Skyscraper Technique
The Skyscraper Technique is a link building strategy by Brian Dean (Backlinko): find top-linked content in your niche, create a superior version, then outreach to the same sites that linked to the original.
Reviewed by Alexander Yarovenko · Updated: 2026-07-03
What is the Skyscraper Technique?
The Skyscraper Technique was popularised by Brian Dean of Backlinko in 2015. It is a three-step link building strategy based on the principle that if you make the best version of content on a given topic, you can earn links from all the sites that linked to inferior versions.
The Three Steps
- Find linkable assets — identify content in your niche with many high-quality backlinks (use Ahrefs: search your topic, sort by referring domains)
- Create something better — more comprehensive, more up-to-date, better designed, with original data, more examples, better UX. "Better" means genuinely superior — not just longer.
- Outreach to the right people — contact every website that links to the original inferior piece and tell them about your better version
What Makes Skyscraper Content "Better"
- More comprehensive — covers subtopics the original missed
- More current — updated statistics, 2024/2025 data instead of 2019
- Better design — professional graphics, infographics, custom illustrations
- Original research — proprietary data or case studies not found elsewhere
- Better UX — faster loading, table of contents, easy navigation
Outreach Template
Effective Skyscraper outreach emails are:
- Short (under 150 words)
- Personalised (mention the specific article and why you're reaching out)
- Clear about what you're offering and why it benefits them
- Not desperate — you're providing value, not begging
Expected Results
Brian Dean reported a 11% link acquisition rate from outreach in his original case study. In practice, results vary: 5–15% response rates are common for well-executed campaigns. Quality of outreach list and email copy are the main variables.