Are you discovering it powerful to get your content material rating on engines like google? Struggling to safe that one high-authority backlink regardless of your greatest outreach efforts? Anxious that you simply’re lacking out on priceless site visitors?
You are not alone. However what if you happen to may flip the script and make your content material stand head and shoulders above the remainder? What if the backlinks come on their very own to your content material?
It is time to introduce you to the Skyscraper Approach, a confirmed Web optimization technique. With slightly assist from Web optimization instruments, you possibly can flip current content material into one thing larger, higher, and extra participating that can naturally appeal to many backlinks.
What’s the skyscraper approach?
The skyscraper approach is an Web optimization technique that entails discovering high-performing content material, making a considerably higher model, after which selling it to earn backlinks. This technique improves rankings by providing superior worth, design, and depth in comparison with current top-ranking pages.
The approach was created by Backlinko’s Brian Dean again in 2015 and gained immense recognition after the natural search site visitors to his whole website doubled in solely 14 days.
Now you may be questioning: does this method from 2015 even matter anymore? Search has modified dramatically, in spite of everything. With AI chatbots delivering on the spot solutions and Google’s AI Overviews typically changing the traditional “10 blue hyperlinks,” it’s truthful to query whether or not methods like this nonetheless have a spot.
The quick reply: sure, however not in the identical approach they did 5 years in the past. As search shifts towards surfacing authoritative, reference-worthy content material, the Skyscraper Approach turns into much more vital
On this information, we’ll present you precisely why it issues within the age of AI Web optimization and the best way to use it to spice up your rankings and construct high-quality backlinks with out a large price range or a model. There’s even slightly guidelines and a listing of instruments you should utilize to make it simple.
And simply so you understand, we refreshed this text by following the skyscraper approach.
TL;DR: The Skyscraper Approach defined
- What it’s: A confirmed Web optimization technique the place you discover high-performing content material, create a considerably higher model, and put it up for sale to earn high-quality backlinks.
- Why it issues: Even in 2026, authoritative, complete, and link-worthy content material is vital to rating nicely, incomes citations from AI programs, and driving natural site visitors.
- What are some examples: Brian Dean grew his website site visitors by 110% in 14 days utilizing the approach, whereas G2 scaled from zero to over 1,000,000 month-to-month guests and earned 137,000+ backlinks with it.
- Methods to do it: Analysis current content material, create a deeper and extra priceless model, construct a focused outreach listing, promote strategically, and replace often.
- What instruments assist: Platforms like Ahrefs, Semrush, Clearscope, Pitchbox, and ChatGPT streamline analysis, optimization, outreach, and evaluation at each stage.
- When it will not work: If the subject has no hyperlink potential, the search intent is transactional, the house is oversaturated, your website lacks authority, or your outreach isn’t focused.
- What are some superior methods: Use AI brokers for content material analysis and construction, add interactive instruments, construct unique information reviews, and increase past textual content with multimedia and multi-format experiences.
How the Skyscraper Approach works
At its core, the Skyscraper Approach is fairly easy: as a substitute of ranging from scratch, you construct on what’s already working. Consider it as discovering the tallest “constructing” (content material) in your area of interest and then establishing one which’s even taller, stronger, and unattainable to disregard.
Step one is analysis. Begin by on the lookout for content material in your house that’s already performing nicely: articles with tons of backlinks, shares, or excessive search rankings. This tells you there’s a transparent viewers and demand. When you’ve recognized that piece, your job is to make it higher in each doable approach.
That might imply:
- Including unique information factors or recent analysis to make it extra authoritative.
- Turning a static article into an attractive listicle, visible information, or video explainer.
- Together with professional quotes, real-world examples, or user-generated insights.
- Protecting latest developments or updates that the unique submit missed.
The concept isn’t to repeat and paste another person’s work however it’s to outdo them. Your aim is to make your model so complete, so insightful, and so genuinely helpful that readers received’t really feel the necessity to learn the rest on the subject. In different phrases, your article turns into the definitive useful resource.
