company size

Expert Interviews: I reach out to subject matter experts for:

• Quotes on controversial topics
• Predictions about future trends
• Tips and advice from their experience

This original content becomes the cornerstone that makes my article truly unique and reference-worthy.

Phase 3: Outreach & Promotion

Creating well-structured, updated content is only half the battle. Strategic promotion is what turns excellent content into a traffic magnet.

Personalized Email Templates for Link-Building

My outreach approach has evolved significantly since I started using the Skyscraper Technique. Here’s what works for me now:

1. Research-First Template: I start with a basic template but heavily customize it for each recipient:

Subject: [Specific topic] resource for [Website Name]

Hi [First Name],

I noticed your excellent article about [specific topic they covered] and especially appreciated [specific point that shows I actually read it].

I recently published a comprehensive guide on [topic] that includes [2-3 specific improvements over existing content they’ve linked to], including [mention your original research or unique angle].

Given that you’ve previously linked to [competitor content] in your article [title with URL], this updated resource might also be valuable to your readers.

Would you mind taking a quick look? I’d love to hear your thoughts either way.

[My Name]

2. The Segmented Approach: I’ve found that categorizing outreach targets improves success rates:

Tier 1	Sites that have linked to multiple competitors (highest priority)
Tier 2	Sites that linked to one competitor recently (medium priority)
Tier 3	Sites covering the topic but not linking to competitors (lower priority)

I customize my approach based on these tiers, spending the most time on Tier 1 outreach.

3. Tracking and Follow-up System: I use a simple spreadsheet to track:

Website	Contact Name	Email	Date Sent	Response	Follow-up Date	Notes
example.com	Jane	jane@ex.com	3/5/25	No reply	3/12/25	Mentioned their podcast in email

I follow up once after 7 days with a brief, friendly note. If there’s no response, I move on rather than becoming a nuisance.

Leveraging Social Proof

Outreach becomes much more effective when backed by evidence of quality and popularity.

1. Testimonials: Before widespread promotion, I:

• Share the content with industry colleagues for feedback
• Ask satisfied readers to provide brief comments
• Include these testimonials in outreach emails

2. Influencer Collaborations: I look for win-win opportunities with influencers:

• Quote them in my content (with permission)
• Ask for their input on specific sections
• Offer to share their related content in exchange for shares

I’ve found that even small influencers can significantly boost content visibility when they have engaged audiences.

3. Early Wins Showcase: When I receive positive responses or secure good links, I subtly reference these in later outreach:

Several leading [industry] websites like [Example 1] and [Example 2] have already added this resource to their content because of [specific quality].

This social proof creates a bandwagon effect that makes additional links more likely.

Advanced Strategies Missing in Competitor Content

The basic Skyscraper Technique works well, but these advanced strategies have helped me stay ahead of increasing competition.

Gap #1: Adapting to Algorithm Updates

The SEO landscape constantly evolves, and the Skyscraper Technique must grow with it.

How Google’s 2024 “EEAT-E” Impacts Skyscraper Content

Google’s latest evaluation criteria add “Engagement” to the existing Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness factors. Here’s how I address each element:

Experience: I highlight:

• My personal experience with the topic
• How long I’ve been working in the field
• Specific results I’ve achieved
• Challenges I’ve overcome

Expertise: I strengthen this by:

• Citing relevant credentials or training
• Linking to other content I’ve created on the topic
• Explaining complex concepts in accessible ways
• Addressing common misconceptions with evidence

Authoritativeness: I build this through:

• Citations from recognized authorities
• References to peer-reviewed research when available
• Mentioning relevant awards or recognition
• Including logos of notable clients or publications that have featured my work

Trustworthiness: I establish this by:

• Providing transparent methodology for any claims
• Updating content regularly with change logs
• Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest
• Citing multiple sources for controversial topics

Engagement (the new E): I optimize for this by:

• Creating interactive elements that encourage participation
• Asking thoughtful questions throughout the content
• Including prompts for comments and discussion
• Making sharing specific sections easy with click-to-tweet buttons

Updating Legacy Skyscraper Posts for SpamBrain 2.0

Google’s anti-spam systems have become increasingly sophisticated. To ensure older skyscraper content remains valuable:

1. I conduct quarterly audits of existing skyscraper posts to:

• Replace outdated statistics
• Add new perspectives or approaches
• Remove or update any information that’s no longer accurate
• Refresh examples with more current ones

2. I examine content for potential spam signals:

• Excessive keyword repetition
• Overly promotional language
• Low-value affiliate links
• Thin sections that don’t provide real value

3. I enhance content depth by:

• Adding expert quotes or perspectives
• Including more real-world examples
• Expanding sections that readers spend the most time on (based on heat mapping)
• Addressing new questions that have emerged in the field

This ongoing maintenance preserves and enhances the value of existing content.

