SEO or search engine optimization refers to the practice of optimizing websites so as to increase their visibility and rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs). One effective strategy for improving SEO is topic clusters; we will discuss what these are, their effects on SEO performance, and how you can create effective topic clusters here. In this guide we'll also cover how they affect keyword rankings as well as strategies on creating effective topic clusters for greater SEO rankings. - What Are Topic Clusters Used for?
Topic clusters are content groups that are closely connected, linked by a central pillar page and serving as its hub. Content cluster pages further explore specific subtopics related to the main topic.
Topic clusters help create a more organized and structured website, making it easier for search engines to interpret its contents and context. Furthermore, topic clusters improve user experience by grouping related content together so it is easier for visitors to find what they're searching for. Does a Topic Cluster Affect SEO?
Yes, topic clusters can have a dramatic effect on SEO. Search engines such as Google prioritize websites with clear and organized structures as they make it easier for their spiders to index content quickly. By employing topic clusters on your site, you can create more structure and organization, leading to improved rankings in search engine results pages.
Topic clusters offer another benefit - increasing the chance that multiple keywords and phrases related to your topic appear in search results for different related searches and driving more traffic to your website. Its How Can I Create an SEO Topic Cluster?
Created a topic cluster requires three primary components: the pillar page, content cluster pages and internal linking.
Pillar Page
A pillar page acts as the central hub of a topic cluster and provides a comprehensive overview of it. To best serve its purpose, this piece should cover all aspects of its topic in depth while including internal links back to other related content cluster pages.
Content Cluster Pages
Content cluster pages are subtopics related to the main topic that are linked back to its pillar page, providing more specific coverage of that aspect of it. They should also link back to other content cluster pages within their topic area for greater relevance and understanding of all related matters.
Internal Linking Internal linking refers to linking pages within your website together. When linking topic cluster pages together through internal linking, this helps create a clear and organized structure on your site, making it easier for search engines to index your content and index the pillar page and content cluster pages more quickly and effectively. Topic Clusters SEO Examples
Here are a few examples of topic clusters in action:
HubSpot's Topic Cluster on Inbound Marketing HubSpot, a marketing software company, offers an inbound marketing topic cluster. Their pillar page serves as a comprehensive introduction to inbound marketing while content cluster pages explore subtopics of this discipline such as social media marketing, email marketing and content marketing.
Content Cluster Example on Cooking
A content cluster on cooking could feature an overview pillar page while individual pages address specific subtopics like baking, grilling and meal planning.
Content Cluster Template for Fitness A content cluster on fitness could include a pillar page that gives an overall overview, while individual cluster pages focus on specific subtopics like strength training, cardio exercise or yoga. A number of pages could also act as pillar pages and help users navigate from topic cluster to pillar page easily. Typical Content Cluster and Pillar Page Elements for this Topic Cluster Template on Fitness
Pillar pages are essential components of a topic cluster. They serve as the central hub, offering a comprehensive overview of a given topic and linking back to specific subtopics related to that main theme. Our Topic Cluster Tool makes this task even easier!
Create a topic cluster can be time consuming, but there are tools available that can make this task simpler. Popular examples of topic cluster tools are HubSpot's content strategy tool, SEMrush's topic research tool and Ahrefs' content explorer.
Topic clustering is an effective SEO strategy that can help to boost the ranking of your website in search engine results pages. By grouping related content together and linking internally, topic clusters make your site easier for search engines to index. When creating one of these clusters, make sure it includes a pillar page, content cluster pages and internal linking - plus use examples and tools available here to make an effective topic cluster to boost SEO of your site.