However writing a greater piece is simply half the job. The true magic occurs within the promotion part. As soon as your content material is reside, attain out to the web sites that linked to the unique article. They’ve already proven they’re within the subject and in case your model is extra priceless, there’s a great probability they’ll need to hyperlink to yours as a substitute.
It’s a win-win: they get to share a extra present, higher-quality useful resource with their viewers, and also you earn highly effective backlinks that increase your rankings. That’s the actual energy of the Skyscraper Approach — it turns nice content material right into a pure hyperlink magnet.
Why the Skyscraper Approach works within the age of AI: My 4 causes
I’ve heard lots of people say the Skyscraper Approach doesn’t work anymore, that it’s misplaced its edge now that AI chatbots, summaries, and AI Overviews dominate the highest of search outcomes. And actually, I get the place they’re coming from. The search panorama has modified. However in my expertise, the approach is extra related than ever as a result of the core ideas behind it haven’t modified. Right here’s why:
1. Authoritative content material nonetheless wins
Whether or not it’s a chatbot, a Google Overview, or a human reader, everybody needs one factor: the very best reply. In case your content material is extra complete, reliable, and present than every part else, you stand a a lot better probability of being surfaced, cited, or ranked even by AI programs.
The truth is, a latest Ahrefs evaluation of 75,000 manufacturers discovered that branded internet mentions (i.e. how typically your model is mentioned throughout the online) had the strongest correlation (0.664) with visibility in AI Overviews. In case your content material is deeply authoritative and helps your model get talked about, you give your self a a lot higher shot at being surfaced or cited by AI programs.
2. Backlinks stay one in every of Google’s strongest alerts
Excessive-quality backlinks are nonetheless a top-ranking issue, and skyscraper content material is without doubt one of the most dependable methods to earn them organically. Plus, these backlinks don’t simply assist Web optimization, they get you model mentions, carry referral site visitors, enhance model authority, and enhance the chance of being cited in AI summaries.
3. AI wants sources and it prefers high-authority ones
AI Overviews and generative search instruments rely closely on content material they belief and so they supply from engines like google like Google and Bing. They search for pages with clear experience, sturdy E-E-A-T alerts, and a historical past of backlinks. Analysis have discovered that increased SERP rankings are related to a higher chance of being cited in AI Overviews.
By creating skyscraper content material, you’re successfully constructing a web page that’s extra prone to turn into a go-to supply for each algorithms and people.
4. Readers nonetheless click on, particularly for depth and choices
For fast questions, individuals may accept an AI abstract. However after they’re making shopping for choices, conducting analysis, or in search of expert-level insights, they nonetheless click on by way of. The truth is, individuals utilizing AI chatbots like ChatGPT are likely to do extra Google searches. And after they do, they’re drawn to probably the most authoritative, resource-rich content material on the web page.
Briefly, the principles of the sport could look completely different, however the identical play nonetheless wins. If something, the Skyscraper Approach is extra highly effective now than when it was first launched. Let me present you what that appears like in follow.
What are some confirmed exmaples of The Skyscraper technique?
The Skyscraper Approach has helped numerous web sites obtain huge beneficial properties in search rankings, site visitors, and backlinks. Let’s dive into some real-world case research of how this technique has been efficiently applied.
Brian Dean’s Backlinko
Brian Dean, the creator of the Skyscraper Approach, used this technique to extend natural site visitors to one in every of his posts on Backlinko by 110% in simply 14 days.
- Content material: He created an in-depth information on “Google’s 200 Rating Components”
- Strategy: Recognized a preferred however outdated submit, created a extra complete model, and reached out to websites linking to the unique
- End result: 110% enhance in natural site visitors, with the submit rating #1 for “Google rating components.”
This submit is refreshed often, the newest being in September 2024. It’s nonetheless the #1 consequence for the key phrase “Google rating issue,” together with 150+ key phrases within the prime 3 place, bringing in 8,000+ month-to-month site visitors and 17,600+ backlinks.
