Skyscraper SEO is a content creation and link-building strategy that involves identifying popular content in your industry, improving upon it, and promoting the enhanced version to gain backlinks and drive traffic. The goal is to create content that stands out as the most comprehensive and valuable resource on a given topic.
How Does the Skyscraper Technique Work?
The skyscraper technique follows three main steps:
- Find High-Performing Content
Identify content in your niche that already ranks well and has gained many backlinks. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to discover popular topics and analyze their performance. - Create Better Content
Improve the existing content by:- Adding more detailed information.
- Including updated data or statistics.
- Making the design and structure more user-friendly.
Your goal is to create a version of the content that provides greater value to readers.
- Promote Your Content
Share your improved content with websites that are linked to the original version or others interested in the topic. Outreach campaigns can help you gain backlinks and drive traffic.
Why is it Called the Skyscraper Technique?
The name comes from the idea of building the “tallest skyscraper” in content. Just as the tallest building in a city gets the most attention, the most comprehensive and valuable content in your industry attracts more readers and backlinks.
Benefits of Skyscraper SEO
- Increased Backlinks
By offering better content, you encourage other sites to link to your page instead of the original. - Higher Rankings
Quality backlinks and improved content can help your page rank higher in search engine results. - Stronger Authority
Creating valuable resources positions your site as an authority in your niche.
Tips for Success with Skyscraper SEO
- Choose the Right Topic
Focus on topics relevant to your audience that are already proven to perform well. - Improve Significantly
Don’t just copy existing content. Make sure your version is genuinely better in terms of depth, accuracy, and usability. - Reach Out Strategically
Identify websites or influencers who might find your content valuable and inform them about your improved version.
Example of Skyscraper SEO in Action
Imagine you find an article titled “10 Tips for Healthy Eating” with a lot of backlinks. To apply the skyscraper technique:
- Expand it to “25 Tips for Healthy Eating,” including new tips backed by research.
- Add visuals like infographics or videos for better engagement.
- Reach out to websites linking to the original article to share your updated content.