StartupTalky

Tag: Broken Link Building

  • All-in-One Guide to Master Skyscraper Technique

    The skyscraper method involves finding competitive content that currently gets links and high engagement. What is the goal? To develop outstanding content that other websites can’t help but link with.

    Just like the tallest structure in a city draws attention, the top resource in your niche receives those valuable backlinks. It’s like you “steal” those links by excelling in current content and building the road for a link-rich future.

    What is the Skyscraper Technique?
    How to Use the Skyscraper Technique

    Does the Skyscraper Technique Still Work?
    Why does the Skyscraper Technique Fail?

    How to Still Make It Work?

    What is the Skyscraper Technique?

    The Skyscraper Technique was an effective link-building tactic coined by Brian Dean in 2015. In layman’s terms, it consists of three major steps:

    1. Find high-performing content in your niche that already has a lot of backlinks.
    2. Improve, expand, and value the content by making it better, more detailed, and useful.
    3. Contact the appropriate people and encourage them to link to your re-written content.

    This strategy is based on the assumption that website owners naturally desire to link to the greatest resources accessible. By improving existing content, you want to “steal” important backlinks and lay the groundwork for long-term link growth.

    Now, let’s go over each stage and see how the Skyscraper Technique can help you propel your link-building game.

    How to Use the Skyscraper Technique

    Let us now discuss the first crucial step of the Skyscraper Technique:-

    Niche Content With a High Number of Backlinks

    Use Site Explorer

    Ahrefs Site Explorer
    Ahrefs Site Explorer

    Step 1: Use the Ahrefs Site Explorer- Go to Ahrefs and select the Site Explorer tool.
    Step 2: Browse to the Competitor’s Website. Enter the URL of a competitor or a major player in your niche.
    Step 3: Look into the “Best by Links” report. See the most linked-to content on the website.
    Step 4: Explore the Top-Linked Content to determine what draws backlinks.

    Use Content Explorer

    Ahrefs Content Explorer
    Ahrefs Content Explorer

    Step 1: Log in to Ahrefs and go to Content Explorer.
    Step 2: Enter niche-specific keywords or topics
    Step 3: Look through the results for “highly linked content” paying special attention to articles or content pieces with a high number of backlinks.
    Step 4: Simplify the content to choose ones for creating better content.

    Use Keywords Explorer

    Ahrefs Keyword Explorer
    Ahrefs Keyword Explorer

    Step 1: Return to Ahrefs and click on the Keywords Explorer in the tool option.
    Step 2: Look for keywords that are relevant and high-ranking in your niche.
    Step 3: Find content with Strong Backlinks. 
    Step 4: Look for keywords with a significant amount of backlinks. 
    Step 5: Copy them to use and arrange in your content piece further.

    Create Your Skyscraper Content

    Now that you’ve listed your competitors, it’s time to compete with them. The magic happens when you create the tallest skyscraper. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

    1. Carefully analyze the content you’ve selected. Recognize its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the reasons it is getting backlinks.
    2. Write 100x content by adding new thoughts, data, and opinions that improve current content.
    3. Use appealing visuals, including images, infographics, and statistics to improve the user experience.
    4. Divide the text into manageable chunks using headers, bullet points, and brief paragraphs.

    Pro Tip: 

    Your goal is to improve rather than imitate. Make your content the go-to resource in your niche by showing significant value.

    Reach Your Right Audience

    You’ve created a work of art; now let’s make sure it’s viewed by the correct audience. The “Reach out to the Right Audience” phase is about strategic communication. Here’s your strategic roadmap:

    1. Find influencers and voices of opinion in your niche who would be interested in your optimized content.
    2. Tools such as Ahrefs, Semrush, and even a basic Google search help in analyzing these major competitors.
    3. Make your outreach communications more personalized. Mention specific features of their work that coordinate with your topic.
    4. Explain why your content is valuable to them and how it enhances what they have in terms of content.
    5. Tools like Respona, Snov.io, and even basic Gmail can help you automate your outreach operations.
    6. Leverage mail merging options, auto follow-ups, and analytics to improve the performance of your reach.

    Pro Tip:

    Focus on creating connections with influential individuals. Genuine links lead to long-term collaborations and improved visibility.