G2
G2’s content material and offsite Web optimization crew use the strategy to gasoline their fast site visitors development within the B2B software program overview house.
Content material: Refreshed and expanded weblog posts, complete software program class insights
Strategy: Recognized and up to date outdated weblog posts, turning them into extra complete, present assets concentrating on top-ranking content material in extremely aggressive software program classes. Supplied extra in-depth insights than their rivals
End result: Contributed considerably to G2’s development from zero to over 1,000,000 month-to-month guests inside a 12 months. And in 2025, G2’s Study Hub that has most weblog articles has over 137,629 backlinks from authority web sites, based mostly on Ahrefs information.
The skyscraper technique continues to be a part of G2’s link-building technique and helps it constantly acquire a whole lot of high quality backlinks from extremely authoritative websites.
Methods to execute the Skyscraper technique
Are you able to attempt the approach out for your self? Right here’s a brief guidelines that can assist you alongside the best way! Let this be your holy grail for executing the Skyscraper Approach.
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1. Analysis and discover alternatives
To begin with the Skyscraper Approach, you first must do your analysis. Don’t blindly select a weblog just because it’s doing nicely. That clearly received’t add any worth to you or your organization. As a substitute, prohibit your analysis to related subjects that you simply need to cowl.
- Begin by defining the key phrases and subjects related to your area of interest and viewers. Take into consideration what subjects your audience is trying to find, primarily key phrase analysis.
- Use instruments like Google Key phrase Planner, Ahrefs, Moz, or Ubersuggest to determine high-traffic key phrases. These instruments will make it easier to uncover what persons are trying to find and what rivals are rating for.
For instance, G2 needs to achieve out to Web optimization professionals and encourage them to discover Web optimization instruments obtainable of their market. Focusing on Web optimization-related key phrases, corresponding to “Skyscraper Approach” or “Web optimization instruments,” is smart to draw this viewers and supply worth associated to their work.
To ensure, concentrating on the KW is useful, you should utilize key phrase analysis instruments like Ahrefs and Semrush.
2. Analyze current top-ranking content material
Audit the top-ranking content material based mostly in your goal key phrases. You’ll be able to simply search straight on Google to see what ranks on the primary web page for these key phrases.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the top-ranking content material. Assessment what makes the prevailing content material profitable: sturdy information, construction, or engagement. Search for gaps within the data, outdated statistics, or lacking multimedia components.
Ask your self: How are you going to make your content material extra complete, participating, or priceless than what’s already on the market?
Listed here are some methods to do it.
- Use the Aggressive Evaluation characteristic in Ahrefs to do a competitor evaluation on a scale. Add your current content material URL and the URLs of the top-ranking pages. You may get an inventory of key phrases for which the top-ranking content material ranks, however you do not.
- Use the Website Explorer characteristic on Ahrefs to investigate every of the competitor’s content material. Right here, you possibly can see the key phrases the competing article is rating for. Use these queries to grasp the search intent and look to fulfill them in your article.
- Analyze the backlinks and their anchors to see what information factors or data they’re linking again to. This provides you an concept of what you possibly can add to your content material to draw these hyperlinks.
2. Create higher content material
You will have the unique content material in entrance of you. How are you going to enhance it? You’ll be able to’t simply copy-paste it, throw some fancy jargon in there, and suppose your work is finished. As a substitute, ample methods exist to enhance the content material into a chunk that genuinely excites the viewers.
Listed here are a couple of of them:
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Use the content material evaluation you probably did within the earlier step to enhance your content material. Deal with including worth in these key areas:
- Deal with gaps: Fill in any gaps the unique content material left. Did it overlook new developments or methods? If that’s the case, incorporate them into your model to make your content material extra priceless.
- Add visuals: Improve your content material with visible storytelling. Add infographics, charts, or movies that make the knowledge simpler to digest. Guarantee your visuals are related and add readability to your factors.
- Add information factors: Strengthen your arguments by incorporating unique information factors, up to date statistics, and research-backed insights. This provides credibility and makes the content material extra participating for readers.
