Skyscraper Link Building Technique - In-depth Tutorial For Beginners

Name: Skyscraper Link Building Technique - In-depth Tutorial For Beginners
Uploaded: 2019-08-20T08:08:34.000Z
Duration: 1 h 22 min 7 s

Introduction

In this section, the instructor introduces the topic of the lecture, which is the skyscraper technique for link building. The instructor mentions that the technique was created by Backlinko and explains that it involves turning content into high-quality backlinks.

Skyscraper Technique

The skyscraper technique is a popular link building technique created by Backlinko.

It involves three steps: finding content worth publishing, producing something better than existing content, and reaching out to relevant people.

Backlinko is a recommended blog for learning about popular link building techniques.

Step 1: Finding Content Worth Publishing

This section focuses on the first step of the skyscraper technique, which is finding content worth publishing. The instructor recommends using a tool called Ahrefs for this purpose.

Using Ahrefs to Find Top Blogs in Your Niche

Ahrefs is a popular backlink analysis tool that can also be used for keyword research and finding valuable content.

A 7-day trial of Ahrefs is available for $7.

To find top blogs in your niche, search for relevant keywords or topics using Ahrefs.

The instructor demonstrates searching for "top digital marketing blogs in India" as an example.

Using Ahrefs to Find Popular Content

This section continues discussing how to use Ahrefs to find popular content worth publishing. The instructor shows how to analyze the top pages of a specific blog using Ahrefs.

Analyzing Top Pages with Ahrefs

After searching for relevant blogs using Ahrefs, click on "Top Pages" to see the most popular pages of a blog.

Look at the number of referring domains to determine the popularity of a page.

Export the data to a spreadsheet for further analysis.

Sorting and Choosing Content

This section explains how to sort and choose content based on the number of referring domains. The instructor emphasizes selecting topics with at least 75-200 referring domains.

Sorting and Choosing Content Based on Referring Domains

Sort the exported spreadsheet by referring domains in descending order.

Look for topics with at least 75-200 referring domains, indicating their popularity.

Choose a topic that meets the criteria and has potential for producing better content.

Step 2: Producing Better Content

This section focuses on the second step of the skyscraper technique, which is producing better content than existing articles. The instructor explains that creating superior content increases the chances of getting backlinks.

Creating Better Content than Existing Articles

Select a popular topic from your chosen list that has at least 75-200 referring domains.

Aim to produce content that surpasses existing articles in terms of quality, depth, or value.

By creating superior content, you increase the likelihood of attracting backlinks from websites already linking to similar articles.

Step 3: Reaching Out to Relevant People

This section covers the third step of the skyscraper technique, which involves reaching out to relevant people who are already linking to similar articles. The instructor highlights the potential benefits of this outreach strategy.

Reaching Out to Relevant People for Backlinks

Identify websites or individuals who have linked to similar articles in your niche.

Send personalized emails or messages introducing your improved article and requesting them to consider linking to it.

A conversion rate of 10% from 20 outreach attempts could result in 2 backlinks, which can significantly benefit your website.

Conclusion

The transcript provides an overview of the skyscraper technique for link building. It explains the three steps involved: finding content worth publishing, producing better content, and reaching out to relevant people. The use of Ahrefs as a tool for finding popular content is highlighted, along with the importance of creating superior articles to attract backlinks. Reaching out to individuals who have already linked to similar articles is emphasized as a strategy for obtaining valuable backlinks.

Improving Content

This section discusses three ways to improve content: adding more content, adding better graphics, and making it up-to-date.

Adding More Content

Increase the length of the content by producing at least 2,000 words compared to the existing 1,000-word post.

Copy ideas from other similar sites that accept guest posts to enhance the content.

Use Google search to find a list of over 5,000 sites that accept guest posts in 2019. Consider organizing them into categories for easier navigation on your own site.

Adding Better Graphics

Hire a graphic designer to create an appealing header and other relevant graphics for the blog post.

If applicable, consider creating infographics for topics like "Scope of Digital Marketing in India" to enhance visual appeal.

Making It Up-to-date

Ensure that all information in the post is current and relevant for 2019.

Continuously update the list of quality blogs accepting guest posts to keep it up-to-date.

Create posts like "Best SEO Factors in 2019" with updated information on factors influencing search engine rankings.

Getting Content Written

This section focuses on hiring professional content writers and providing guidelines for writing job descriptions.

Hiring Professional Content Writers

Seek professional content writers through platforms like Facebook groups dedicated to web content writers.

Join Facebook groups with a good number of members where you can post your requirements and receive applications from potential writers.

Writing Job Descriptions

Provide detailed descriptions when posting jobs, specifying what contents should be included, writing style, grammar rules, etc.

Test new writers by starting with a single article before committing to long-term projects or bulk orders.

Avoid offering very cheap sample projects; instead, offer at least 50 paisa per word to attract quality writers.

Provide a sample article as a reference for the writer to understand your quality guidelines.

The transcript is already in English, so there is no need to translate it.

Creating Detailed Job Descriptions for Content Writers

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of providing detailed instructions when hiring content writers. They emphasize the need to clearly communicate expectations and provide necessary tools and resources.

Providing Detailed Instructions

When hiring a content writer, it is important to give them all the details they need.

Include information on how to find domain authority if necessary.

Provide tools or resources that can help them in their work.

Avoiding Assumptions

Never expect a content writer to do all the job without clear instructions.

Instead of simply asking for a 2000-word article on digital marketing, provide a very detailed instruction.

Show an example job post with specific requirements and expectations.

Sample Job Description

Start by stating that you are looking for a competent writer who can produce an article about the scope of digital marketing.

List four main points that should be discussed in the article:

Growth of digital marketing industry in India

Importance of digital marketing

Salary range for digital marketing professionals (both freshers and experienced)

Encourage readers to consider enrolling in masters in digital marketing courses from your institute.

Article Length and Payment

Specify the desired length of the article (e.g., at least 1500 words).

Mention the payment rate per word (e.g., ₹0.50 to ₹1 per word).

Emphasize that even at higher rates, producing a quality article would still be cost-effective.

Contacting Relevant Websites for Backlinks

This section focuses on finding relevant websites for backlink opportunities. The speaker explains a three-step process involving analyzing competitor backlinks, filtering out irrelevant links, and sending personalized emails using a plugin.

Finding Referring Domains

Use backlink analysis tools like Ahrefs or Open Site Explorer to find referring domains to your competitor's URL.

Analyze the backlinks of websites that link to your competition.

These websites are likely to be interested in similar content and may provide backlink opportunities.

Filtering Irrelevant Links

Ignore irrelevant links such as blog comments and forum links.

Focus on finding qualified blogs and websites for outreach.

Sending Personalized Emails

Use a plugin called X'Mas to send personalized emails to potential backlink sources.

Show a practical example of finding relevant blogs through competitor analysis.

Explain how reaching out to authors with a similar post can lead to backlink opportunities.

Identifying Qualified Blogs for Backlinks

This section provides further guidance on identifying qualified blogs for backlink outreach. The speaker demonstrates how anchor text and specific mentions can indicate potential linking opportunities.

Analyzing Competitor Backlinks

Use tools like Ahrefs or Open Site Explorer to analyze competitor backlinks.

Spend at least one hour going through each link, removing irrelevant ones, and identifying qualified blogs.

Identifying Qualified Blogs

Look for anchor texts that mention high-quality blogs related to the topic.

Check if the author has mentioned updating their list with more quality blogs.

These indications suggest that contacting the author for a backlink opportunity is worthwhile.

Reaching Out for Backlinks

Craft personalized emails explaining that you have published a similar, more in-depth post than what the author previously referenced.

Request them to update their list with your blog as an additional resource.

If your content is of good quality, there is a chance they will change the existing backlink to your blog.

The transcript provided does not include timestamps beyond 0:21:52.

Finding Qualified Blogs to Contact

In this section, the speaker discusses how to find qualified blogs to contact for backlinks.

Finding Backlinks Inside Articles

Look for backlinks that are given inside the article, not in the comment section or at the bottom.

These backlinks are more valuable and indicate a higher chance of getting a link from them.

Creating a Spreadsheet

Create a spreadsheet with a list of all the qualified blogs you find.

Include columns for blog name, blog post link, author name, and email address.

Example: How to Blog in 2018

Use an example of a blog post titled "How to Blog in 2018."

Fill in the spreadsheet with details such as blog name, article name, author name.

Check if the email address is provided on the website or through a contact form.

Example: Backlink from Competitor's Article

Find an example of a backlink from our competitor's article.

Check if the email address is provided on their website or through their about us page.

Contact decision-makers like CEOs or founders instead of using contact forms.

Using Hunter.io Tool

Introduce Hunter.io tool for finding email addresses easily.

Search for company names and find email addresses of decision-makers.

Contacting Through Contact Forms

If unable to find an email address, use contact forms on websites to drop an email.

Provide necessary details in the contact form and reach out to them.

Using Templates and Email Text

In this section, the speaker discusses using templates and provides examples of effective email text when reaching out to bloggers.

Adding Article Topic Column

Add an article topic column to the spreadsheet.

Write a brief description of what the article is discussing.

Example: Ultimate App Marketing Plan

Use an example of an article titled "The Ultimate App Marketing Plan."

Fill in the spreadsheet with details such as blog name, article name, author name, and email address.

Using Hunter.io for Email Addresses

Reiterate the use of Hunter.io tool for finding email addresses.

Search for company names and find decision-makers' email addresses.

Contacting Through Contact Forms (Continued)

If unable to find an email address, use contact forms on websites to drop an email.

Provide necessary details in the contact form and reach out to them.

Effective Email Text

Provide a template for reaching out to bloggers.

Replace placeholders with relevant details from the spreadsheet.

Personalize the email and highlight why their blog is a good fit for collaboration.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by summarizing the process of finding qualified blogs and reaching out to them for backlinks.

Summary

Find backlinks inside articles rather than in comments or at the bottom.

Create a spreadsheet with blog details and contact information.

Use Hunter.io tool to find decision-makers' email addresses.

Reach out through contact forms if necessary.

Use personalized templates when contacting bloggers.

Timestamps are approximate and may not be exact.

Creating a Template for Outreach

In this section, the speaker discusses creating a template for outreach and using it to personalize emails for website owners.

Creating the Template

The speaker suggests creating a template that can be used for outreach.

The template should include placeholders for variables such as the CEO's name, article topics, and URLs.

An example template is provided with placeholders to be replaced with specific information.

Using the Template for Outreach

The speaker explains how to use the template to personalize emails sent to website owners.

The name of the CEO should be replaced with the actual CEO's name.

Article topics and URLs should also be customized based on the specific content being shared.

Personalizing emails increases the chances of getting backlinks to your website.

Copying Blog Post URL

In this section, the speaker explains how to copy a blog post URL from another website.

Copying Blog Post URL

While searching for articles about a specific topic, the speaker came across a blog post with a relevant URL.

To include this blog post in your outreach email, you need to copy its URL.

Replacing Links in Outreach Email

In this section, the speaker discusses replacing links in an outreach email with relevant content from your own blog.

Replacing Links in Email

The speaker noticed that one of their favorite articles was linked in an outreach email they received.

They suggest replacing this link with a similar article from your own blog.

Additionally, replace other variables such as names and topics to personalize each email.

Introducing Dmoz Tool for Bulk Emails

In this section, the speaker introduces the Dmoz tool for sending bulk emails and explains its usage.

Introducing Dmoz Tool

The speaker recommends using a tool called Dmoz for sending bulk emails.

However, they advise against using it if you have a small number of emails (less than 200) as personalization is crucial.

Dmoz can be used when you have a larger list of prospects to reach out to.

Downloading and Setting Up Dmoz

In this section, the speaker explains how to download and set up the Dmoz tool for sending bulk emails.

Downloading Dmoz

To download Dmoz, search for it on Google and find the appropriate plugin.

Add the plugin to your Chrome browser.

Setting Up Dmoz

After adding the plugin, log in to your email account.

Click on the Dmoz icon that appears after logging in.

Connect your email list from a Google Docs spreadsheet where all email addresses are stored.

Granting Permissions for Dmoz

In this section, the speaker guides through granting necessary permissions for using the Dmoz tool.

Granting Permissions

When logging in to your email account with Dmoz for the first time, grant any necessary permissions requested by the tool.

Customizing Email Content in Dmoz

In this section, the speaker explains how to customize email content using the Dmoz tool.

Customizing Email Content

After connecting your email list in Dmoz, add a subject line and replace placeholder text with relevant information.

Use a template that includes variables such as names, article titles, and URLs.

Personalize each email by replacing these variables with specific details.

Finalizing Email Personalization

In this section, the speaker explains how to finalize email personalization using the Dmoz tool.

Finalizing Personalization

Replace variables such as names, article titles, and URLs in the email template.

Customize the subject line to make it more engaging and relevant.

Ensure that each email is personalized for better conversion rates.

Recommendations for Using Dmoz

In this section, the speaker provides recommendations for using the Dmoz tool effectively.

Recommendations

The speaker advises against using tools like Dmoz if you have a small number of emails (less than 200).

For smaller prospect lists, it is recommended to manually customize emails as much as possible.

Customizing emails increases conversion rates.

Dmoz can be useful for larger lists with over a thousand recipients.