    10 Must-Try Email Outreach Tools for Better Communication
    Looking to transform your email outreach? These 10 game-changing tools can help you achieve your goals. From scheduling to analytics, these tools have everything you need.
    StartupTalkyArchana Karthikeyan

    Does the Skyscraper Technique Still Work?

    Now for the big question: Does the Skyscraper Technique still work for SEO? The answer is- Indeed, but performance depends on how you handle it. Here is how you can do this:

    1. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your industry. Your skyscraper should meet, if not go over, current content standards.
    2. It is not about producing an infinite amount of information; it is rather creating content with richness and relevance. Prioritize quality over quantity.
    3. Improve consistent user interaction. Make sure the content is mobile-friendly, user-friendly, and appealing to the eye.
    4. Include multimedia elements including photos, films, and interactive features. Make your content shareable and entertaining.
    5. When reaching out to influencers, be real. Make connections based on common interests and values.
    6. Consistency is essential. Update and optimize your material regularly to preserve its relevancy and credibility.

    Pro Tip:

    The algorithms of search engines change often, and your strategy should, too. Keep an eye out for system upgrades and develop your strategy as needed.

    You will not only ensure that the Skyscraper Technique remains effective, but you will also establish your content as the towering lighthouse in your niche.

    Why does the Skyscraper Technique Fail?

    Let’s look more closely at the Skyscraper Technique’s potential dangers. Understanding these details is essential for a pleasant journey. Here’s how it works:

    Using an Outdated Email Template

    Sending outreach emails with an out-of-date format is like wearing last season’s outfits – it makes a bad first impression. Maintain your email strategy by changing and honing your new outreach technique. Personalization and relevance are the keys to capturing the attention of influencers.
    Solution: Stay Updated

    Failure to Segment Your Target Audience

    Because not all influencers are the same, one-size-fits-all outreach is ineffective. Avoid the pitfalls of generic communication by defining your audience. Learn about their hobbies and preferences and then target your approach to them. A personalized strategy demonstrates that you’ve done your research and raises the likelihood of a positive response.
    Solution: Focus on Your Target Audience

    Not Engaging Enough People

    A common roadblock is a lack of reach. Don’t put all your eggs in the same basket. Connect with a wider range of influencers to expand your marketing efforts. The more you reach out, the more opportunities will present themselves.
    Solution: Expand your horizon

    Big Works Better

    Everything works well when quality serves your compass. Don’t fall into the trap of choosing quantity above quality. Identify influencers who share your values and are truly interested in your content. Backlinks from meaningful connections are more likely to be valuable.
    Solution: Prioritize quality over quantity

    Lack to Consider Brand

    Your brand is your identity, and it should shine through in all of your communications. Don’t let your brand image suffer in the pursuit of backlinks. Incorporate brand aspects into your messaging in an effortless way. A strong and recognized image can increase the value of your content to influencers.
    Solution: Work on brand image

    Pro Tip:

    We should view failures as beginnings. Analyze failed outreach as an opportunity to improve your plan. Adapt and learn from each engagement, taking comments and insights into account.

    How to Find Link Prospects for Skyscraper Link Building

    How to Still Make It Work?

    The Skyscraper Technique has its barriers, but it still has its way. Here’s how you can put it back on track for profitable outcomes:

    • Look at previous outreach failures. Identify patterns, learn what didn’t work, and apply this knowledge to improve your strategy.
    • Adapt to new email writing techniques and tools. Experiment with headlines, content, and call-to-action buttons. A/B testing can help you figure out what works best.
    • Make your message truly personalized. Include insights about the creator’s work and explain why your content is relevant to their interests. 
    • Extend your reach beyond emails. Engage with social media and influential people. Share their content, participate in debates, and build organic connections.
    • Change your emphasis from immediate backlinks to connection building. Meaningful contacts frequently result in long-term collaborations and organic link placements.

    Key Takeaways!

    As we conclude our exploration of the Skyscraper Technique, let us simplify the important insights that would help you with the skyscraper technique in SEO.

    1. Constant Growth: As the digital market shifts, so should your approach. To stay ahead of the curve, adopt a mindset of constant evolution.
    2. The Importance of Creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment. The Skyscraper Technique is an old technique but with some creative content, it is effective.
    3. Strategy and Analysis: Statistics are your guide. Measure the performance of your skyscraper content regularly, evaluate statistics, and make data-driven decisions.
    4. Work in Collaboration: Teamwork is essential in the age of digital media. Connect with influencers, interact with your audience, and build a community around your work.
    5. Stay True to Your Brand: Your brand is your pillar. Maintain your brand’s authenticity and collaboration while hunting for backlinks.