Gap #2: Ethical Considerations

As the Skyscraper Technique has gained popularity, some practitioners have adopted questionable approaches. I maintain higher standards.

A. Avoiding Manipulative Practices

I steer clear of these problematic tactics:

1. Excessive Link-Peddling: Instead of mass-emailing hundreds of sites with generic requests, I:

• Focus on quality over quantity
• Reach out only to genuinely relevant sites
• Accept “no” gracefully without badgering

2. Copying Without Adding Value: I never:

• Repackage existing content without substantial improvements
• Use AI tools to rewrite competitor content simply
• Create “Frankenstein” articles stitched together from multiple sources

3. Misleading Claims: I avoid:

• Exaggerating the uniqueness of my content
• Making claims about results without evidence
• Using clickbait titles that the content doesn’t fulfill

4. Artificial Link Schemes: I don’t participate in:

• Link exchanges or reciprocal linking arrangements
• Private Blog Networks (PBNs)
• Paid link building disguised as outreach

B. Balancing SEO with User-Centric Value

The most sustainable approach puts users first while being mindful of SEO:

1. I start with user problems, not keywords:

What questions are people struggling to answer?

What challenges do they face when implementing solutions?

Where do existing resources fall short?

2. I design for actual humans:

Would this content be valuable if I were the target audience?

Does the format match how people want to consume this information?

Have I removed unnecessary jargon and complexity?

3. I incorporate SEO elements naturally:

• Keywords flow conversationally within valuable content
• Internal links connect genuinely related resources
• Meta descriptions accurately represent the content

This balanced approach creates content that ranks well because it deserves to, not because it’s gaming the system.

Gap 3: Multi-Channel Amplification

Modern content promotion requires a multi-faceted approach beyond traditional link building.

A. Syncing Skyscraper Content with Social Media Campaigns

Different platforms require different approaches:

1. LinkedIn Carousels: I transform key points into slide decks:

• 8-12 slides highlighting the main takeaways
• Simple visuals with minimal text
• A clear call to action pointing to the full article

2. TikTok Summaries: I create short-form video content:

• 30- to 60-second overviews of the most surprising findings
• Step-by-step tutorials for one specific section
• Teaser content that addresses a pain point and directs viewers to the full resource

3. Twitter/X Threads: I break down complex topics:

• 10-15 tweets that provide standalone value
• Visual elements to increase engagement
• Strategic mentions of relevant accounts
• The full article link as the thread conclusion, not the focus

For each platform, I schedule content to publish:

• When the article first launches
• One week after publication
• One month after publication
• Whenever significant updates are made

B. Email Nurture Sequences

Instead of a single announcement email, I develop sequences:

1. Introduction Email: Announces the new resource with key highlights
2. Deep Dive Email: Focuses on one specific section or insight
3. Case Study Email: Shares results from implementing the advice
4. FAQ Email: Addresses common questions received about the content
5. Update Email: Shares new information added since publication

This approach generates multiple touchpoints and opportunities for readers to engage with the content.

C. Paid Ads for Accelerated Traction

Strategic paid promotion jumpstarts the organic growth cycle:

1. Retargeting Website Visitors: I create ads that:

• Target people who visited similar content
• Highlight specific benefits of the new resource
• Use curiosity gaps to encourage clicks

2. LinkedIn Sponsored Content: For B2B topics, I invest in:

• Promoted posts targeting specific job titles and industries
• Document ads featuring PDF versions of the content
• Conversation ads for high-value prospects

3. Google Discovery Campaigns: I use these to:

• Reach people with interests related to my topic
• Target users who have searched for related terms
• Build awareness with broader audiences

The key is starting with small budgets ($50-100) to test different audiences and messaging before scaling up what works.

