Skyscraper Technique

Build high-quality backlinks systematically using Brian Dean's proven 3-step content marketing framework—find link-worthy content, make something 10x better, and reach out to the right people.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Build backlinks to improve search rankings

• Create content with pre-validated demand for links

• Outrank competitors on specific topics

• Develop link-building campaigns that actually work

• Promote new content to relevant websites

• Increase domain authority through quality links

• Launch a new site and need initial backlink momentum

• Revive old content with a strategic update

This skill is particularly valuable for:

• SEO professionals building link campaigns

• Content marketers needing distribution strategy

• Startups competing with established players

• Anyone frustrated with "publish and pray" content approaches

• Marketers who want predictable link-building results

Methodology Foundation

Source: Brian Dean - Backlinko (2013-present)

Core Principle: Find the "tallest skyscraper" in your space—content that already attracts many backlinks—and build something even better. Then reach out to people who linked to the original, offering them a superior resource.

"It's human nature to be attracted to the best. And what you're doing here is finding the 'tallest skyscraper' in your space… and slapping 20 stories to the top of it."

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

Claude Does You Decide

Structures video workflow Final creative vision

Suggests shot compositions Equipment selection

Creates storyboard templates Brand aesthetics

Generates script frameworks Final approval

Identifies technical requirements Budget allocation

What This Skill Does

When invoked, I will guide you through the Skyscraper Technique:

• Find linkable assets - Identify content with proven backlink potential

• Analyze the opportunity - Evaluate if the topic is worth pursuing

• Plan the improvement - Define how to make content substantially better

• Create 10x content - Build something objectively superior

• Build prospect list - Export and qualify outreach targets

• Craft outreach emails - Write personalized, effective pitches

• Track and iterate - Monitor results and optimize approach

How to Use

Provide information about your link-building challenge:

Example prompts:

• "I want to build backlinks for my SaaS blog using the Skyscraper Technique"

• "Help me find linkable assets in the project management niche"

• "Create an outreach campaign for my guide on [topic]"

• "Analyze this competitor's content for Skyscraper opportunities"

• "Write outreach emails for my improved version of [content]"

Information that helps:

• Your niche/industry

• Target keywords or topics

• Competitor URLs you've identified

• Content you want to promote

• Current domain authority/backlink profile

• Resources available (time, team, tools)

Instructions

The Three-Step Framework

Overview

Step Action Outcome

Step 1 Find Link-Worthy Content Proven topic with backlink demand

Step 2 Make Something 10x Better Clearly superior content

Step 3 Reach Out to the Right People Targeted, qualified prospects

Step 1: Find Proven Linkable Assets

A linkable asset is a high-value page you can leverage for links repeatedly. The key is finding content that has ALREADY earned significant backlinks.

What Makes Good Linkable Assets

Type Description Example

Ultimate Guides Comprehensive topic coverage "Complete Guide to [Topic]"

Original Research Data-driven studies "2024 State of [Industry]"

Resource Lists Curated collections "100 Best Tools for [Task]"

How-to Content Step-by-step tutorials "How to [Achieve Result]"

Statistics Roundups Compiled data points "[Topic] Statistics 2024"

How to Find Linkable Assets

Method 1: Backlink Analysis Tools

Use Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to find competitor's most-linked pages:

• Enter competitor domain

• Go to "Best by Links" or "Top Pages" report

• Sort by referring domains

• Identify content topics with 50-100+ linking domains

Method 2: Search + Analyze

• Search your target keyword

• Analyze top-ranking pages in backlink tool

• Compare backlink profiles

• Identify most-linked content on the topic

Method 3: Content Explorer

Use Ahrefs Content Explorer or BuzzSumo:

• Search your topic

• Filter by "Referring domains" (high to low)

• Find content with substantial backlinks

• Analyze what made it link-worthy

Selection Criteria

Criterion Minimum Ideal

Referring Domains 50+ 100+

Domain Quality Mix of sites Authority sites in niche

Topic Relevance Related to your niche Core to your expertise

Improvement Potential Some gaps Clear weaknesses

Content Age Under 5 years 2-3 years (outdated)

Step 2: Make Something 10x Better

The original technique emphasized being "better"—but that bar has risen dramatically. You now need to be substantially, objectively superior.

The 10x Better Framework

Dimension How to Improve Example

More Comprehensive Cover more sub-topics 50 items → 200 items

More Current Update outdated info 2021 stats → 2024 stats

Better Designed Superior visual presentation Plain text → Custom graphics

More Thorough Add depth to each point Bullet points → Detailed explanations

More Original Add unique research/insights Compiled info → Original data

Creating 10x Content

1. Comprehensive Improvement

If the original has "50 Tips," create "200+ Tips" but ONLY if you can maintain quality. Length without value is counterproductive.

2. Freshness Improvement

Find content with outdated:

• Statistics and data

• Tool recommendations

• Best practices

• Examples and case studies

• Industry trends

Update everything with current information.

