The SEO landscape is more competitive than ever, and simply creating “good enough” content no longer cuts it. If you want to rank higher on Google and earn valuable backlinks, you need a strategy that consistently delivers results. That’s where the Skyscraper Technique comes in.
Coined by Brian Dean of Backlinko, the Skyscraper Technique is a proven content marketing and link-building strategy that focuses on identifying popular content in your niche, creating something even better, and reaching out to the right people to link back to your improved version.
But here’s the thing — the technique has evolved. What worked in 2016 won’t necessarily deliver the same ROI today. With changes in Google’s algorithm, user behavior, and link evaluation methods, the modern Skyscraper approach demands more than just longer content. It requires strategic execution, user intent alignment, topical authority, and relationship-building.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to execute the Skyscraper Technique effectively — from what it is, why it works, and how to apply it in 2025 for maximum SEO impact. Whether you’re a blogger, digital marketer, or SEO specialist, this method can help you break through the noise and earn links that matter.
What Is the SEO Skyscraper Technique?
The SEO Skyscraper Technique is a content marketing and link-building strategy developed by Brian Dean, designed to help you outrank high-performing pages in search engines by creating even better content. The idea is based on a simple premise: when you see a tall skyscraper, and someone builds a taller one, that new one gets all the attention. The same concept applies to content.
Here’s how the technique typically works:
-
Find High-Performing Content: Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or BuzzSumo to identify top-ranking or highly linked-to content in your niche. This could be a blog post, guide, infographic, or video.
-
Create Something Better: Don’t just copy the original. Improve on it in every way possible — add more depth, better visuals, updated data, clearer formatting, and a stronger narrative. Make your version more valuable than the original.
-
Reach Out for Backlinks: Once your improved content is live, reach out to the sites that linked to the original piece and show them your upgraded version. The idea is that if they found value in linking to the original, they’ll be even more inclined to link to a better version.
This method works because it leverages existing demand. You’re not guessing what people want — you already know what’s performing. You simply outdo it and claim a portion of its traffic, links, and authority.
The New Skyscraper Approach: What Changed?
The original Skyscraper Technique was groundbreaking when it launched, but SEO has evolved, and so has the effectiveness of this strategy. Google’s algorithms are now more focused on helpful content, topical relevance, and user experience, not just word count and backlink quantity.
Here’s what’s changed — and how you need to adapt:
1. Quality Over Quantity
In the past, many took the Skyscraper method to mean “make it longer,” assuming that more words = more value. Today, Google prioritizes content that satisfies user intent, even if it’s shorter. Instead of padding your article, focus on concise, complete, and helpful answers.
2. Search Intent Optimization
One major evolution is Google’s improved ability to assess search intent. Your skyscraper content must now align closely with what users actually want. If users search for “how to fix a leaking faucet,” they don’t want a 4,000-word history of plumbing — they want a fast, visual, step-by-step fix. Understand the intent behind the keywords before writing.
3. Authority and Topical Depth Matter
Instead of writing just one-off skyscraper pieces, websites that build clusters of related, high-value content are seeing more long-term ranking success. That means you should look at your skyscraper post as a pillar, supported by multiple related articles that strengthen your site’s authority on the topic.
4. Link Quality Over Link Count
In earlier days, a large volume of backlinks could easily push your content up the SERPs. Now, Google evaluates the relevance and trustworthiness of linking domains. One link from an authoritative, niche-relevant site is often worth more than ten from random blogs.
5. Focus on User Experience
Google uses UX signals like bounce rate, time on page, and scroll depth to judge content value. Skyscraper content needs to be visually engaging, fast-loading, and mobile-friendly. Use clear headings, short paragraphs, infographics, and interactive elements to improve the user experience.
6. Relationship-Based Outreach
Cold outreach alone is no longer enough to get quality backlinks. Building relationships with niche influencers, bloggers, and website owners over time yields better link opportunities. Engage with them via social media, collaborate on projects, or offer reciprocal value before pitching your skyscraper content.
The new Skyscraper Technique isn’t just about making content bigger. It’s about making it better, more helpful, more relevant, and more strategic. The bar is higher, but so are the potential rewards. In the next section, we’ll explore how backlinks still fit into the modern SEO equation — and why they remain a core part of the skyscraper strategy.
Where Backlinks Fit Into High Rankings
Backlinks have long been a key ranking factor in Google’s algorithm — and they’re still one of the strongest signals of a page’s authority and trustworthiness. In the context of the Skyscraper Technique, backlinks are the fuel that powers your content up the search engine results pages (SERPs).
Why Are Backlinks So Important?
Google’s original PageRank algorithm was built on the principle that links are like votes. If many reputable sites link to your content, it signals to Google that your content is valuable, credible, and deserves visibility. Although the algorithm has evolved dramatically, backlinks remain essential for two major reasons:
-
They Build Authority: Quality backlinks from relevant sites help Google understand your domain’s topical authority. A skyscraper post with links from trusted sources is more likely to outperform similar content with no links at all.
