Skyscraper Technique in 2025: Does It Still Deliver Results?
Introduction: Revisiting The Skyscraper Technique
If you’ve worked in SEO and content marketing, you’ve probably heard of the “skyscraper technique.” Brian Dean from Backlinko introduced this method in 2015. It’s a strategy for building links by finding top content with many backlinks. Then, you create a better version of that content. Finally, you reach out to those who linked to the original content to link to your improved article. This helps your content rank higher and attracts quality backlinks, boosting your SEO and search rankings.
The skyscraper technique is based on a simple idea: people are drawn to the best. By creating superior content, your site becomes an authority in your niche. This makes other websites more likely to link to your content. Over the years, this technique has evolved. It now includes tools like AI for keyword research, multimedia content, and a focus on user experience and personalized content.
As we approach 2025, it’s important to revisit this technique and see if it still works as well as before.
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The Evolution of Content Marketing and SEO in 2025
Trends Shaping Content Strategy
In 2025, content marketing and SEO are changing fast. Technology advances, user behaviors shift, and search engine algorithms evolve. One key trend is the increased use of generative AI. This technology helps streamline content research and writing. It also pushes marketers to focus on in-depth, experience-driven content. Instead of just summaries, content now needs to explain the “why” and “how” to stand out.
Originality and authenticity are also important. Google is likely to reward original content more through metrics like the “Original Content Score.” This means generic or repurposed content may rank lower. Unique research, understanding customer intent, expert insights, and fresh perspectives will be highly valued. Incorporating genuine insights and expert interviews makes your content irreplaceable by AI summaries.
Zero-click searches are on the rise. Users often find what they need directly on the search results page without visiting websites. Marketers need to enhance their brand presence within these snippets. Ensure your brand name or unique selling point is visible and enticing to encourage users to click through for more information.
SEO Changes and Challenges
The SEO landscape in 2025 faces several changes and challenges. Google’s algorithms are evolving rapidly. These updates focus more on user experience (UX) and technical SEO. For example, the Core Web Vitals update highlights the importance of site speed, mobile optimization, and accessibility.
Google’s antitrust trial and potential regulations could impact SEO strategies. If Google shares its data with other search engines, competition could increase. This would require diversified SEO strategies tailored to multiple platforms.
Ad platforms will also diversify. Businesses might need to explore alternatives like Meta Ads or TikTok to maintain their online presence.
AI-powered search features, like Google’s AI Overviews, are changing how users interact with search results. SEOs need to adapt by building genuine brand authority and creating valuable content beyond what AI can provide. The E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) criteria now emphasize first-hand knowledge and real-world proof. Integrating authentic, human insights into your content is essential.
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Analysis of the Skyscraper Technique’s Effectiveness in Modern SEO
Case Studies and Current Examples
The Skyscraper Technique remains effective, as shown by various case studies. For example, a SaaS company used the technique and saw a 36% increase in organic traffic each month. They identified high-ranking content, created an improved version, and reached out to sites that linked to the original content.
The new page ranked for over 1300 organic keywords and became a top traffic source. Another personal case doubled website traffic in two weeks by targeting popular content, updating it with new statistics and insights, and securing backlinks through effective outreach.
These examples show that when done correctly, the Skyscraper Technique can significantly boost website visibility and traffic.
The key is identifying the right content gaps, creating superior content, and executing a well-planned outreach strategy.
Comparative Analysis with Newer Strategies
While the Skyscraper Technique is powerful, it’s important to compare it with newer SEO strategies. One new trend is the focus on user experience and engagement metrics like Core Web Vitals. Combining the Skyscraper Technique with these metrics can enhance its effectiveness.
Create content that not only surpasses existing content in depth and quality but also ensures fast loading, mobile-friendliness, and easy navigation. This boosts your ranking potential.
Compared to AI-driven content strategies, the Skyscraper Technique is more human-centric. AI can generate content quickly, but it often lacks authenticity and depth. The Skyscraper Technique focuses on original research, expert insights, and user intent, making it better for engagement and backlink acquisition.
The technique also aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T criteria, emphasizing experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. By incorporating these factors, you build a stronger authority profile and improve your search rankings more effectively than some newer strategies.
In summary, while new SEO strategies are valuable, the Skyscraper Technique remains a robust method for building high-quality backlinks, improving domain authority, and driving organic traffic. Its adaptability to modern trends and focus on quality and user intent make it essential for any comprehensive SEO strategy.
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Best Practices for Applying the Skyscraper Technique Today
Adapting the Technique for Current Trends
To keep the Skyscraper Technique effective in today’s SEO landscape, adapt it to current trends and best practices. Focus on user experience and engagement metrics. With Google prioritizing Core Web Vitals, your skyscraper content must be comprehensive and valuable, as well as optimized for speed, mobile use, and easy navigation. Ensure your pages load quickly, are responsive on all devices, and provide a seamless user experience.
Integrate AI and data-driven content. Use AI tools for keyword identification and content optimization to create targeted skyscraper content. Include original data, research, or surveys to make your content stand out and attract more backlinks. This aligns with the need for unique insights and original data that search engines and users value.
Personalization is also key in modern SEO. Tailor your skyscraper content to specific user intents—informational, navigational, or transactional. This improves engagement and rankings by addressing users’ needs more effectively.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Experts emphasize several practices to maximize the Skyscraper Technique’s effectiveness. Brian Dean, who pioneered this method, highlights creating content significantly better than existing ones. This means not just adding more words but enhancing content with custom images, graphics, expert quotes, and fresh examples that improve user experience.
Engaging with industry experts or influencers is another best practice. Collaborating with them can add credibility to your content and expand its reach through their networks. This helps secure high-quality backlinks and adds authority and trustworthiness to your content, aligning with Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines.
Set clear and achievable goals for your skyscraper projects. Track your progress with meaningful milestones to stay focused and motivated. A structured approach ensures your content development and outreach efforts are organized and effective.
Regularly update and repurpose existing skyscraper content. SEO is a long-term game, and top-performing content can become outdated. Regular audits and updates keep your content relevant and valuable, maintaining its ranking potential and attracting backlinks.
Conclusion: The Future of the Skyscraper Technique in 2025 and Beyond
In conclusion, the Skyscraper Technique is still a powerful strategy for SEO success in 2025 and beyond. To use it effectively, identify high-ranking content, create superior and more valuable versions, and engage in strategic outreach to secure high-quality backlinks.
Adapt your approach by focusing on user experience, incorporating original data, and optimizing for Core Web Vitals. Continuously improve and update your content to keep it relevant and attract sustained organic traffic.
Embrace the evolving digital landscape. With the Skyscraper Technique, you can significantly improve your SEO performance and outperform competitors in search engine rankings.
