Linker Outreach
Linker Outreach is a central component of the Skyscraper Technique and describes the process of targeted contact with website operators to acquire backlinks for high-quality content. Unlike passive link building strategies, outreach requires active communication and relationship building.
The 5 Phases of Linker Outreach
001. Target Audience Identification
The first phase focuses on precise identification of the right contacts:
- Identify relevant websites: Focus on thematically matching domains
- Research contact persons: Content managers, editors, bloggers
- Collect contact data: Email addresses, social media profiles
- Conduct qualification: Check domain authority, traffic, relevance
002. Content Preparation
Before making the first contact, the content must be optimized:
- Create 10x content: Significantly better quality than existing content
- Unique Value Proposition: Define clear added value
- Visual elements: Infographics, charts, interactive tools
- Call-to-Action: Clear call to action for linkers
003. Personalization and Approach
Personalization is the key to success:
- Individual emails: No mass sending
- Research the recipient: Previous articles, interests, position
- Relevant connection points: Common topics, references
- Professional tone: Respectful but not submissive
004. Follow-up Strategies
Systematic follow-up significantly increases the success rate:
- Optimize timing: 3-5 days after first email
- Add value: New information, updates, additions
- Different channels: Email, social media, LinkedIn
- Respectful distance: Don't become intrusive
005. Relationship Management
Long-term relationships are more valuable than one-time links:
- Show gratitude: For received links
- Reciprocity: Offer own platforms
- Regular contact: Newsletter, social media
- Appreciation: Share content, comment
Email Templates for Linker Outreach
Template 1: Content Sharing Approach
Subject: [Name], have you seen this [Topic] guide?
Hello [Name],
I came across your article "[Title]" and was impressed by your expertise in [Topic].
Recently, we created a comprehensive guide on [related topic] that [concrete added value].
Since your readers are probably also interested in [related topic], I thought the guide might be relevant to them.
Here's the link: [URL]
If you find the guide interesting for your readers, I would appreciate a link.
Best regards,
[Name]
Template 2: Broken Link Building
Subject: Dead link in your [Topic] article
Hello [Name],
I regularly read your blog and found a dead link in your article "[Title]".
The link to [description] no longer works (404 error).
We recently created a similar guide that would fit perfectly in this context: [URL]
If you want to update the link, you can link to our guide.
Best regards,
[Name]
Template 3: Resource Page Outreach
Subject: Suggestion for your [Topic] resources page
Hello [Name],
I've reviewed your resources page on [Topic] and am impressed by the quality of the linked content.
We recently created [type of content] that offers [concrete benefit] and would fit perfectly into your collection.
Here's the link: [URL]
If you find the content valuable for your readers, I would appreciate inclusion in your resources list.
Kind regards,
[Name]
Tools for Effective Linker Outreach
Measurement and Optimization
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Response Rate: Percentage of answered emails
- Link Acquisition Rate: Ratio of emails to received links
- Domain Authority of Linkers: Quality of acquired links
- Follow-up Success: Improvement through follow-up
A/B Testing for Emails
- Test subject lines: Different formulations
- Email length: Short vs. detailed
- Call-to-Action: Different formulations
- Timing: Different sending times
Common Mistakes in Linker Outreach
001. Mass Sending Without Personalization
Problem: Generic emails to all contacts
Solution: Adapt each email individually
002. Aggressive Sales Approach
Problem: Too direct request for links
Solution: Offer value first, then ask for link
003. Lack of Research
Problem: No knowledge about the recipient
Solution: Thorough research before contact
004. Unrealistic Expectations
Problem: Expectation of immediate links
Solution: Long-term relationship building strategy
005. No Follow-up Strategy
Problem: Give up after one email
Solution: Implement systematic follow-up
Legal Aspects and Best Practices
Data Protection (GDPR)
- Obtain consent: Before sending emails
- Opt-out option: In every email
- Data minimization: Only collect necessary data
- Documentation: Log outreach activities
Email Marketing Laws
- CAN-SPAM Act: For US recipients
- CASL: For Canadian recipients
- Spam laws: Observe country-specific regulations
Future of Linker Outreach
AI-Supported Personalization
- Automated research: AI analyzes website content
- Dynamic templates: Adaptation to recipient
- Sentiment analysis: Optimization of tone
Voice and Video Outreach
- Voice messages: More personal contact
- Video emails: Visual approach
- Podcast outreach: Audio-based relationships