-
They Drive Referral Traffic: Even beyond SEO, backlinks can bring real, engaged readers to your site — especially when coming from authoritative blogs, online publications, or niche communities.
The Skyscraper Link-Building Advantage
The Skyscraper Technique works so well because it creates link-worthy content. When you publish something that’s more comprehensive, current, and user-focused than what’s already out there, webmasters are more inclined to link to it in place of outdated or weaker sources.
This approach helps you:
-
Get natural backlinks from people who discover your content organically
-
Attract editorial backlinks when content marketers are researching sources
-
Make outreach easier, since you’re offering something genuinely better than what they’ve linked to before
Modern Link-Building Must Be Strategic
That said, Google is now more selective in how it evaluates backlinks. A few things to keep in mind:
-
Relevance trumps volume – A few links from contextually relevant, niche sites are more valuable than many from general blogs.
-
Avoid spammy practices – Google penalizes manipulative link schemes. Skyscraper outreach should be authentic, not automated or spammy.
-
Focus on relationships – Link-building in 2025 is increasingly about partnerships and value exchange, not cold pitching.
While great content helps you rank, great content + quality backlinks is what truly gets you to the top — and keeps you there.
Why Humans Prefer Skyscraper Content, Too
The Skyscraper Technique isn’t just a search engine hack — it works because humans love it. The truth is, people don’t want average content. They want the best, most useful, most trustworthy resource they can find. That’s exactly what skyscraper content delivers.
Here’s why it resonates with real readers:
1. It Saves Time
In an age of information overload, users don’t want to bounce between five different sites to find what they need. A skyscraper article compiles everything into one in-depth, well-organized piece — reducing friction and keeping readers engaged.
2. It Offers More Value
Whether it’s updated statistics, original visuals, case studies, or actionable tips, improved skyscraper content gives readers more than they expected. This builds trust and encourages sharing, bookmarking, or even linking.
3. It’s Easier to Understand
Modern skyscraper content doesn’t just throw information at readers — it structures it intelligently. With clear subheadings, bullet points, visuals, and summaries, the content becomes more digestible and user-friendly.
4. It Builds Authority
When someone lands on a well-researched, thoughtfully presented skyscraper piece, they view the brand or author as an expert. This perception increases return visits, newsletter sign-ups, and social follows — all of which feed your long-term content strategy.
5. It Feels Personalized
Today’s most successful skyscraper content speaks directly to the reader’s pain points and goals. Instead of being generic, it’s tailored to solve specific problems — which keeps users scrolling, reading, and taking action.
Skyscraper content earns backlinks because it earns trust first. Search engines notice the engagement signals (like time on page and shares), and that positive user feedback helps boost your rankings even further. When you combine great UX with great SEO, you’re not just gaming an algorithm — you’re delivering real value that people actually appreciate.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Skyscraper Method
The Skyscraper Technique is powerful — but only when executed with precision and strategy. If you want real SEO results, not just theoretical gains, you need to approach each step carefully. Here’s a breakdown of how to apply the Skyscraper Method in a way that brings traffic, backlinks, and sustained rankings.
Step 1: Identify Link-Worthy Content
Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, BuzzSumo, or Ubersuggest to find top-performing content in your niche. Look for:
-
High backlink counts
-
Consistent ranking on the first page of Google
-
Social shares or comments (indicating engagement)
Look for gaps, outdated information, thin content, or poor formatting. These weaknesses are your opportunity.
Step 2: Create Something Better (Not Just Longer)
Improving on existing content doesn’t mean writing 5,000 words just for the sake of length. Focus on quality improvements:
-
Update outdated stats or methods
-
Improve structure and readability
-
Add visuals like infographics or embedded videos
-
Cover missed angles or FAQs
-
Include original insights or case studies
Your goal: make your version the most valuable and comprehensive resource available on that topic.
Step 3: Optimize for SEO
Before you publish, make sure your content is fully optimized:
-
Include your target keyword in the title, meta description, headers, and URL
-
Use related terms and phrases (semantic SEO)
-
Ensure mobile responsiveness and fast loading
-
Optimize internal links to related posts or service pages
Also consider adding schema markup (like FAQ or How-To) to enhance visibility in SERPs.
Step 4: Launch with Outreach Strategy
The original Skyscraper Technique relied heavily on email outreach. Here’s how to do it today:
-
Export the list of websites linking to the original content (using Ahrefs or Moz).
-
Find email contacts for the relevant editors or webmasters.
-
Craft a personalized, value-focused pitch — mention what you improved and why their readers would benefit.
-
Follow up politely after 4–5 days.
Don’t limit yourself to backlink targets — also pitch to newsletter editors, influencers, Reddit moderators, or podcast hosts who might share your content.