- Increase on depth: Flip the content material right into a holistic information, making it longer and extra complete. Add recent, up to date statistics, real-life examples, and actionable insights.
You should utilize instruments like Clearscope to search out gaps, grade your content material, assess how nicely it covers related key phrases, and grade its general Web optimization efficiency.
For instance, whereas engaged on this text, I seen that current content material on the Skyscraper Approach lacked data on superior instruments and methods, corresponding to utilizing AI instruments for content material evaluation or influencer outreach for link-building in addition to further context on AI search and can it work for AI Web optimization. I added a bit on superior Skyscraper Strategies to deal with this hole, highlighting new approaches no different article contains in addition to extra data on why the approach will work in AI Web optimization as nicely and when it won’t. This not solely covers bases but in addition provides new insights.
3. Listing down doable distribution companions
Though you’re writing a weblog that’s certain to be a hit, that doesn’t assure that each one the individuals you contact will publish it. You want an inventory of potential blogs, manufacturers, and influencers concerned with your content material to achieve out to.
Brian Dean had an outreach success price of 11%. This won’t sound like quite a bit, however it made an amazing influence. How so? Keep in mind that it isn’t the amount that issues; it’s the standard. An 11% success price can carry superb outcomes in case your whole listing consists of high-quality hyperlinks. A great way to begin the listing is to write down down the blogs you already know of. Then, leap on-line to seek for comparable blogs with an overlapping viewers. Here is the way you do it.
- Use the Hyperlink Intersect characteristic underneath Competitor Evaluation on Ahrefs to search out the listing of referring domains linking to the top-ranking content material that you do not have. These are your potential targets.
- You can too take a look at the competitor content material’s backlink profile and export the listing of web sites linking to it utilizing Website Explorer on Ahrefs.
The listing normally contains spam and irrelevant websites. Clear it as much as embody solely high-authority websites with increased area scores and related content material.
Discover the related particular person to achieve out to for these domains. They could be the author, editor, web site proprietor, or somebody from the Web optimization or web site administration groups. You should utilize instruments like Hunter.io to search out their electronic mail addresses or join with them on LinkedIn. Preserve this listing prepared.
4. Promote the brand new and improved content material
Displaying social proof is a necessity now earlier than you possibly can attain out to any websites or manufacturers. You have to first create a buzz together with your viewers to determine such proof. So get in your social media channels and promote your piece.
- Create social copies: Put together about 20 snippets from the content material to share on social media, together with variations of your headline, key quotes, statistics, or compelling takeaways. Tailor these snippets to completely different platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, and so on.) for max attain.
- Use visuals: Incorporate your content material’s eye-catching photographs, infographics, or quick movies to make the posts extra participating and encourage shares.
- Tag influencers: Point out or tag related influencers or trade specialists in your posts to extend visibility and encourage engagement.
- Activate Your Community: Ask your crew {and professional} community to assist amplify the content material. Their shares and engagement may also help construct preliminary momentum and enhance the attain of your submit.
As soon as your content material begins gaining traction, it turns into extra engaging to exterior web sites and companions, who’re likelier to hyperlink to it.
5. Share with the correct individuals
At this level, your enhanced content material could have gained some momentum, so it’s lastly time to share it. Right here, you should utilize the listing of doable distribution companions from step two of the guidelines.
Right here’s the best way to do an efficient outreach marketing campaign:
- Personalize your outreach: Whereas you could have a template, at all times personalize every electronic mail to reveal real curiosity. Point out particular factors about their website, and clarify why your content material will resonate with their viewers.
- Spotlight mutual advantages: Clearly talk what you are asking for and the way sharing your content material will profit them and their followers. Make it compelling, whether or not it’s filling gaps in current data or offering extra depth.
- Place your content material: Allow them to the distinctive promoting level of your content material over the piece they already hyperlink to.
- Make it simple: Connect a direct hyperlink or copy of the content material to allow them to simply overview it with out leaping by way of hoops.
