The Skyscraper Technique has been wildly popular among content marketers.
But are there tips yet to be discussed on this famed method that moves the needle even more?
The following are 7 ways to nail the Skyscraper Technique.
1. More content on top is not enough
A common misconception of the method is that only talks about compiling and aggregating the best content around the topic of choice.
For example, the typical content marketer would turn the best search result called 21 Tools for SEO to 100 Tools for SEO.
The truth is everyone can do this.
The better way to go about it is to be more advanced and more in-depth.
You can include the most helpful reviews of the tools, give suggestions such as “this tool is best for ecommerce but not for bloggers.”
Provide analysis and opinion on top of the data to make it your own.
2. Unique data
Case studies are perhaps the most unique thing you can do for your blog.
They are far more time consuming than just compiling public data but the rewards can be massive as it is conducted only by you and hence the novelty of it can drive traffic to your site and get more backlinks.
3. Make your content skimmable
Sorry, but giant headers are not good enough.
Instead, use lots of images and to break up the text and insert a table of contents in the beginning of the blog posts to give the user the option to jump right into the section they want to read.
If you wish to take this up a notch, create interactive content that the user can play with to customize the result they want to read e.g. sliders, flash cards and quizzes.
4. Promotion
The first thing you must ask yourself when you do promotion is who do you want to promote to?
Use tools such as BuzzSumo to look for people who have tweeted similar content and Majestic to find out people who have linked to similar content.
You can also promote it on your own channels and potentially on Reddit if it’s really good.
5. Write a good headline
The headline is read 5 times more often than the contents of the post.
If you are looking for inspiration on how to write a good headline, search for Copyblogger Headline Formula and Portent Title Generator.
You can use Google to see what similar headlines are ranked high and BuzzSumo to see what content gets the most social shares and their headlines.
6. Make use of content upgrades
Content upgrades are downloadable content usually related to the post at hand with the purpose of getting leads. They are also referred to as lead magnets.
Examples of content upgrades can be checklists, summaries or just a pdf version of the blog post for safe keeping.
7. Other tips
– Write in a conversational tone. Use You’s and I’s often in your blog post. The best copywriters recommend writing in the same way you speak to a friend on the phone.
– Ask questions throughout the content. This engages the audience and makes them want to read the line.
– Insert small custom images in the post. Avoid stereotypical stock images of people smiling with handshakes if you can.
– Ensure your paragraphs aren’t too long. 3 to 4 lines is the maximum.
– Have a call-to-action at the end, be it – leave a comment or share if your find this useful.
In conclusion, the 7 ways to nail the Skycraper Technique are:
1. Create advanced and in-depth content
2. Have unique data
3. Make your content skimmable
4. Promote
5. Write a good headline
6. Make use of content upgrades
7. Write content in a conversational tone, ask questions, use small custom images, break up paragraph into small chunks and have a call to action.