    FAQs

    What is the skyscraper technique?

    The Skyscraper Technique is a link-building technique that involves identifying high-performing content with backlinks from various sources, developing an enhanced version of that content, and presenting it as an alternative linking option to publishers. The objective is to enhance your backlink profile by providing superior content.

    Why does the skyscraper technique fail?

    The skyscraper technique fails because of the following reasons:

    • Using an Outdated Email Template
    • Failure to Segment Your Target Audience
    • Not Engaging Enough People
    • Big Works Better
    • Lack to Consider Brand

    Does the skyscraper technique still work for SEO?

    Yes, the skyscraper technique still works for SEO but performance depends on how you handle it. Being real while reaching the influencers, being consistent, including multimedia elements, and making sure the content is user-friendly and mobile-friendly are a few steps to make the skyscraper technique work for SEO.

  • Broken Link Building: Complete Guide to Master BLB

    Back when I was 18, I had a website dedicated to my favorite Marvel Universe. It was a labor of love, but my pages often suffered from errors like 404—Broken Links. Obviously, it resulted in weak SEO.

    Those broken links on my fan site were like torn pages in a comic book—frustrating and misleading for visitors. Since then, I have had to eat SEO every day.

    Broken links are trash! That’s how I believed, only to discover—that’s not it. Broken link-building practices can power these dead pages to connect and walk alive.

    Today, you’ll learn how these broken links can build a strong linking asset for your website. A powerful solution to strengthen your website SEO.

    What is Broken Link Building?
    How does Broken Link Building Work?
    How to do Broken Link Building?

    “Broken Link” similar to its name, means broken, missing, or not found pages on search engines with some error. Most people don’t know that these broken links fixating can boost their position on search engines. The term used for this is — “Broken Link Building”

    Now how you can use these broken links? Collect them, swoop in, and rebuild them. It’s that simple if you do the right practice and understand how this link-fixing works. You’re not just repairing links; you’re creating new ways for potential customers to enter your store on the web.

    Assume a popular blog in your niche topic has a broken link linking to a no-longer-existent resource. You can step in and provide excellent replacement content. Your website receives an increase in visitors, and search engines give you a thumbs up.

    Links are the love language in the eyes of search engines. They are a powerful indicator of the standard of a website and the value it provides to its audience. So, according to a search engine, your site needs to be a good boy. It’s a good deed in its eyes to fix up any broken or dead links, ensuring all URLs are working and unbroken.

    However, for big websites, this process is more difficult than it appears. Finding and changing broken links distributed over various articles, blog posts, and resources takes a significant amount of time and physical labor. You can resolve these annoying links by creating better replacement content for them.

    Broken links are more than simply annoyances. They result in a loss of website visits and, ultimately, paying clients. So, you have the right opportunity to be the good boy and multiply your website’s scoreboard.

    I’ll break down the process step by step, like a GPS for your broken link-building journey. 

    What Is Backlink Profile and Why Is It So Important for SEO in 2022?
    Backlink profile is one of the key factors in SEO that helps websites rank higher on Google. Want to know its importance in SEO?. Let’s find out.
    StartupTalkyBhoraniya Huda Hifzur Rehman

    We get a bunch of emails asking to add their links to some of our respective content pages. And guess what, they never even get a reply. Why? Because that’s not going to help us in any way.

    However, that’s not the case with broken link building. If someone brings value with their replacement content, to fix our broken links, it’s a fair deal. Here is how you can do this practice-

    Should You Pursue a Broken Link Opportunity?
    Should You Pursue a Broken Link Opportunity?
    1. Search Broken Pages with Backlinks
    2. Chose for ‘Good’ links 
    3. Create the Best Replacement Content
    4. Use Your P2 Game (Perfect Pitch)
    5. Pitch n Repeat

    Start looking for broken pages with backlinks from your site. You can do a backlink audit using the Semrush tool or any other SEO tool. You can identify broken backlinks by checking for URL and server errors.

    Backlink Audit
    Backlink Audit

    The tool’s “Audit” tab filters for URL errors, and helps remove potentially damaging backlinks. The “Toxicity Score” filter ensures non-toxic backlinks, preventing damage to the website.

