Definition
The Skyscraper Technique, popularized by Brian Dean of Backlinko, is a three-step link building method: (1) find content that has earned many backlinks in your niche, (2) create significantly better content (more comprehensive, more current, better designed), (3) contact sites that linked to the original to propose your improved version. This technique relies on the principle that webmasters prefer to link to the best available resource. It is considered a White Hat approach because it incentivizes creating superior quality content.
Key Points
- Based on creating content objectively superior to existing material
- Outreach is the most critical phase: contacting the right webmasters
- White Hat technique aligning value creation with link acquisition
Practical Examples
Skyscraper in action
You find a '50 Free SEO Tools' article with 200 backlinks. You create a '100 Free SEO Tools in 2026' version with screenshots and reviews. You contact the 200 sites to propose your improved version.
Content improvement
A competitor's link building guide has 3,000 words and 50 backlinks. You create a 6,000-word guide with case studies, infographics, and templates, then contact sites linking to the competitor's guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but competition is fiercer than at its inception. Success depends on the quality of improvement and outreach relevance. You must truly create significantly better content, not just slightly longer.
Generally, a 5-15% response rate is considered good, with a 1-5% conversion rate (obtaining the link). Email personalization and proposed content quality are determining factors.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07