3. Design Improvement

Add:

• Custom illustrations and diagrams

• Professional header graphics

• Better typography and formatting

• Interactive elements

• Downloadable resources

4. Depth Improvement

Transform:

• Bullet lists → Detailed explanations

• Generic advice → Specific tactics

• Assertions → Evidence-backed claims

• Theory → Step-by-step tutorials

5. Originality Improvement

Include:

• Original research and surveys

• Expert quotes and interviews

• Case studies with real data

• Unique frameworks and models

• First-hand experience

The Critical Test

Ask yourself: "If I were the site owner, would I update my link to point to this instead?"

If the answer isn't an obvious "yes," your content isn't different enough.

Step 3: Reach Out to the Right People

This is where most people fail. The power of the Skyscraper Technique is reaching pre-qualified prospects—people who have already linked to similar content.

Building Your Prospect List

1. Export Backlinks

Use your SEO tool to export all referring domains to the original content.

2. Clean the List

Remove:

• Forums and Q&A sites (usually nofollow)

• Article directories

• Bookmarking sites

• Irrelevant/unrelated sites

• Low-quality domains

• Sites that no longer exist

Keep:

• Blogs in your niche

• Industry publications

• Resource pages

• Roundup posts

• Educational sites

3. Find Contact Information

For each qualified site:

• Find the article author

• Locate their email (Hunter.io, FindThatLead)

• Note the specific page they linked from

• Understand context of the original link

Crafting Effective Outreach

The Foundation Email Structure:

1. Personalized opener (show you read their content)
2. Reference to the link they already have
3. Introduction of your improved content
4. Clear value proposition (why yours is better)
5. Easy next step (specific suggestion)
6. Non-pushy close

Modern Outreach Template:

Subject: Quick note about your [Topic] article

Hey [Name],

I was reading your article on [specific article topic] and really enjoyed [specific point they made—be genuine].

I noticed you linked to [Original Article Name] as a resource for [context of the link].

I just published a significantly updated take on that topic: [Your URL]

What makes it different: • [Specific improvement #1] • [Specific improvement #2] • [Specific improvement #3]

Might be a helpful update for your readers since [reason—e.g., the original is now 3 years old].

Either way, loved your piece on [topic].

[Your Name]

Outreach Do's and Don'ts:

Do Don't

Personalize every email Use obvious templates

Be specific about improvements Say "I wrote something better"

Reference their actual content Be generic

Make linking easy Create friction

Accept "no" gracefully Follow up aggressively

Provide value first Ask for favors

Tracking Results

Metric Target Excellent

Open Rate 30%+ 50%+

Reply Rate 10%+ 20%+

Link Rate 5%+ 10%+

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Pitfall Why It Fails Solution

Marginal improvement Not compelling enough to switch links Aim for 10x better

Template outreach Everyone uses the same templates Write genuinely personal emails

Wrong prospects Targeting irrelevant sites Clean list thoroughly

No follow-up People miss emails One polite follow-up after 7 days

Giving up early Link building takes time Commit to 100+ outreach emails

Ignoring quality Chasing quantity over quality Focus on getting 10 great links vs. 50 weak ones

Examples

Example 1: B2B SaaS Blog

Context: Marketing automation SaaS wanting to rank for "email marketing statistics"

Step 1: Find Linkable Assets

Search "email marketing statistics" and analyze top results:

• HubSpot's stats page: 340 referring domains

• Campaign Monitor's stats: 280 referring domains

• Mailchimp's benchmark report: 420 referring domains

Analysis:

• Most are 1-2 years old

• Mix of original and compiled data

• Some have broken source links

• Design quality varies

Step 2: Make It 10x Better

Content Plan:

• Compile 150+ statistics (vs. competitor's 50)

• Add 2024 original survey data (500+ marketers)

• Update all outdated stats with current sources

• Create custom data visualization graphics

• Add expert commentary from industry leaders

• Include interactive calculator for benchmarking

• Design downloadable infographic summary

Improvement Matrix:

Dimension Competitor Our Version

Statistics count 50 150+

Data recency 2022 2024

Original data No Yes (survey)

Expert quotes No 8 experts

Visual design Basic Custom graphics

Downloadables No Infographic + PDF

Step 3: Outreach

Export referring domains from top competitor (340 sites).

After cleaning: 180 qualified prospects

Sample Outreach Email:

Subject: Updated resource for your email marketing guide

Hi Sarah,

Your article "Complete Guide to Email Marketing for Startups" is one of my go-to resources for clients just getting started—the section on list building is especially practical.

I noticed you link to [Competitor]'s email statistics page from 2022.

We just published our 2024 email marketing statistics report that might be a good update: [URL]

What's different: • 150+ statistics (vs. ~50 in the original) • Original data from our survey of 500 marketers • All sources updated to 2024 • Industry-specific benchmarks (SaaS, ecommerce, etc.)

Happy to share the data in a spreadsheet too if that's helpful for your readers.

Best, [Name]

Expected Results:

• 180 emails sent

• 54 opens (30%)

• 18 replies (10%)

• 9-15 links earned (5-8%)

Example 2: Personal Finance Blog

Context: New personal finance site wanting to build authority on "budget templates"

Step 1: Find Linkable Assets

Analyze "free budget template" content:

• NerdWallet template page: 180 referring domains

• Mint's budgeting guide: 220 referring domains

• Various Excel template roundups: 50-100 each

Insight: Resource pages and roundups frequently link to budget templates.

