What is a Pillar Page?
In SEO, a pillar page is the main page dedicated to a specific topic, targeting the most popular keyword within a topic cluster. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic and includes links to more specific pages that focus on subtopics. These interconnected pages form content hubs or content clusters.
Why Are Pillar Pages Important?
Visual Appeal and Ease of Promotion
Pillar pages should be well-thought-out, planned, and beautifully designed. Visually appealing pillar pages can be easier to promote and naturally attract backlinks. They also make complex topics more digestible and easier to understand for users.
Increasing Topical Authority
Pillar pages signal expertise and authority on a topic by providing in-depth information. This helps build trust with users and search engines, contributing to your website’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness).
Organizing Internal Links
Internal linking is essential for SEO, but building internal backlinks can be challenging. Pillar pages serve as a hub for internal linking, connecting to other pages within the topic cluster. This structure helps organize your website content and gives users and search engines a clearer idea of your content architecture. It also assists with crawling, indexing, and improving user experience.
Enhancing Website Navigation
Creating helpful content for users should be a top priority. This is particularly true with Google’s helpful content updates. Google emphasizes the importance of producing content with great care, attention to detail, and substantial value compared to other pages in search results. A well-designed pillar page aligns with these principles by improving site navigation and providing a comprehensive breakdown of the topic.
How to Create a Pillar Page
1. Identify the Core Topic:
- Choose a broad topic that is relevant to your audience and has substantial search volume.
2. Conduct Keyword Research:
- Identify the main keyword for the pillar page and related keywords for subtopics.
3. Create In-depth Content:
- Provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Ensure the content is detailed, informative, and well-structured.
4. Link to Subtopic Pages:
- Include links to more specific pages that cover subtopics in detail. These subtopic pages should be optimized for their respective keywords.
5. Optimize for SEO:
- Use target keywords strategically in the title, headings, and throughout the content. Optimize images, use internal links, and ensure the page loads quickly.
6. Design for User Experience:
- Make the page visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use headings, bullet points, images, and other multimedia elements to enhance readability.
Example of a Pillar Page Structure
# Main Topic: Digital Marketing
## Introduction to Digital Marketing
- Overview of digital marketing
- Importance of digital marketing
## Subtopics
### 1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- What is SEO?
- Importance of SEO
- Link to detailed SEO guide
### 2. Content Marketing
- What is content marketing?
- Importance of content marketing
- Link to detailed content marketing guide
### 3. Social Media Marketing
- What is social media marketing?
- Importance of social media marketing
- Link to detailed social media marketing guide
## Conclusion
- Summary of key points
- Call to action or next steps
Conclusion
Pillar pages are a powerful tool in SEO, providing comprehensive information on a core topic and linking to detailed subtopics. They enhance user experience, improve site navigation, and establish topical authority. By following best practices for creating pillar pages, you can significantly improve your website's structure and SEO performance.