What is a Topical Map Strategy?

A topical map strategy is your plan for turning a topical map into published content that ranks. It answers the critical questions: What do I publish first? How often? In what order? How do I measure success?

Many people create beautiful topical maps but never execute on them. Or they execute randomly, publishing whatever feels interesting that day. A strategy gives you a systematic approach that maximizes your chances of ranking.

Topical Map vs. Strategy

Topical Map:

What content to create (keywords, topics, clusters)

Strategy:

How, when, and in what order to create it

Why You Need a Strategy (Not Just a Map)

Publishing content in random order is like building a house by randomly nailing boards together. You might get something, but it won't be a house. Here's why strategy matters:

• Supporting content should come before pillar pages. Your pillar page needs internal links to rank—those links come from supporting content.
• Quick wins build momentum. Starting with easier keywords gives you early rankings that prove the strategy works.
• Cluster completion matters. Google rewards comprehensive coverage. A half-finished cluster is worse than no cluster.
• Resources are limited. You can't publish everything at once. Strategy helps you allocate time and budget wisely.

The 4 Pillars of Topical Map Strategy

1. Prioritization

Which clusters do you tackle first? Consider: business value, competition level, and existing authority. Start with clusters where you can win fastest.

2. Sequencing

Within each cluster, what order do you publish? Supporting content first, then pillar pages. Long-tail before head terms.

3. Cadence

How often do you publish? Consistency beats intensity. 2-3 posts per week is better than 10 posts one week then nothing for a month.

4. Interlinking

How do you connect content? Every new piece should link to 3-5 existing pieces. Build clusters, not isolated articles.

Execution Framework

Here's a proven framework for executing your topical map strategy:

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

• Select your first 2-3 clusters (lowest competition, highest business value)
• Create content briefs for all articles in those clusters
• Publish 3-4 supporting articles per cluster
• Set up internal linking structure

Phase 2: Expansion (Weeks 5-12)

• Complete first clusters with pillar pages
• Move to next priority clusters
• Maintain 2-4 posts per week cadence
• Monitor rankings and adjust

Phase 3: Authority (Weeks 13+)

• Cover remaining clusters systematically
• Update underperforming content
• Build external links to pillar pages
• Expand into adjacent topics

How to Prioritize Content

Use this scoring framework to decide which clusters to tackle first:

Factor	Weight	How to Score
Business Value	40%	How directly does this drive revenue?
Competition Level	30%	Can you realistically rank?
Existing Authority	20%	Do you have related content already?
Content Effort	10%	How much work to create?

Free Topical Map Template

Get our Google Sheets template + SEO checklist. Used by 2,500+ creators.

Realistic Timelines

How long until you see results? Here's what to expect:

• Month 1-2: Long-tail keywords start ranking (positions 10-50)
• Month 3-4: First page rankings for easier terms
• Month 5-6: Pillar pages start moving up
• Month 6-12: Compound growth as authority builds

Common Strategy Mistakes

Starting with pillar pages

Pillar pages need internal links to rank. Build supporting content first.

Targeting head terms first

High-volume keywords are the hardest to rank. Start with long-tail to build authority.

Ignoring internal linking

Every article should link to related content. Build a web, not isolated pages.

Inconsistent publishing

Bursts of content followed by silence hurt more than steady, slower publishing.

Ready to Build Your Strategy?

Start with a comprehensive topical map. Then use this framework to execute systematically.

Create Your Topical Map