Here’s a quick refresher on pillar pages: they’re the central hub for a specific topic, linking related subtopics to create a beautifully organized content structure. By serving as a go-to resource, pillar pages not only make your content easier to discover but also improve user experience and give your search engine rankings a serious boost.
Want to make your content shine? Learn how to build pillar pages the right way with this fun and easy guide from GetFound! Let’s get started on creating a solid foundation for your content strategy and unlocking all those amazing SEO benefits.
1. Choose a Broad, High-Value Topic
The first step to build pillar pages is selecting a topic that is broad enough to cover multiple subtopics but specific enough to resonate with your target audience.
How to choose the right topic:
- Research Your Audience
Understand their pain points, interests, and search behaviors.
- Analyze Search Intent
Choose topics that align with user queries and provide actionable value.
- Evaluate SEO Potential
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to identify topics with high search volume and manageable competition.
For example, a fine dining website might choose “Gourmet Dining Experiences” as a pillar page topic, covering related subtopics like “Best Fine Dining Restaurants” and “Exclusive Tasting Menus.”
2. Outline Your Content Structure
To effectively build pillar pages, plan the structure of your content. This ensures a logical flow and clear navigation.
Steps to outline your pillar page:
- Create a Table of Contents
Include headings and subheadings to organize information.
- Identify Subtopics
List related cluster topics to link from your pillar page.
- Use Visual Hierarchy
Break the page into sections with headers (H2, H3) to improve readability.
3. Create High-Quality Content
The core of your pillar page is its content. To attract users and rank well, it must be informative, engaging, and well-researched.
Tips for writing pillar content:
- Cover the Topic Thoroughly
Provide a comprehensive overview, addressing key questions and pain points.
- Incorporate Visuals
Use images, infographics, and videos to enhance engagement.
- Keep It Scannable
Implement short paragraphs, bullet points, and numbered lists for better readability.
For example, a pillar page on “Design Principles” should include detailed sections on color theory, layout techniques, and typography best practices, while linking to specific design tutorials on cluster pages.
4. Optimize for SEO
To ensure your pillar page ranks well, optimize it with targeted keywords, meta tags, and internal links.
How to optimize your pillar page:
- Use Primary Keywords
Include them in the title, meta description, headers, and throughout the content.
- Add Semantic Keywords
Use related terms to enhance the page’s relevance to various search queries.
- Include Internal Links
Link to cluster pages that cover subtopics in detail.
- Optimize for Mobile
Ensure the page is responsive and loads quickly on all devices.
For instance, a pillar page titled “Beginner’s Guide to Photography” might target the keyword “photography basics” while linking to cluster pages on “Camera Settings” and “Lighting Techniques.”
5. Incorporate a Strong Linking Strategy
A successful pillar page relies on effective internal linking. This helps search engines understand the content hierarchy and improves user navigation.
How to link effectively:
- Link to Cluster Pages
Include clear, descriptive anchor text that guides users to related subtopics.
- Link Back to the Pillar Page
Ensure cluster pages link back to the pillar page to create a circular structure.
- Update Links Over Time
Regularly check and update links to maintain relevance.
For example, a pillar page on “Education Strategies” could link to cluster pages like “Effective Study Techniques” and “Online Learning Tips,” while each cluster page links back to the main page.
Also Read: 6 Reasons Why Subdomains Are Important for Your SEO!
6. Design for Engagement
The design of your pillar page plays a significant role in user experience and engagement.
Design tips to enhance engagement:
- Add a Table of Contents
Include jump links for easy navigation.
- Use Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Encourage users to explore cluster pages or subscribe to your newsletter.
- Include Interactive Elements
Use quizzes, calculators, or videos to keep users engaged.
7. Promote and Monitor Your Pillar Page
Once you’ve successfully managed to build pillar pages, promotion and monitoring are key to their success.
Promotion strategies:
- Share on Social Media
Promote your pillar page on platforms where your audience is active.
- Leverage Email Marketing
Share the page with your subscriber base.
- Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with influencers to increase reach and credibility.
Monitor Performance:
- Track metrics like organic traffic, time on page, and engagement rates using tools like Google Analytics.
- Update the content regularly to keep it relevant and competitive.
Want a Successful Content and SEO Plan? GetFound’s the Solution!
Steps to build pillar pages for SEO success are simpler than they sound! Just focus on picking a high-value topic, crafting detailed and engaging content, and linking it smartly to related cluster pages.
A well-crafted pillar page not only boosts your search engine rankings but also makes life easier for your audience by acting as a one-stop hub for everything they need on a given topic.
Feeling stuck with your SEO strategy? That’s where GetFound comes in! We’ll help your site soar past your competitors and climb to the top of the SERPs. Let’s make your SEO dreams a reality!
