Use the Skyscraper Technique To Get Backlinks

Generating backlinks is one of the core strategies for boosting SEO performance. However, it can be tricky to look for new backlinks if you’ve tried the usual methods and don’t know where to look next. With that thought in mind, give the skyscraper technique a try to generate some of the best quality backlinks in your niche. 

We’ll share why you may want to use this strategy and the best practices. Therefore, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to start off on the right foot.

What Is the Skyscraper Technique?

The skyscraper technique is an SEO and content marketing strategy created by Brian Dean. It involves improving upon existing high-ranking content to achieve better search engine results and attract more backlinks.

You can break it down into the following three steps:

You can flesh out each step above with advanced strategies to improve the effectiveness of this SEO strategy. We’ll share some tips toward the end of the article in the best practices section. 

5 Advantages of Using the Skyscraper Technique

Now let’s focus on the top reasons to add the skyscraper technique to your SEO arsenal. Therefore, you can justify the time and resources that you’ll need to divert toward getting the most out of this SEO strategy. 

1. Boost SEO and Search Rankings

The skyscraper technique helps improve SEO by targeting keywords that are already ranking well. Therefore, you’re focusing efforts on something that’s proven to drive results instead of going down the wrong path. 

Overall, search engines prioritize content that is a superior version of what’s already out there. This is exactly what the skyscraper technique is all about. Furthermore, the improved content attracts backlinks from authoritative sites, thereby further boosting your domain authority. 

2. Establishes Authority in Your Niche

When you consistently create high-quality and comprehensive content, it positions you as a leading authority in your niche. Hence, readers and industry peers will recognize your site as a go-to resource.

Therefore, as your content gains visibility and credibility, other websites and influencers are more likely to reference and share it. This boost in authority can also lead to long-term benefits, such as invitations to collaborate, guest posts, and speaking engagements.

3. Improves Content Quality and User Experience

The skyscraper technique focuses on creating highly valuable content, which in turn enhances user experiences. Additionally, expanding on existing content and improving it with updated information results in better visuals and a clearer structure.

This attracts more readers and also encourages them to stay on your site longer, which reduces bounce rates. Furthermore, when users find your content helpful, they are more likely to share it, recommend it, or return to your site in the future. This can significantly contribute to building brand loyalty.

4. Generate Backlinks

You can attract backlinks from reputable websites that are already linking to similar and less comprehensive resources. When website owners recognize your content as better and more valuable than the original, they are more likely to link to it. 

These high-quality backlinks are crucial for improving domain authority and search engine rankings. As a side note, you’ll be reducing the quality of competitor backlink profiles. This can potentially give you an edge over competitors in the search rankings. 

5. Cost-Effective Content Marketing Strategy

The skyscraper technique is a cost-effective way to improve your site’s SEO without the need for paid advertising or large marketing budgets. The foundation of the strategy involves research, creating content, and reaching out to websites via email. 

Anyone on a tight budget can complete these steps themselves without paying a single dollar. However, in reality, it might be better to pay freelancers for some tasks to scale the process and get better results. This is especially true if you lack the skill to create high-quality content. Hiring a professional to complete this step is a no-brainer. 

In any case, the cost of this marketing strategy is low compared with PPC or other paid advertising methods. The higher ROI is perfect for new business owners who have a low marketing budget. 

After all, 74.3% of link builders pay for links, but you can save your money on this cost-effective strategy. 

How To Create Content That Beats the Competition

One of the hardest aspects of making the skyscraper technique work involves creating industry-leading content. The approach you take should depend on your niche, but there are a few general tips you can apply to get started.

Best Practices for Using the Skyscraper Technique 

Do you need a helping hand getting the best results with the skyscraper technique? Then we’ll share the top tips that you can add to your strategy. These can tilt the odds of success in your favor and help you achieve SEO success that will improve your business. 

Conduct Thorough Research

Start by analyzing competitor content that ranks well for your target keywords. You can use Hike SEO to identify high-performing pages. Then, evaluate what makes their content stand out. 