Outreach electronic mail template for content material utilizing the skyscraper approach
Right here’s an outreach electronic mail template you should utilize when selling your improved content material utilizing the Skyscraper Approach:
Topic
Thought this up to date [Topic] could be an amazing match to your viewers
Physique
Hello [Name],
I lately got here throughout your article on [Topic] and located it extremely insightful—particularly [mention a specific point you appreciated]. It’s been an amazing useful resource for readers, however I noticed a possibility to increase on the subject with some up to date information and new developments that would add much more worth.
I’ve simply revealed an enhanced model of the subject, titled [Your Article Title], which dives deeper into [mention a key improvement, e.g., additional research, new examples, updated statistics].
I believe it might make an amazing complement to your article. Right here’s a fast overview of what’s new:
- [Highlight a key improvement or update]
- [Another key point or fresh perspective]
- [Include any relevant data or visual enhancements]
I’d love so that you can test it out: [Link to your article].
In the event you suppose it’s helpful, I’d admire you sharing it together with your readers or linking to it. I imagine it may add worth to your website’s dialog round [Topic].
Thanks to your time, and I hope you discover the content material priceless!
Finest regards,
[Your email signature]
6. Work exhausting to remain related
Any content material is simply helpful if persons are concerned with studying it. Over time, nonetheless, the usefulness of even probably the most excellent content material begins to say no. Others do the identical as you and publish even higher content material. Newer trade developments emerge. So, your as soon as “new and improved” content material will finally turn into stale.
The one method to defeat this curse and make sure that your content material stays evergreen is to maintain updating it. It’s exhausting work, however it continues to repay since you proceed to create worth and, consequently, rank nicely.
What are the most effective Web optimization and content material instruments to make use of for the Skyscraper Approach?
The precise instruments make every stage of the skyscraper course of sooner, smarter, and extra scalable. Listed here are those I depend on most. a lot of which you’ll discover in G2’s top-rated classes:
Web optimization instruments
Instruments like Ahrefs, Semrush, and BuzzSumo make it easier to uncover top-ranking content material, analyze backlink profiles, observe key phrase efficiency, and determine new link-building alternatives. They’re important for understanding what’s working in your area of interest and the place you possibly can create one thing higher.
Content material optimization instruments
Platforms like Clearscope, Surfer Web optimization, and Frase guarantee your content material is complete, well-structured, and optimized to compete in search. They make it easier to determine content material gaps, enhance semantic protection, and align with consumer intent.
Outreach and link-building instruments
Instruments corresponding to Hunter.io, Pitchbox, and Respona streamline the method of discovering contact data, personalizing outreach, and managing link-building campaigns. They make it simpler to get your improved content material in entrance of the correct individuals.
AI content material creation platforms
AI content material creation platforms Canva, Creatify, Birdeye, and AI chatbtos like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are helpful for analyzing competing content material, brainstorming new angles, producing concepts, and even drafting outreach emails. They’ll considerably velocity up analysis and content material creation.
Use G2 to match and select the correct instruments for every stage of your skyscraper technique based mostly on actual consumer evaluations and scores.
When the Skyscraper Approach received’t work
I’ve seen the Skyscraper Approach ship spectacular outcomes however I’ve additionally seen it fall flat. Like every technique, it’s not a silver bullet. There are situations the place regardless of how a lot time you spend on analysis, writing, or outreach, skyscraper content material received’t get you the outcomes you’re hoping for. Right here’s while you may need to rethink your method:
1. The subject has little to no hyperlink potential
If there’s no actual demand for hyperlinks in your area of interest. For instance, if you happen to’re writing about an especially area of interest characteristic of a product or a company-specific course of, different websites are unlikely to hyperlink to it. Skyscraper works greatest when the subject has broad enchantment and evergreen relevance.
2. Search intent doesn’t align
If the top-ranking pages to your goal key phrase are transactional (like product pages) or navigational (like model homepages), skyscraper-style content material received’t rank nicely regardless of how complete it’s. The approach is simplest for informational or academic queries.