Step 5: Promote on Multiple Channels
Use every distribution channel you have to drive traffic and authority signals:
-
Social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Threads)
-
Content syndication platforms (Medium, LinkedIn Articles)
-
Quora and Reddit (organically linking where relevant)
-
Email newsletters
-
Collaborations with influencers or co-marketing partners
Step 6: Track and Iterate
Monitor performance using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and your SEO toolset. Watch for:
-
Organic rankings
-
Click-through rate (CTR)
-
Backlink growth
-
Dwell time and bounce rate
If something’s not working (e.g., outreach fails or traffic is low), analyze and revise. Continuous improvement is part of skyscraper success.
Skyscraper Method for 2025: Getting Rankings to Stick
Creating high-ranking content is only half the battle — keeping it there in 2025 requires a forward-thinking strategy. Google’s algorithms are more dynamic than ever, favoring helpful, authoritative, and regularly updated content. Here’s how to make sure your skyscraper pages don’t just spike — they stick.
1. Focus on Long-Term Relevance
Avoid chasing trends unless your niche depends on them. Instead, create evergreen content that:
-
Answers timeless questions
-
Solves ongoing problems
-
Can be updated easily with fresh information
Build content with foundational SEO topics that align with your site’s core themes.
2. Refresh Your Content Regularly
Google prioritizes freshness in many queries, especially for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics or fast-moving industries. To maintain your position:
-
Set a quarterly review cycle for skyscraper articles
-
Add new stats, examples, or expert opinions
-
Update screenshots or visuals
-
Republish with a “last updated” date
Keeping your content fresh boosts both SEO and user trust.
3. Strengthen Topical Authority
Google now evaluates websites based on how comprehensively they cover a topic — not just how good a single article is. Help your skyscraper post perform better by:
-
Creating supporting content (subtopics, FAQs, guides)
-
Interlinking within the topic cluster
-
Using consistent terminology and internal schema structure
This positions you as a topical authority, increasing both relevance and rank stability.
4. Secure and Diversify Your Backlinks
One good link today doesn’t guarantee SEO stability tomorrow. To maintain your rankings:
-
Continue reaching out to new sites periodically
-
Earn unlinked brand mentions and convert them to backlinks
-
Promote your content to journalists, podcasts, and HARO requests
-
Build links from varied domains and media types (text, video, audio)
A diverse and growing link profile keeps your content competitive, even as rivals try to out-skyscraper you.
5. Improve Engagement Metrics
Google watches how users interact with your content. To send strong signals:
-
Use clean, mobile-first layouts
-
Add interactive elements (like calculators or polls)
-
Improve page speed and reduce clutter
-
Include CTAs that align with user intent
The longer users stay and the more they interact, the better your chances of maintaining top positions.
6. Monitor Algorithm Updates and Competitors
Stay informed about Google’s algorithm changes and keep an eye on competitor pages. If someone starts climbing above you, analyze what they’re doing — and do it better.
Use tools like:
-
Content Decay Alerts (from tools like Clearscope or Surfer SEO)
-
Rank trackers
-
SERP watchers with visual change tracking
Skyscraper content isn’t a “publish and forget” play — it’s a living asset. If you continue nurturing it, improving it, and defending it from competitors, it can deliver sustained traffic, leads, and authority for years to come.
Skyscraper SEO Technique Quick Checklist
Want to ensure you’ve nailed the Skyscraper Technique from top to bottom? Use this quick checklist to guide your workflow and avoid common mistakes:
✅ Find Proven Link-Worthy Content
-
Use Ahrefs, SEMrush, or BuzzSumo to locate popular, heavily linked content
-
Ensure it’s relevant to your niche and has real demand
✅ Create Something Substantially Better
-
Add missing information or cover overlooked angles
-
Update outdated statistics or data
-
Improve structure, visuals, and UX
-
Make the content more engaging and comprehensive
✅ Optimize for On-Page SEO
-
Use proper keyword placement (title, headers, URL, meta)
-
Implement schema markup if applicable
-
Use internal linking to strengthen topic clusters
-
Ensure mobile responsiveness and fast load times
✅ Craft a Personalized Outreach Plan
-
Build a list of sites linking to the original post
-
Find relevant contact info (use Hunter.io or similar tools)
-
Write personalized outreach emails with a value-first approach
-
Follow up strategically without spamming
✅ Promote Beyond Email
-
Share on social media and niche communities
-
Repurpose content for other formats (slides, videos, threads)
-
Use newsletters, forums, and partnerships to expand reach
✅ Monitor, Update, and Improve
-
Track rankings, clicks, and backlinks
-
Refresh your content every 3–6 months
-
Keep an eye on competitors and algorithm updates
-
Strengthen internal and external link-building over time
Conclusion
The Skyscraper Technique remains one of the most effective content marketing strategies for earning backlinks and improving search engine rankings — but only when executed with the modern SEO landscape in mind. It’s not just about writing longer articles. It’s about understanding user intent, offering true value, and building relationships that result in sustainable link growth.
In 2025 and beyond, Google rewards authority, depth, and trust — and skyscraper content, when done right, delivers all three. By following the step-by-step process, staying updated on SEO best practices, and focusing on your users first, you’ll not only climb the SERPs but stay there.
The digital world is full of noise. The Skyscraper Technique gives you the framework to rise above it.
