How the skyscraper method will grow your number of backlinks

The Skyscraper Method is a proven SEO strategy to earn high-quality backlinks by improving existing content and getting relevant websites to link to your new version. Developed by Brian Dean of Backlinko in 2015, this technique consists of three simple steps: find popular work, make something better, and ask existing linkers to share your page.

In this article, we’ll explain in plain language what the Skyscraper Method is, why it works, how to apply it step by step, and what results you can expect. By the end, you’ll know the main pitfalls and tips to maximize your efforts.

Why does the Skyscraper Method work?

The human brain is geared toward the best of the best: we’re more likely to click on a link if we think it’s superior to anything we’ve seen before. By linking to an already popular page and then offering a better version, you increase the chances that site owners will change their existing link to your higher-quality content.

In addition, Google considers backlinks as a sign of trust and authority in your niche, which can improve your search engine rankings.

Step 1: Find Link-Worthy Content

Start by looking for existing articles or guides in your field that already have a lot of backlinks. Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to filter for URLs with high domain ratings and lots of referring domains.

Don’t just focus on quantity, but also on quality: see if the referring sites are trustworthy and relevant to your target audience.

Step 2: Create an Unmatched Version

Once you’ve found the best existing content, think about how you can top it. Add unique insights, in-depth research, up-to-date statistics, and visuals like infographics or videos.

Increase readability by creating a strong structure with clear subheadings and a concise introduction that immediately tells the reader what they’re going to learn.

Step 3: Outreach to the right people

Instead of emailing random blogs, target the websites that already linked to the original article. Personalize your message and emphasize how your new version offers more value to their readers.

Don’t just position yourself as the sender, but provide examples of unique data or quotes you’ve added to strengthen your credibility.

Tips for maximum impact

1. Improve technical SEO

Make sure your page loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and has good internal links. The combination of technical optimization and strong content increases the user experience and thus your link opportunities.

2. Use attractive visuals

Original images or interactive graphs make your content distinctive and stimulate natural shares and links.

3. Measure and optimize

Track your backlink growth and organic traffic with tools like Semrush or Ahrefs, and adjust your approach based on the best performing outreach emails and content pieces.

What can you achieve?

Case studies show that the Skyscraper method can increase organic traffic by 110% in two weeks and generate dozens of high-quality link mentions. This effect is especially powerful when you consistently apply this method to multiple core topics on your website.

Pitfalls and how to avoid them

Many marketers mishandle the method by simply lengthening the content without providing additional value, often leading to low conversions and rejected outreach emails.

So avoid purely quantitatively expanding text; focus on relevance and unique insights that really help your target audience.

Conclusion

The Skyscraper Method is a strategic way to strengthen your link profile by outperforming existing popular content and reaching the right people. By carefully selecting, improving quality and doing targeted outreach, you can achieve sustainable backlinks and more organic traffic.

Try this method for one of your core topics and experience the power of building higher SEO success yourself.

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