3. The house is oversaturated
Some subjects have been “skyscrapered” dozens of occasions. If each competitor already has a 5,000-word information with visuals, information, and backlinks, it’s a lot tougher to face out, until you carry a really new perspective, proprietary information, or unique analysis.
4. Your website lacks authority
In case your area is brand-new or has very low authority, even the most effective skyscraper content material could battle to earn hyperlinks and rank. In that case, it’s higher to begin by constructing topical authority with smaller, centered items or pursuing digital PR and partnerships earlier than making an attempt skyscraper campaigns.
5. Outreach isn’t strategic
Even nice content material fails if no one sees it. In case your outreach listing is irrelevant or too broad, or in case your emails aren’t personalised, the marketing campaign received’t get traction. Skyscraper success typically comes right down to how nicely you goal and pitch your content material.
What are some superior Skyscraper Strategies for 2026?
As search turns into more and more AI-driven and aggressive, merely writing a “higher model” of an current article isn’t sufficient. The Skyscraper Approach nonetheless works — however to actually stand out in 2026, your content material must transcend depth and high quality. It wants to supply originality, interactivity, authority, and multi-format worth. Right here’s the best way to degree up:
Use generative AI instruments
Love ’em or hate ’em, generative AI instruments are extraordinarily useful. AI instruments have developed from useful assistants into highly effective Web optimization accelerators. Instruments like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can now do way over draft content material; they will analyze SERPs, summarize competitor methods, floor untapped key phrase clusters, and even recommend content material constructions based mostly on consumer intent.
I typically use AI to determine blind spots conventional Web optimization instruments miss, like subjects rivals haven’t coated, sub-questions persons are asking in AI Overviews, or methods to construction content material so it’s extra prone to be cited by generative search. The bottom line is to make use of AI as a strategic layer on prime of your content material, not a alternative for it
And with multi-step content material pipelines (MCP) and agent-based workflows changing into mainstream, AI can now deal with much more advanced components of the skyscraper course of. As a substitute of manually shifting from analysis to briefing to writing, you possibly can arrange automated brokers that crawl competitor content material, cluster queries, generate briefs, draft outlines, and even personalize outreach messaging, all working collectively behind the scenes.
This shift signifies that in 2026, the neatest content material entrepreneurs received’t simply use AI — they’ll orchestrate it. When deployed strategically, AI brokers can turn into your content material analysis crew, optimization analyst, and outreach specialist rolled into one, releasing you as much as give attention to creativity and technique.
Interactive content material
Engagement is every part. To extend web page and consumer interplay time, incorporate interactive components like quizzes, calculators, or free instruments into your content material that customers may discover priceless.
This could additionally make your content material extra shareable, enhancing your link-building potential. The truth is, free instruments are discovered to be driving extra site visitors to web sites.
Knowledge-driven content material
With latest algorithm updates and the rise of generative AI instruments, one factor is evident: Google prioritizes Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) greater than ever. On this scenario, unique analysis and unique information are key to standing out.
By conducting surveys, utilizing trade information, or creating proprietary reviews, you possibly can supply insights that others can’t replicate. Knowledge-driven content material boosts your authority and makes your content material extra priceless, credible, and shareable.
The consequence? Larger possibilities of attracting high-quality backlinks and enhancing your rankings. Content material backed by strong information isn’t simply most popular. It’s important for Web optimization success.
Transcend textual content with wealthy, multi-format content material
Search habits is changing into multi-modal, and Google’s outcomes more and more reward pages with movies, audio, infographics, and interactive components. Embedding explainer movies, quick demo clips, and even podcast snippets can dramatically enhance engagement and visibility, not simply in conventional search but in addition in visible search and AI-driven outcomes.
If producing multimedia in-house isn’t possible, contemplate light-weight options: repurpose webinar clips, flip weblog sections into quick movies, or embed charts and mini visible reviews. The aim is to make your skyscraper piece probably the most full and multi-dimensional useful resource on the subject.
Ceaselessly requested questions concerning the Skyscraper Approach
Is the skyscraper technique actual?
