Pillar pages are the foundation of modern topic cluster SEO. They serve as comprehensive hub content that covers a broad topic in depth, linking out to more specific cluster content. When done right, pillar pages can dramatically boost your site's topical authority and search rankings.

What Is a Pillar Page?

A pillar page is a comprehensive piece of content that covers a core topic broadly and links to multiple related subtopic pages (cluster content). Think of it as the central hub of a wheel, with spokes extending to more specific, detailed content.

Pillar Page Characteristics:

• Covers a broad topic comprehensively (2,000-5,000+ words)
• Targets high-volume, competitive keywords
• Links to and from multiple cluster content pages
• Serves as evergreen content that remains relevant
• Organized with clear navigation and sections

Types of Pillar Pages

1. The Guide Pillar

The most common type. A comprehensive guide that covers everything about a topic. Example: "The Complete Guide to Email Marketing" covers strategy, tools, best practices, metrics, and more.

2. The "What Is" Pillar

Explains a concept in depth for those new to the topic. Example: "What Is Content Marketing?" defines the concept, explains its importance, and covers key components.

3. The "How To" Pillar

Step-by-step instructions for accomplishing something. Example: "How to Start a Podcast" walks through equipment, recording, editing, publishing, and promotion.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Pillar Page

Step 1: Choose Your Core Topic

Select a topic broad enough to support 15-25 subtopic articles but focused enough to establish clear expertise. Your pillar topic should align with your business goals and audience interests.

Step 2: Map Your Cluster Content

Before writing your pillar page, identify all the subtopics you'll cover. Use a topical map to visualize the relationship between your pillar and cluster content. Each cluster article should target a specific long-tail keyword.

Step 3: Structure Your Pillar Page

Create a clear outline with sections for each major subtopic. Include:

• Table of contents with jump links
• Introduction explaining the topic's importance
• Sections for each major subtopic
• Internal links to cluster content
• Conclusion with next steps or CTA

Step 4: Write Comprehensive Content

Cover each section with enough depth to be useful, but don't try to say everything. Your pillar page should give readers a complete overview while encouraging them to dive deeper via your cluster content links.

Step 5: Optimize for SEO

Include your target keyword in:

• Page title and H1
• URL slug
• Meta description
• First paragraph
• Image alt text

Pillar Page Best Practices

Do This

Update regularly with new information
Add links as you publish new cluster content
Use descriptive anchor text for internal links
Include visuals, charts, and examples
Make it easy to navigate with a TOC

Avoid This

Thin content that doesn't provide value
Keyword stuffing or over-optimization
Ignoring mobile user experience
Creating orphan pages without links
Neglecting page load speed

Measuring Pillar Page Success

Track these metrics to evaluate your pillar page performance:

• Organic traffic growth: Is search traffic increasing over time?
• Keyword rankings: Are you ranking for your target keywords?
• Time on page: Are visitors engaging with the content?
• Backlinks earned: Is the page attracting external links?
• Cluster performance: Are linked pages also ranking well?

Get Started with Pillar Pages

Building effective pillar pages starts with understanding your topic landscape. Use Topical Map AI to identify the perfect pillar topics and all the cluster content you need to establish true topical authority.

Plan Your Pillar Pages →