Skyscraper outreach earns links by replacing outdated resources with a better one

Skyscraper Outreach Link Building

Skyscraper outreach is simple in theory. Find a page that already gets backlinks, build a stronger resource on the same topic, then reach out to the websites that link to the older page. It works best when your new piece is clearly better for a reader, not just longer. If you are still building your base link profile, mix this with manual outreach link building. If you want links from existing articles, look at niche edit links.

When skyscraper outreach works best

This approach is not for every niche. It shines when there are clear “link magnets” in your space and when editors care about accuracy. Think stats pages, how-to resources, checklists, comparisons, and “best of” roundups.

Fresh data and stats

Up-to-date numbers, research summaries, benchmarks, and trend pages that writers cite again and again.

Clear “best resource” angle

A better checklist, template, calculator, or workflow that saves time and answers common questions.

Lots of existing backlinks

The older page already has referring domains. We contact those sites with a simple replacement pitch.

If your content library is thin, start with guest post backlinks and build linkable assets over time.

Our skyscraper outreach workflow

We focus on relevance, index status, and a pitch that is easy to accept. Links should look natural in context, and your anchor text should match your overall link profile.

Steps

  • Pick a topic tied to your product, service, or core keyword set
  • Find older pages with backlinks, then map the linking domains
  • Build a stronger resource with clear structure, screenshots, and citations
  • Outreach with a replacement request and a simple value note
  • Deliver report: live URLs, anchors, link attributes, notes

Outreach rules we follow

  • We only pitch where your resource is a real upgrade for a reader
  • Anchors stay natural, brand and URL anchors are common
  • Index status and topical fit get checked before outreach
  • We track dofollow, nofollow, sponsored, and UGC attributes
Read the link rules on Quality, Safety, and Policies.

Skyscraper outreach FAQ

Quick answers to the questions that come up while planning a skyscraper campaign.

Do I need a new article for skyscraper outreach?Usually
Most campaigns need a new or heavily refreshed resource because the pitch is built around “we made a better page”. If you already have a strong page, we can still run outreach if the gap is clear.
Is this similar to broken link building?Related
Both use a replacement pitch. Broken link building replaces a dead link, skyscraper replaces an older resource. See Broken Link Building.
How do you pick the right topic?Link intent
We look for topics where publishers already link out, where information changes over time, and where your site has the right authority. This ties into topical relevance, internal linking, and which pages you want to rank.
Will this help rankings for service pages?Often
A strong resource can earn links, then internal links can pass value to your service pages. Pair this with planned internal links and a steady backlink profile.