Sure, the Skyscraper Approach is an actual and extensively used Web optimization technique. It’s based mostly on a easy precept: discover high-performing content material in your area of interest, create a considerably higher model, and put it up for sale to earn backlinks. When completed nicely, it may possibly dramatically enhance natural site visitors, search visibility, and authority.
Who popularized the skyscraper approach?
The approach was popularized by Brian Dean, founding father of Backlinko, in 2015. He coined the time period after utilizing the method to develop his website’s natural site visitors by 110% in simply 14 days. Since then, it’s turn into one of the vital referenced link-building methods in content material advertising.
What are some criticisms of the skyscraper approach?
Whereas efficient, the Skyscraper Approach isn’t with out its critics. Some argue that it may possibly result in repetitive content material if entrepreneurs merely repackage current concepts as a substitute of contributing new insights. Others say that outreach success charges are decrease as we speak as a result of hyperlink prospects obtain many comparable pitches. Moreover, skyscraper campaigns are time-intensive — success typically is determined by sturdy execution and follow-up, not simply creating “higher” content material.
Does the skyscraper approach work in 2026?
Sure, however it works in a different way than it did a decade in the past. In 2026, AI-driven search outcomes and Google’s AI Overviews prioritize authoritative, unique, and well-cited content material. Skyscraper content material that features distinctive information, professional evaluation, multimedia, and complete protection is extra prone to be cited by AI programs and rank nicely. The basics — worth, relevance, and authority — nonetheless maintain true.
What are some advantages of the skyscraper approach?
- Excessive-quality backlinks: Earn hyperlinks naturally from authoritative websites concerned with higher assets.
- Improved rankings: Complete, link-worthy content material tends to rank increased in SERPs.
- Elevated site visitors: Higher rankings and extra backlinks translate into extra natural visits.
- Model authority: Being cited and referenced builds your model’s credibility.
- Content material longevity: Properly-executed skyscraper items can proceed attracting hyperlinks and site visitors for years.
What are some ideas for fulfillment with the skyscraper technique?
- Select subjects with confirmed demand and hyperlink potential.
- Add distinctive worth with unique information, deeper insights, visuals, or professional quotes.
- Make your content material visually participating and straightforward to navigate.
- Personalize your outreach as a substitute of counting on templates.
- Replace skyscraper content material often to keep up freshness and relevance.
- Pair skyscraper efforts with digital PR or influencer outreach to increase attain.
How has AI affected the skyscraper approach?
AI hasn’t made the skyscraper method out of date — it’s made it extra strategic. Generative instruments like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can now assist analyze rivals, floor untapped key phrase clusters, and even determine gaps that AI Overviews are prone to spotlight. To remain aggressive, skyscraper content material must be extra authoritative, data-driven, and structured for machine readability in order that AI programs see it as a reputable supply value citing.
What are some examples of profitable skyscraper approach campaigns?
Some of the well-known examples is Brian Dean’s unique skyscraper marketing campaign, the place he created a extra complete model of an current Web optimization information and elevated site visitors by 110% in simply 14 days.
One other sturdy instance is G2’s use of the approach to develop its Study Hub weblog. By refreshing and increasing outdated weblog posts with deeper class insights and concentrating on top-ranking content material, G2 grew from zero to over 1,000,000 month-to-month guests inside a 12 months. As of 2025, its Study Hub hosts 137,629+ backlinks, and the skyscraper technique stays a core a part of its link-building efforts.
Skyrocket your site visitors
The potential of the Skyscraper Approach is evident. By reworking current high-performing content material with recent insights and selling it successfully, you possibly can considerably increase natural site visitors, appeal to high quality backlinks, and strengthen your model’s authority and get visibility in AI search.
Nonetheless, reaching success with this technique calls for each creativity and persistence. So, constantly ship smarter, extra priceless content material than your rivals. You’ll create a robust basis for long-term development and sustained visibility.
Wish to enhance extra? Examine confirmed on-page Web optimization methods from an Web optimization professional.
This text was initially revealed in 2020 and has been up to date with new data.