Step 2: Make It 10x Better

Content Plan: "The Ultimate Budget Template Library"

Element Competitors Our Version

Templates offered 1-5 25 templates

Formats Excel only Excel, Google Sheets, Notion, PDF

User types Generic Specific (students, families, freelancers, retirees)

Tutorial content Basic Video walkthrough for each

Customization None Instructions for modification

Design quality Functional Professionally designed

Additional Differentiators:

• Template comparison quiz (find your perfect template)

• Monthly budget challenges

• Community showcase of customized templates

• Expert tips from financial planners

Step 3: Outreach Strategy

Target two groups:

Group A: Sites linking to competitor templates (150 prospects)

• Pitch: "More comprehensive template collection"

Group B: Personal finance resource pages (75 prospects)

• Pitch: "Excellent addition to your resources section"

Sample Email for Resource Page:

Subject: Resource for your budgeting tools page

Hi Mike,

I stumbled across your "Best Free Financial Tools" page while researching budgeting apps—great collection, especially the debt payoff calculator recommendation.

I noticed you don't have a dedicated budget template resource listed.

We just released a free template library with 25 budget templates: [URL]

Covers different life situations (students, families, freelancers, retirees) and formats (Excel, Google Sheets, Notion, PDF).

Might be a good fit alongside your other tools?

Cheers, [Name]

Expected Results:

• 225 total prospects

• 12-18 links from template replacement

• 5-8 links from resource page additions

• Total: 17-26 new backlinks

Checklists & Templates

Linkable Asset Evaluation Checklist

Before pursuing a Skyscraper opportunity:

Demand Validation

• Content has 50+ referring domains minimum

• Backlinks are from quality, relevant sites

• Topic is relevant to your audience and expertise

• Search volume exists for the topic

Improvement Potential

• Content is at least 1-2 years old

• Clear gaps in coverage or depth

• Outdated information that can be updated

• Design/UX can be significantly improved

• You can add original data or insights

Feasibility

• You have expertise to create better content

• Resources available (time, design, research)

• Can realistically create 10x better version

• Enough prospects to make outreach worthwhile

Content Improvement Planning Template

ORIGINAL CONTENT ANALYSIS

URL: [Competitor URL] Title: [Title] Referring Domains: [Number] Last Updated: [Date] Word Count: [Number]

GAPS & WEAKNESSES

□ Missing topics: [List] □ Outdated information: [List] □ Poor design elements: [List] □ Lack of depth on: [List] □ Missing media types: [List]

10X IMPROVEMENT PLAN

1. Comprehensive: [How we'll cover more]
2. Current: [What we'll update]
3. Design: [Visual improvements]
4. Depth: [Where we'll go deeper]
5. Original: [Unique elements we'll add]

UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION

What makes ours objectively better:

1. [Improvement #1]
2. [Improvement #2]
3. [Improvement #3]

TARGET METRICS

□ Word count: [Target] □ Subtopics covered: [Number] □ Original graphics: [Number] □ Expert quotes: [Number] □ Downloadable resources: [List]

Outreach Tracking Template

CAMPAIGN: [Topic/URL]

Content URL: [Your URL] Competitor URL: [Original Content] Launch Date: [Date]

PROSPECT LIST

Total exported: [Number] After cleaning: [Number] Emails found: [Number]

OUTREACH METRICS

Emails sent: ___ Opens: ___ (%) Replies: ___ (%) Links earned: ___ (___%)

LINK LOG

FOLLOW-UP SCHEDULE

□ Day 7: First follow-up to non-responders □ Day 14: Final follow-up (optional)

LEARNINGS

What worked: [Notes] What didn't: [Notes] Adjustments for next campaign: [Notes]

Quick Outreach Email Checklist

Before sending each email:

• Used their actual name (not "Hi there")

• Referenced specific content they wrote

• Made a genuine, specific compliment

• Clearly stated why content is better (not just "better")

• Included direct link to content

• Made the ask easy and specific

• Kept it under 150 words

• Proofread for errors

• Checked their link still exists and is relevant

Skill Boundaries

What This Skill Does Well

• Structuring video production workflows

• Creating storyboard frameworks

• Suggesting technical approaches

• Providing creative direction templates

What This Skill Cannot Do

• Replace professional videography

• Edit video files directly

• Make final creative judgments

• Guarantee audience engagement

References

Primary Sources:

• Dean, Brian. "Skyscraper Method: +110% Traffic (Link Building Case Study)." Backlinko.

• Dean, Brian. "Link Building for SEO: The Definitive Guide." Backlinko.

• Dean, Brian. "Link Building Strategies: The Complete List." Backlinko.

Additional Resources:

• Backlinko blog: backlinko.com

• Ahrefs Link Building Guide

• Semrush "What Is the Skyscraper Technique"

Related Skills

• seo-content-writer - Creating SEO-optimized content

• content-writing - Writing excellence for any content

• email-writing - Crafting effective outreach emails

• competitive-analysis - Analyzing competitor content and backlinks

• content-strategy - Planning content for business goals