I track the ROI of paid promotion not just in direct traffic but in:

• Accelerated link acquisition
• Increased social shares
• Faster indexing and ranking improvements

When done strategically, paid promotion creates a virtuous cycle where initial visibility leads to organic growth, reducing the need for continued paid support.

Measuring ROI & Long-Term Value

When I first started using the Skyscraper Technique, I only tracked backlinks. Now I know better—true ROI comes from multiple metrics.

Metrics Beyond Backlinks

Dwell Time Improvements

I measure content quality through:

• Average time on page: Skyscraper content typically increases this by 30-50%
• Scroll depth: Are readers making it to the bottom?
• Bounce rate changes: Fewer immediate exits means better engagement

A quick comparison from my site:

Content Type	Avg. Time	Scroll Depth	Bounce Rate
Regular Posts	2:15	65%	72%
Skyscraper Content	4:05	82%	58%

Conversion Rate Lift

Traffic without conversion is just vanity. I track:

• Email sign-ups from Skyscraper pages
• Product demo requests
• Direct sales

Skyscraper content typically converts 15-25% better because it builds trust before asking for action.

ROI Formulas

(Traffic Value via Ahrefs) – (Content Production Costs)

This straightforward formula gives me a clear picture of content value:

1. I check the estimated traffic value in Ahrefs (what you’d pay for the same traffic via PPC)
2. I subtract all production costs:

• Research time (hours × hourly rate)
• Writing/editing costs
• Design and multimedia creation
• Outreach time and tools

For example:

• Skyscraper article traffic value: $5,200/month (from Ahrefs)
• Production costs: $2,500 (one-time)
• First-year ROI: $59,900 ($5,200 × 12 months – $2,500)

I’ve found that successful Skyscraper content typically pays for itself within 2-3 months.

Lifetime Value of Ranking #1 for Target Keywords

I also look at the long-term value of ranking positions:

1. I identify the monthly search volume for target keywords
2. I calculate the expected CTR based on position (25-30% for position #1)
3. I multiply by the average customer value from organic traffic
4. I project this over 24-36 months (reasonable content lifespan)

This approach shows the substantial difference between ranking #1 versus #5:

Ranking	Typical CTR	Monthly Searches	Monthly Visitors	Annual Value (at $10/visitor)
#1	28%	10,000	2,800	$336,000
#3	11%	10,000	1,100	$132,000
#5	6%	10,000	600	$72,000

Seeing these numbers makes it much easier to justify spending $3,000-5,000 on a single piece of content rather than creating five $800 articles that might never crack the top three positions.

Future-Proofing Your Strategy

AI-powered Content Gap Analysis

I use ChatGPT-5 with this prompt:

Analyze these competing articles and identify:

1. Missing subtopics

2. Outdated information

3. Unanswered reader questions

4. Research opportunities

This helps me see blind spots that human analysis might miss.

Voice Search Optimization

With 40% of adults using voice search on a daily basis, I:

• Include natural question phrases as headings
• Create dedicated FAQ sections
• Optimize for featured snippets
• Use conversational language throughout

VR/AR Integration Preparation

I’m getting ready for 2026 by:

• Creating modular content that can adapt to new formats
• Experimenting with simple AR elements using WebXR
• Building partnerships with 3D content creators

The winners will be those who start experimenting now, even in small ways.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been using the Skyscraper Technique for years now, and it’s still one of my go-to strategies when I want content that actually gets noticed. Yes, it takes more work than just throwing together a quick blog post, but the results speak for themselves.

What I love most is how this approach forces me to create something exceptionally valuable. It’s not about gaming the system—it’s about making content that deserves to rank well because it genuinely helps people.

Remember that your first attempt might not be perfect, and that’s okay. I’ve had some Skyscraper pieces that didn’t perform as expected, but each one taught me something valuable for the next round.

The digital landscape keeps changing, but the core idea remains solid: find what’s working, make it better, and let the right people know about it. If you stick with this process and keep refining your approach, you’ll build content that stands tall above the competition.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with the Skyscraper Technique. What challenges have you faced? What wins have you celebrated? Drop me a message and let me know how it goes!