What is the Skyscraper Technique in SEO?

Skyscraper Technique

Technology Apr 24, 2025 19 Add to Reading List

If you’ve ever worked on SEO or content marketing, you’ve probably heard the term “Skyscraper Technique.” It’s one of those buzzwords that gets tossed around a lot but what exactly is it? And more importantly, does it still work in 2025?

Let’s break it down in plain English: what the Skyscraper Technique is, why it works, how to do it properly, and a few real-world tips to help you make it work for your own website.

???? What is the Skyscraper Technique?

The Skyscraper Technique is an SEO content strategy introduced by Brian Dean of Backlinko. The idea behind it is simple, but powerful:

Find top-performing content in your niche, make something even better, and then reach out to those who linked to the original to link to your improved version.

Why “skyscraper”? Because just like in real estate, if there’s a 50-story building and someone builds a 70-story one, everyone looks at the taller one. The same idea applies to content. You’re building something taller (better) than what’s already out there.

???? Why Does the Skyscraper Technique Work?

There are two big reasons why this technique has been successful for many SEO pros:

1. Proven Demand

Instead of guessing what kind of content people might like, you’re starting with something that’s already successful. That means you know:

People are searching for it
People are linking to it
There’s demand for that topic

2. Natural Link Building

By creating a more valuable version of existing content, you’re offering website owners a better resource to link to. You’re not begging for a backlink, you’re providing real value.

????️ How the Skyscraper Technique Works (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through the full process:

Step 1: Find Popular Content with Lots of Backlinks

Start by identifying a topic in your niche that already ranks well and has lots of backlinks. Tools like:

Ahrefs
SEMrush
BuzzSumo
Ubersuggest

… can help you uncover articles or pages that are attracting a lot of attention and links.

???? Example: You find an article titled “Top 10 Local SEO Tips for 2024” with 500+ backlinks. Clearly, people love this topic.

Step 2: Create Something Even Better

Now this is where the real work begins. Your goal is to outdo the original content by making it:

✅ More comprehensive – Covers more subtopics, answers more questions
✅ More up-to-date – Add current trends, stats, or 2025 data
✅ More visually engaging – Use better formatting, visuals, infographics, charts
✅ More user-friendly – Easier to read, faster to load, better on mobile

???? Pro Tip: If the original article lists 10 tips, go with 15–20. If it’s 1,000 words, aim for 1,500–2,000 as long as every word adds value.

Step 3: Reach Out to the Right People

Now that your “skyscraper” is built, it’s time to show it off.

Reach out to:

People who are linked to the original article
Bloggers in your niche
Webmasters running resource pages
Industry influencers or newsletters

Your outreach email should be short, polite, and direct. Something like:

“Hi [Name], I noticed you linked to [Original Article] in your post about [Topic]. I just created a more up-to-date and comprehensive version with the latest 2025 trends. Thought it might be a valuable resource for your readers, happy to hear your thoughts!”

If your content truly adds value, many of them will be happy to link to it.

???? Does the Skyscraper Technique Still Work in 2025?

Great question. The honest answer is: It depends on how you do it.

The basic idea of improving on what already works is evergreen. But like everything in SEO, it’s evolved. Here’s what works now:

✅ Quality over quantity: Don’t just make a longer post, make a smarter, more relevant one
✅ Focus on intent: Understand what users actually want when they search that topic
✅ Don’t skip outreach: People won’t magically find your content, you have to promote it
✅ Personalization is key: Mass outreach emails won’t cut it. Customize each message

???? Tips to Level Up Your Skyscraper Strategy

If you want to take this technique to the next level, try these extras:

1. Add Unique Data or Insights

Original research or unique data points can make your content truly stand out.

2. Use Interactive Elements

Add quizzes, calculators, or interactive charts to make your content more engaging.

3. Incorporate Video or Audio

Some people prefer to watch or listen rather than read; give them that option.

4. Build Internal Links

Once your skyscraper post is live, link to it from other relevant pages on your website. This helps with indexing and SEO.

???? When the Skyscraper Technique Might Not Be Ideal

There are times when this strategy won’t work well:

Your niche doesn’t have much existing content to “outdo”
The existing content is already top-notch and hard to beat
You don’t have the resources to create something truly better
You don’t have time or tools for proper outreach

In those cases, focus instead on original content strategies, like case studies, opinion pieces, or how-to guides based on your own expertise.

???? Final Thoughts: Build Smarter, Not Just Taller

The Skyscraper Technique isn’t some magic trick, it’s just smart content marketing. You’re identifying what works, improving on it, and making sure the right people see it.

Done right, it can lead to: