Taller, Stronger, Smarter: The Guest Post Strategy That Outperforms Every Time

In the competitive world of digital marketing, securing high-quality backlinks through guest posting remains one of the most effective SEO strategies. But with countless brands vying for the same placements, how do you stand out?

Enter the Skyscraper Technique—a proven method for creating guest posts so valuable that editors can’t resist publishing them. Originally popularized by Brian Dean of Backlinko, this approach involves finding top-performing content in your niche and then crafting something even better.

In this article, we’ll break down how to apply the Skyscraper Technique to guest posting, ensuring your content gets accepted, shared, and linked to repeatedly.

What Is the Skyscraper Technique?

The Skyscraper Technique is a three-step process:

1. Find High-Performing Content – Identify popular posts in your niche that have earned backlinks and engagement.
2. Create Something Better – Improve upon the original by making it more comprehensive, updated, or visually engaging.
3. Promote Strategically – Reach out to the right people (bloggers, journalists, influencers) who would benefit from your enhanced version.

When applied to guest posting, this method ensures your content is so compelling that editors are eager to feature it—often leading to higher acceptance rates and stronger backlinks.

Step 1: Find the Best-Performing Guest Post Opportunities

Before pitching, you need to identify where high-authority sites are publishing guest content. Here’s how:

A. Use SEO Tools to Discover Popular Guest Posts

• Ahrefs or SEMrush: Search for guest posts in your niche using keywords like "write for us" + [your industry].
• Google Search Operators: Try queries like:
  • "guest post by" + [competitor name]
  • "submit a guest post" + [your topic]
  
  
• BuzzSumo: Find the most shared guest posts in your industry to see what resonates with audiences.

B. Analyze What Makes These Posts Successful

Look for:

• Engagement metrics (comments, shares, backlinks)
• Content depth (word count, research quality)
• Formatting (use of visuals, subheadings, case studies)

Example: If you find a popular guest post on "10 SEO Trends for 2024," note its structure, sources, and any gaps you could improve upon.

 

Step 2: Craft a ‘Skyscraper’ Guest Post That Outperforms the Original

Your guest post must be 10x better than what’s already ranking. Here’s how:

A. Improve Upon the Original Content

• Add More Data – Include recent statistics, expert quotes, or original research.
• Enhance Readability – Use bullet points, infographics, and subheadings for better flow.
• Update Outdated Information – If referencing an old study, find a newer one.
• Expand Coverage – If the original post lists 10 Tips, turn it into 25 Actionable Strategies.

B. Make It More Actionable

• Include step-by-step guides instead of vague advice.
• Provide free templates, checklists, or tools readers can use immediately.

Example:

If a competing guest post covers "How to Improve Email Open Rates," you could create:

• "The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Boosting Email Open Rates (With 7 Proven Templates)"

Step 3: Pitch Your Guest Post Strategically

Even the best content won’t get published if your outreach fails. Follow these steps:

A. Personalize Your Pitch

• Mention the editor’s name and reference their previous work.
• Explain why your post is better than what they’ve published before.

Bad Pitch:
"Hi, I’d like to submit a guest post on SEO."
Strong Pitch:
"Hi [Name], I loved your recent piece on ‘SEO Trends.’ I noticed it didn’t cover [specific gap], so I created an updated guide with 2024 data, expert insights, and a free checklist. Would your audience find this useful?"

B. Target the Right Blogs

Prioritize sites with:

• High Domain Authority (DA 40+)
• Active engagement (comments, social shares)
• Relevance to your niche

Why This Technique Works Every Time

1. Editors Prefer High-Quality Content – A well-researched, actionable post saves them time and adds value.
2. You Stand Out from Generic Pitches – Most guest post requests are bland; yours will be irresistible.
3. Builds Long-Term Relationships – A great guest post can lead to recurring opportunities.

Real-World Example:
A marketer used this method to land a guest post on NeilPatel.com by improving upon an existing article with new case studies and an interactive worksheet. The post gained 3x more backlinks than the original.

 

Conclusion

The Skyscraper Technique isn’t just for blog content—it’s a game-changer for guest posting. By researching top-performing posts, creating superior versions, and pitching strategically, you can secure high-authority placements that boost your SEO and credibility.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Find successful guest posts using SEO tools and competitor analysis.
✅ Make your content 10x better by adding depth, data, and actionable value.
✅ Pitch with personalization to increase acceptance rates.

 

Start applying this method today, and watch your guest post success rate soar.