    Toxicity Score Filter
    Toxicity Score Filter

    Look for your Competitor’s Broken Pages

    • Open your go-to SEO tool—let’s take Ahrefs for the competitor’s research. It’s the best
    Ahrefs Tools
    Ahrefs Tools
    • In the search bar, enter your competitor’s domain, the one you find effective
    • Find the “Best by Links” option in Ahrefs. It’s akin to their trophy case, featuring your competitor’s most linked-to pages
    • You can also use the “check my links” Google extension. It’s free and works for the same cause
    Ahrefs Search Bar
    Ahrefs Search Bar
    • Use the filter “only broken” links to find pages with 404 errors or pages that have been moved (301 redirects). 
    • These are the breadcrumbs that will lead you to the broken links
    • Dive deeper into the websites that have linked to their content. No less than the “20 referral domains” volume should be on your list
    • From the list of pages, look for the ones suitable for you
    Ahrefs - List of Pages
    Ahrefs – List of Pages

    Pro Tips:

    Analyze the top competitors in your niche. Don’t just stick to one. Browse to the “Competing Domains” report in “Site Explorer” to see if other websites are ranking for the same keywords.

    Look for Broken Pages About a Topic

    Now, focus on broken pages related to a specific topic. Here’s how:

    • Choose your niche topic, something broad that is relevant. Assume you’re into fitness and your topic is “High-Intensity Workouts.”
    • Use Ahrefs (or any other SEO Tool)
    • Start your trusted tool and enter a keyword relating to your selected topic
    • Return to the “Best by Links” section, but this time look at it from a conceptual standpoint
    • You’re looking for pages that used to rule the subject but are currently out of favor
    • To find broken or removed pages, use the same 404 or redirect the “only broken link” filter
    • Your goal is to identify pages that were once the top trends but are no longer the same
    • Now, analyze the content and prepare a better one
    • Similarly, explore diverse topics you can search, analyze, and create

    Pro Tip:

    Select the broken link you want to replace and enter the URL into the “Wayback Machine”. This tool allows you to view a web page, as it was back then. More often, you’ll be able to find a screenshot of the page when it was public. So, you can now analyze and start preparing better content.

    Wayback Machine Tool
    Wayback Machine Tool

    Now, the broken links in the shadows of your competitors’ websites. Here’s a guide:

    • Choose a formidable competitor, someone whose every move you’re keen on tracking.
    • Ahrefs is your tool of choice – enter the competitor’s domain and prepare to infiltrate.
    • Ahrefs has a nifty section called “Outgoing Links.” It’s like the blueprint of your competitor’s secret weapons.
    • These are the links they trust, and you’re looking for the ones that have lost their way.
    • Apply the broken link filter – 404 errors or redirects are your breadcrumbs.
    • Go for links that complement your offerings, making the replacement seamless.
    Selection of the Links
    Selection of the Links

    Pro Tips:

    Regularly update your competitor list; new contenders may have appeared.

    • Think of the key topics in your industry that serve as hubs for resources. It could be “Ultimate Guides” or “Resource Lists.”
    • Use Ahrefs – enter a broad keyword related to your industry, and let it guide you to the resource pages.
    • You will see several pages that could serve as broken link-building opportunities.
    • Navigate through the resource pages and keep an eagle eye on outbound links.
    • Apply the “broken link filter”. The 404s and redirects are where your X marks the spot.
    • Use the broken links that align with your niche. You’re not just adding any link; you’re providing value.
    • Your replacement content should offer value to the reader and viewers

    Pro Tip:

    Explore different types of resource pages. In Google, use the following search terms to find resource pages:

    • “Keyword” + inurl:resources
    • “Keyword” + intitle:links
    • “Keyword” + “helpful resources”
    • “Keyword” + “useful resources”
    Google search for Resource Pages
    Google search for Resource Pages

    Not all links are ‘good’ links. As a result, you should choose your efforts strategically. Let us now begin the process-

    • Check the domain authority of that link site using tools such as Moz or Ahrefs. Look for links with high-DA (Domain Authority) sites. They are more SEO-friendly.
    • A link from a niche-specific site is worth more than a generic one.
    • A healthy link profile contains a variety of link types, including dofollow, nofollow, text, and image links.
    Ahrefs - Referring Domain
    Ahrefs – Referring Domain
    • Research into the existence of a broken link. Was it a citation, a reference, or a recommendation
    • Analyze the anchor texts in the broken link. Follow them in your replacement content to ensure an effortless shift
    • Prioritize quality over quantity. One link from a high-authority site may outshine many from low-authority ones

    Create the Best Replacement Content

    Now that you’ve found and analyzed your broken link treasures, it’s time to create your masterpiece – the replacement page!

