How to Execute:
- Set up Google Alerts or use Ahrefs Alerts for your brand name .
- When a mention appears without a link, send a short, polite email to the editor, noting the mention and requesting a link. This converts at a higher rate than cold outreach .
- For example: “Hey [Name], thanks for mentioning us in your piece on [Topic]. Would you mind adding a link so readers can easily find the resource?” .
2.6 The Skyscraper Technique
Developed by Brian Dean, the Skyscraper Technique is a classic method for earning authority backlinks by creating content that is significantly better than what currently ranks for a given topic .
The Process:
- Find Link-Worthy Content: Identify popular content in your niche that has earned many backlinks .
- Create Something Better: Update the old content, making it more comprehensive, more up-to-date, better designed, or more visually appealing. Use tools like Surfer SEO, Clearscope, or Frase to ensure your content is optimized for current search intent .
- Outreach: Reach out to the people who linked to the original content and let them know about your improved version .
Why It’s Effective: It provides a clear, value-driven reason for other site owners to link to you. However, the technique can fail if the topic has low link potential, search intent doesn’t align, the space is oversaturated, or your site lacks the authority to compete . In 2026, simply writing a “better version” is not enough; your content must offer originality, interactivity, proprietary data, or multi-format value .
2.7 Leveraging Digital PR and HARO
Building authority backlinks through digital PR involves creating newsworthy content and promoting it to journalists and bloggers.
- Use Platforms: Services like Help a Reporter Out (HARO), Qwoted, and Featured connect journalists with expert sources . Responding to queries with valuable insights can earn you links from major news outlets and high-authority backlinks.
- Find Newsworthy Topics: Tie your content to breaking stories or trends to increase your odds of being cited. Monitor Google Trends, BuzzSumo, and Exploding Topics for opportunities .
2.8 Creating Linkable Assets
Create resources that naturally attract authority backlinks because they provide unique value.
Examples of Linkable Assets:
- Original Research and Data: Conducting a survey or study and publishing the data provides a unique source that others will want to cite.
- Industry Awards and Badges: Creating an award or a “Best of” list can encourage winners to link back.
- Customer Case Studies and Testimonials: Publishing detailed case studies can earn links from the featured clients and industry peers .
- Comprehensive Guides: “Ultimate guides” or “pillar pages” that serve as the definitive resource on a topic become a go-to reference and attract many authority backlinks.