The Skyscraper Technique: How We Boosted Search Traffic by 110% in Just 14 Days
Link building is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark. At IncRev, we’ve used a proven strategy called the Skyscraper Technique that can dramatically increase your search traffic and backlinks. Here’s how we used it to boost our organic search traffic by 110% in only 2 weeks.
What is the Skyscraper Technique?
The Skyscraper Technique is a link building strategy that involves 3 key steps:
- Find link-worthy content in your niche
- Create something even better
- Reach out to the right people
The idea is to find content that’s already popular and garnering links, then create an improved version that blows the original out of the water. Then, you strategically promote your superior content to people who have already shown interest in the topic.
Step 1: Find Proven Linkable Assets
The first step is identifying content in your niche that has already demonstrated its ability to attract backlinks. Some ways to do this:
- Use tools like Ahrefs to find the most-linked pages in your industry
- Search for listicles, guides, and resources related to your topic
- Look for outdated but still popular content that could be improved
The goal is to find a solid foundation to build upon. If a piece of content has attracted links in the past, an improved version has great potential to do even better.
Step 2: Create Something Even Better
Once you’ve identified a linkable asset to improve upon, it’s time to create your “skyscraper” content. Some ways to elevate the original:
- Make it significantly longer and more comprehensive
- Improve the design and visual appeal
- Add original research, case studies or data
- Make it more current and up-to-date
- Improve the formatting and user experience
The key is to make your content demonstrably better in every way. Give people a clear reason to link to your resource instead of the original.
Step 3: Promote to the Right People
Creating great content is only half the battle. The final crucial step is getting it in front of the right audience. We use this outreach email template:
Hi [Name],
I noticed you linked to [Original Article] in your post about [Topic].
I wanted to let you know I recently published a more comprehensive and up-to-date version here: [Your URL]
It might be worth including alongside your existing link. Let me know if you have any questions!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
By reaching out to people who have already linked to similar content, you’re targeting an audience that has demonstrated interest in your topic. This greatly increases your chances of earning backlinks.
The Results: 110% Traffic Increase in 14 Days
When we implemented the Skyscraper Technique at IncRev, the results were dramatic:
- Organic search traffic increased by 110% in just 2 weeks
- Backlinks to our skyscraper content grew rapidly
- Social shares and engagement spiked
- We established our expertise on the topic
The beauty of this technique is that it can work for businesses in any niche. By creating the best possible resource on a topic and promoting it strategically, you can see similar results.
Why the Skyscraper Technique Works So Well
There are a few key reasons this strategy is so effective:
- It’s based on proven content that already attracts links
- You’re creating objectively superior content
- You’re targeting people with a demonstrated interest
- It provides value to your audience and other sites
- It establishes your authority on the subject
When executed properly, the Skyscraper Technique is a win for everyone involved. You get increased traffic and links, your audience gets amazing content, and other sites get a valuable resource to link to.
How to Implement the Skyscraper Technique for Your Business
Ready to try the Skyscraper Technique for yourself? Here are some tips to get started:
- Choose a topic closely related to your business and audience
- Research thoroughly to find the best existing content
- Brainstorm ways to dramatically improve upon it
- Invest the time to create truly exceptional content
- Build a targeted outreach list
- Follow up and build relationships
At IncRev, we’ve used this technique successfully across multiple industries. While it does require an upfront time investment, the long-term ROI in terms of traffic, links and authority makes it well worth the effort.
Take Your SEO to New Heights
The Skyscraper Technique is just one of many strategies we use at IncRev to help our clients dominate search rankings and drive qualified traffic. If you’re looking to take your SEO to the next level, we’d love to help.
Our team of SEO experts can develop a custom strategy to help you create exceptional content, earn powerful backlinks, and dramatically increase your organic search traffic. Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from the Skyscraper Technique?
While results can vary, we typically see significant increases in traffic and backlinks within 2-4 weeks of publishing and promoting skyscraper content. However, the full impact often continues to grow over several months.
Does this technique work for all types of businesses?
Yes, the Skyscraper Technique can be effective for virtually any industry or niche. The key is identifying topics relevant to your audience where you can provide exceptional value.
How often should I create skyscraper content?
Quality is more important than quantity. We recommend focusing on creating 1-2 exceptional pieces of skyscraper content per quarter, rather than rushing to produce mediocre content more frequently.
What if I can’t find any good existing content to improve upon?
If there truly is no quality content on your chosen topic, that presents an even bigger opportunity. You can be the first to create an exceptional resource and potentially dominate that niche.
Do I need any special tools to execute this technique?
While tools like Ahrefs can be helpful, they aren’t strictly necessary. You can execute the basic strategy with just Google searches and email outreach. However, SEO tools can make the process more efficient and data-driven.
