/skyscraper-technique

name: skyscraper-technique
description: "Build high-quality backlinks systematically using Brian Dean's proven 3-step content marketing framework—find link-worthy content, make something 10x better, and reach out to the right people. Use when: **Build backlinks** to improve search rankings; **Create content** with pre-validated demand for links; **Outrank competitors** on specific topics; **Develop link-building campaigns** that actually work; **Promote new content** to relevant websites"
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: ClawFu
  version: 1.0.0
  mcp-server: "@clawfu/mcp-skills"

Skyscraper Technique

> Build high-quality backlinks systematically using Brian Dean's proven 3-step content marketing framework—find link-worthy content, make something 10x better, and reach out to the right people.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• **Build backlinks** to improve search rankings
• **Create content** with pre-validated demand for links
• **Outrank competitors** on specific topics
• **Develop link-building campaigns** that actually work
• **Promote new content** to relevant websites
• **Increase domain authority** through quality links
• **Launch a new site** and need initial backlink momentum
• **Revive old content** with a strategic update

This skill is particularly valuable for:

• SEO professionals building link campaigns
• Content marketers needing distribution strategy
• Startups competing with established players
• Anyone frustrated with "publish and pray" content approaches
• Marketers who want predictable link-building results

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Methodology Foundation

**Source:** Brian Dean - Backlinko (2013-present)

**Core Principle:** Find the "tallest skyscraper" in your space—content that already attracts many backlinks—and build something even better. Then reach out to people who linked to the original, offering them a superior resource.

> "It's human nature to be attracted to the best. And what you're doing here is finding the 'tallest skyscraper' in your space… and slapping 20 stories to the top of it."

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What Claude Does vs What You Decide

| Claude Does | You Decide | |-------------|------------| | Structures video workflow | Final creative vision | | Suggests shot compositions | Equipment selection | | Creates storyboard templates | Brand aesthetics | | Generates script frameworks | Final approval | | Identifies technical requirements | Budget allocation |

What This Skill Does

When invoked, I will guide you through the Skyscraper Technique:

1. **Find linkable assets** - Identify content with proven backlink potential 2. **Analyze the opportunity** - Evaluate if the topic is worth pursuing 3. **Plan the improvement** - Define how to make content substantially better 4. **Create 10x content** - Build something objectively superior 5. **Build prospect list** - Export and qualify outreach targets 6. **Craft outreach emails** - Write personalized, effective pitches 7. **Track and iterate** - Monitor results and optimize approach

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How to Use

Provide information about your link-building challenge:

**Example prompts:**

• "I want to build backlinks for my SaaS blog using the Skyscraper Technique"
• "Help me find linkable assets in the project management niche"
• "Create an outreach campaign for my guide on [topic]"
• "Analyze this competitor's content for Skyscraper opportunities"
• "Write outreach emails for my improved version of [content]"

**Information that helps:**

• Your niche/industry
• Target keywords or topics
• Competitor URLs you've identified
• Content you want to promote
• Current domain authority/backlink profile
• Resources available (time, team, tools)

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Instructions

The Three-Step Framework

Overview

| Step | Action | Outcome | |------|--------|---------| | **Step 1** | Find Link-Worthy Content | Proven topic with backlink demand | | **Step 2** | Make Something 10x Better | Clearly superior content | | **Step 3** | Reach Out to the Right People | Targeted, qualified prospects |

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Step 1: Find Proven Linkable Assets

A linkable asset is a high-value page you can leverage for links repeatedly. The key is finding content that has ALREADY earned significant backlinks.

What Makes Good Linkable Assets

| Type | Description | Example | |------|-------------|---------| | **Ultimate Guides** | Comprehensive topic coverage | "Complete Guide to [Topic]" | | **Original Research** | Data-driven studies | "2024 State of [Industry]" | | **Resource Lists** | Curated collections | "100 Best Tools for [Task]" | | **How-to Content** | Step-by-step tutorials | "How to [Achieve Result]" | | **Statistics Roundups** | Compiled data points | "[Topic] Statistics 2024" |

How to Find Linkable Assets

**Method 1: Backlink Analysis Tools**

Use Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to find competitor's most-linked pages: 1. Enter competitor domain 2. Go to "Best by Links" or "Top Pages" report 3. Sort by referring domains 4. Identify content topics with 50-100+ linking domains

**Method 2: Search + Analyze**

1. Search your target keyword 2. Analyze top-ranking pages in backlink tool 3. Compare backlink profiles 4. Identify most-linked content on the topic

**Method 3: Content Explorer**

Use Ahrefs Content Explorer or BuzzSumo: 1. Search your topic 2. Filter by "Referring domains" (high to low) 3. Find content with substantial backlinks 4. Analyze what made it link-worthy

Selection Criteria

| Criterion | Minimum | Ideal | |-----------|---------|-------| | **Referring Domains** | 50+ | 100+ | | **Domain Quality** | Mix of sites | Authority sites in niche | | **Topic Relevance** | Related to your niche | Core to your expertise | | **Improvement Potential** | Some gaps | Clear weaknesses | | **Content Age** | Under 5 years | 2-3 years (outdated) |

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Step 2: Make Something 10x Better

The original technique emphasized being "better"—but that bar has risen dramatically. You now need to be **substantially,