    • Go through the original content
    • Analyze the original content gaps
    • Divide it into pieces or steps for simple use
    • Enhance your content with the most current information & industry data. It boosts reliability and makes your page more linkable
    • Make use of visuals, infographics, and videos. Visual content is easy to understand and share
    • For easier reading, use brief paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings
    • A page that is easy to use is more likely to keep users and earn natural backlinks
    • Naturally, blend relevant keywords within your piece of content

    Pro Tips:

    Your replacement page does more than just fix a broken link. It also improves the user experience. Consider your page to be a magnet, automatically attracting links for its worth and appeal.

    Use Your P2 Game (Perfect Pitch)

    It’s time to take the stage and tell the world about your PERFECT replacement page. Your call is to reach out, and here’s how to do it skillfully.

    • Determine the contact information for the webmaster or site owners whose pages have broken links
    • Tools like Hunter and Voila Norbert help you search for any VIP’s mail with their name
    • Your pitching email is your initial point of contact. Make it customized, clear, and to the point
    • Mention the broken link, thank them for their content, and offer a solution

    “`

    Greetings, Brian Dean

    I hope this email finds you in good health. I recently discovered your great [5 easy steps to find broken links and power them] page, and I couldn’t help but notice a broken link pointing to [page url]. As someone who is really interested in [SEO & marketing], I recognized an opportunity to help by providing an up-to-date and thorough resource to fix this out.

    I’ve created a replacement page that fits appropriately with the rest of your content. You can find it at [Your Replacement Page URL]. Use it, and be sure to let me know how it enhances your existing masterpiece.

    Looking forward to hearing from you!

    Best,

    “`

    Don’t give up if you don’t receive a response after your first email. After a week, send a courteous follow-up email. Persistence pays off. Often it’s as simple as catching them at the right time.

    Pro Tip:

    Your strength is personalization. Mention specific parts from their text to demonstrate that you’ve done your research. Be sincere and polite. You’re not simply asking for a favor; you’re providing value.

    Pitch n Repeat

    Don’t just stop there with 10 to 20 mail thinking that’s enough. It’s a long-term conversion process. You are not just offering your article but building a long-term relationship. 

    Go for all your best pitches to the big and small players. Address them by name, acknowledge their significant work, and convey genuine admiration.

    Convey how your replacement page is a collaborative effort rather than a gift. The idea is to create a connection that would work for a long-term conversion link.

    Pro Tip:

    You can try tools like “Ninja Outreach”, and “Find that lead” or you can go hand in hand with Gmail. It’s evergreen. You can adapt to the CloudHQ free extension on your Gmail account. It helps you manage the flow. Also, you can use links within the email text copy. This simplifies your work.

    SEO Link Building: How to Get Powerful Links in 2023

    Final Notes

    Bravo! You have accomplished the small process. Now here are some notes that can help you in the overall process of SEO-

    1. Track Your Success – Monitor the performance of your replacement pages. Tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs can provide information on traffic and link growth.
    2. Maintain an Adaptive Approach – Adaptability is the key to long-term success in the fast-paced world of SEO.
    3. Build Relationships, Not Just Links – Keep in mind that every website has a human behind it. Develop genuine connections with webmasters, influencers, and other link builders.
    4. Educate and Share Your Knowledge – Not only does being a valuable contributor to the industry increase your authority, but it also enriches the SEO community.

    Leave your queries in the comments below. Let’s figure things out for you!

    FAQs

    Broken Link similar to its name, means broken, missing, or not found pages on search engines with some error.

    A backlink can be exemplified by any article that includes a hyperlink leading to another source or website.

    Broken link building can be done by following the below steps:

    1. Search Broken Pages with Backlinks
    2. Chose for ‘Good’ links 
    3. Create the Best Replacement Content
    4. Use Your P2 Game (Perfect Pitch)
    5. Pitch n Repeat