Top examples include length, depth, visual aids, or engagement. Also, look for gaps, such as missing data, outdated information, or areas lacking clarity. 

This gives you a roadmap for how to improve upon their content. The more comprehensive your research, the better you’ll understand what your audience values and what your competitors missed. 

Optimize for SEO 

Optimize your content for both search engines and users. Therefore, use target keywords strategically throughout the content. This includes in the title, headers, meta description, and image alt texts. Also, focus on long-tail keywords to gather a higher volume of search traffic. 

Are you having trouble optimizing your content for SEO? Then you can use our Onsite Optimizer to automate the process. This tool is user-friendly and speeds up the optimization process by up to 50%. 

Organize Your Outreach Efforts

You’ll need to be effective at reaching out to website owners to offer your content as the destination for their backlink. It may take several tries until you can get in touch with the right person on a website. Therefore, you need to have an organized approach. 

Ideally, you will keep track of the websites you have sent messages to and the status. This ensures that you can make timely follow up messages to improve your conversion rate. Think of it as a long term strategy and you will have the patience to win. 

Prioritize High-Quality Backlinks

Don’t waste your time with low-quality backlinks that will do little to move the needle. That’s because you have limited resources and you need to prioritize them toward the best quality backlinks. 

You can use the backlinks feature at Hike SEO to uncover the best backlinks in your niche. Ideally, they will be relevant and have high domain authority. Also, targeting high-traffic websites may increase the amount of referral traffic that you receive. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you promote skyscraper content effectively?

You can promote skyscraper content effectively by reaching out to websites linking to the original piece. Additionally, use personalized outreach and explain how your content offers more value.

Additionally, share your content on social media, forums, and relevant communities. After all, link builders using social media build 22% more links than those who don’t. 

What are common mistakes to avoid with the skyscraper technique?

Common mistakes with the skyscraper technique include selecting content without strong backlink potential. Also, to avoid creating content that isn’t significantly better than the original or practicing poor outreach approaches. 

To succeed, the content you create must genuinely add more value and stand out. You’ll naturally get better at avoiding the top mistakes while implementing the skyscraper technique. 

How long does it take to see results from the skyscraper technique?

The time it takes to see results from the skyscraper technique can vary. It typically ranges from a few weeks to several months. Overall, the timeline depends on factors like the competitiveness of your keywords, the quality of your content, and the success of your outreach. 

For best results, we recommend viewing the skyscraper technique as a long-term strategy. That's because it can take a while to produce high quality content and contacting website owners to generate incoming links. 

How do you ensure your skyscraper content is better than the original?

To ensure your skyscraper content surpasses the original, you should focus on offering more value. This could mean adding in-depth research, expert opinions, comprehensive data, visuals like infographics or videos, or improving readability and structure. 

Additionally, aim to fill gaps the original content missed or cover updates and trends that weren’t addressed. Taking advantage of any expertise in your niche will provide the best results. 

What types of content work best for the skyscraper technique?

Long-form and evergreen content typically works best with the skyscraper technique. Therefore, you can tackle topics like guides, how-to content, case studies, and lists. These are highly linkable because they offer comprehensive information that others can reference. 

Furthermore, visual content such as infographics and videos also perform well. Make sure your content solves a problem, provides valuable insights, or offers unique perspectives that attract backlinks.

Hike SEO

Implement the skyscraper technique correctly and you’ll get more organic traffic, increase your search engine rankings, build brand loyalty and position yourself as an authority in your niche. These rewards are well worth the effort and should be part of any comprehensive SEO strategy. 

However, it can be tricky to execute the skyscraper technique without a good-quality SEO tool to help. This includes assisting with keyword research, uncovering high quality backlinks, and content creation that is SEO-ready. 

Do you need help with your skyscraper technique process? Then consider using Hike SEO. Our industry-leading SEO tool will help execute your strategy from start to finish. So what are you waiting for? Try Hike SEO today to grow your business.