Skyscraper Technique
Quick Definition
The skyscraper technique is a content and link-building strategy where you find top-performing content, create a substantially better version, and then reach out to sites linking to the original to earn backlinks to your improved version.
Why It Matters
The skyscraper technique, coined by Brian Dean of Backlinko, is a proven content and link-building framework. It works because you are not starting from scratch; you are improving upon content that has already proven it can attract links. By creating a demonstrably better version, you give people a reason to link to you instead of the original.
Real-World Example
You find an article "50 SEO Statistics for 2024" that has earned 300 backlinks. You create "150 SEO Statistics for 2026 (with Original Research)" with more stats, better organization, original data, and visual charts. You then email the 300 sites linking to the original, showing them your updated, more comprehensive version. 30 of them update their link to point to your page.
Signal Connection
Momentum -- the skyscraper technique creates momentum by targeting content that already has proven link-earning potential. Instead of guessing what will attract links, you build on existing success, giving your campaign a higher probability of results.
Pro Tip
Do not just make the content longer. "Skyscraper" means better, not bigger. Improve through better data, more recent examples, better visuals, clearer explanations, or unique research. A 2,000-word article with original data can beat a 5,000-word article that just rehashes existing information.
Common Mistake
Creating a marginally better version and expecting it to earn links. If the original has 50 tips and you create 51 tips with the same quality, that is not compelling enough for webmasters to update their links. Your version needs to be significantly better in a way that is immediately obvious.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the first step in the skyscraper technique?
Show Answer
Answer: B. Find existing high-performing content that has earned many backlinks
The skyscraper technique starts by finding existing content that has already proven it can attract backlinks. You then create a substantially better version and reach out to sites linking to the original to suggest your improved resource.